[kopdogs] Choosing a Fish Tank Filter

'Choosing a Fish Tank Filter'

A filter, along with a heater, is probably the most important part of any fish
tank set up. Without it the water in your fish tank will become much like a
stagnant pond and little will be able to live in it except for a nice film of
green algae scum.There are two main types of fish tank filters; external and
internal. Both of these types of filters can be used in either fresh water or
salt water aquariums.When it comes to internal filters there are two basic
types. The first is the under gravel filter seen primarily in fresh water tanks.
This consists of a raised plastic grate that sits on the bottom of the tank. The
gravel or base material is placed over the top and clear vertical tubes attach
to holes in the filter. These tubes have either a power head sitting on top or a
bubbler inserted into them. The water is forced to flow through the gravel and
back up the tube into the tank. The gravel itself is the filter, collecting the
extra food and fish waste that is pulled down into it. The second internal type
filter is more along the lines of a sump tank just below the main tank and is
used mainly for salt water tanks. There is an internal tube that that allows
water to flow down into the sump where it is pumped through a series of filters
that catch all the waste and bad bacteria. The filtered water is then pumped
back to the top of the main tank keeping a continuous flow going. This is a good
filter choice but it is on the pricey side and does create quite a bit of
background noise.An external filter is the best choice for any fish tank, if you
can afford to use it. All the filtering is done outside the tank, keeping the
filtered water separate from the unfiltered water until it is returned to the
tank. A couple of long hoses connect the filter to the tank, one that supplies
the filter and the other that returns the filtered water to the tank. This type
of filter is the most effective but also the most expensive.You can purchase any
of these types of filters at your local fish shop, but may have a harder time
finding the more expensive external type at a general pet store. The sump type
filter will require a tank that is either altered or custom made. If you are
going to spend the extra money on this type of set up it makes better sense to
spend the money on a good quality external filter instead. An external fish tank
filter will cost more up front but in the long run you will save on maintenance
costs and fish costs because you will be providing the best habitat they need to
live long and healthy lives.


For more valuable information about choosing a fish tank filter, and
setting up and maintaining a new fish tank visit the website Fish Tank Care &
Supplies by Clicking Here.Article
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/choosing-a-fish-tank-filter-899360.html