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Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More


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Home Page > Home and Family > Pets > Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

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Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

By: Carl Strohmeyer

About the Author

By Carl Strohmeyer

Aquarium Information

(ArticlesBase SC #132946)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More





AQUARIUM WATER CONDITIONERS; their ingredients (where available), what chemical functions they perform and uses based on my opinions of each based on using these products in a professional capacity (27 years of aquarium maintenance and research)

STRESS COAT;

Stress Coat contains a special non-toxic polymer that is attracted to the skin of the fish forming a synthetic slime coat envelope. Stress Coat also contains sodium thiosulfate electrolytes such as sodium and sulfides which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. The Aloe Vera in STRESS COAT reduces inflammation of damaged fish tissue.

The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers found that Stress Coat helped heal wounds and speed tissue re-growth. Dr John Gratzek summarizes the results: “Personally, I am satisfied with the results since my initial thoughts were skeptical to say the least. These definite statements can be made without equivocation: Stress Coat in no way harms aquarium fish, alters pH, or affects the biological filter. No ammonia or nitrite was detected in the test aquariums. The results indicated that the Stress Coat formula reduced the wound size compared to untreated fish tissue.” Aloe Vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, an essential component of many tissues and believed to help in the healing process.

USE; An effective water conditioner for the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines) and adding an aloe slime coat.

This is my favorite slime coat treatment for direct application to a fish that is wounded from transport or other reasons. I however have found it less effective for overall slime coat generation after a water change.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

AMMO-LOCK;

Ammo-lock contains sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate. Ammo-lock works in both fresh and saltwater, to detoxify ammonia and remove chlorine and chloramines. Locks up ammonia in a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants.

USE: For the removal of chorine and chloramines. This product is useful for the detoxification of ammonia, especially in new aquariums. I usually only use this product when the aquarium is new, ammonia (NH3) is high (please note, most ammonia test kits will still show ammonia present in the form of NH4 after using this product) or in areas where chloramines are used.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

START RIGHT;

Start Right contains allantoin (5-Ureidohydantion; Glyoxldiureide 2, 5 – Dioxo – 4 imidzolidinyle – urea) which is used in humans for the treatment of : skin ulcers, wound, scalds, burns and sunburns, carbuncles, acne and skin eruptions, fissures and abrasions, impetigo, eczema, psoriasis. This is a naturally occurring chemical even found in earthworms.

Start Right is a multi-beneficial water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine, neutralizes heavy metals, aids in cell regeneration and in the additional production of the fish’s natural slime coat, adds beneficial. It also contains chlorides of sodium and potassium, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. It is a complete water conditioner that stimulates the natural secretion of slime to protect fish from the harmful effects of handling, shipping, fish fighting and other forms of stress. Removes chlorine and chloramine instantly, neutralizes heavy metals, adds beneficial electrolytes and guards against secondary infection.

USE:

For the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines), adding of electrolytes for stress, and the natural generation a slime coat.

This is probably my favorite basic overall water conditioner for established aquariums (I use this the most), Start Right will not remove ammonia or interfere with plant growth by removing nitrogenous compounds needed by plants. This product is also very economical.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

SEACHEM PRIME;

Prime contains complexed hydrosulfite salts which removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime also converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form (ammonium) that is readily removed by the tank’s nitrifying bacteria. Prime may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels. The ingredients of Prime also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat and are non-acidic and will not impact pH.

USE:

For removal of chlorine, chloramines, and the de-toxifying of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. This product adds electrolytes that aid in natural slime coat generation and proper osmotic function. This is my favorite conditioner to use in newer aquariums, aquariums with high ammonia or for use in areas where chloramines are in tap water. One reason I like this product is that is does what it claims!

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

NOVAQUA;

The formula of NovAqua is proprietary, so not all ingredients are available. It is assumed that Novaqua contains sodium thiosulfate (a common Redox Reducer) and Edetates. Novaqua also contains phosphates for buffering to stabilize water after water changes (often when water is added from the tap it immediately picks up O2 and CO2 and is unstable in pH, this aspect of Novaqua helps here). The phosphate buffer system of Novaqua produces a 5 mg/L of phosphates in the aquarium as compared to the 30 mg/L shown in labs tests to grow algae. NovAqua also contains electrolytes; cations (Positively charged atoms or molecules) and anions (negatively charged atoms or molecules) that are required by freshwater fishes. Freshwater fishes remove these ions from water via the gills. The need by fish for these ions is increased during times of stress.

USE:

The original conditioner that adds a slime coat, adds electrolytes buffers water, and removes chlorines. NovAqua is useful for use water changes where buffering is needed do to pH drops after water changes. The level of phosphates used for buffering are not usually a problem for most aquariums, however if you already have high phosphates or algae problems I would avoid this product. Otherwise this is an excellent product when one desires a conditioner that adds a slime coat and buffers a well.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

AMQUEL;

The active ingredient in Amquel is hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, sodium and salt. Amquel converts ammonia to a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants. Amquel works by virtue of the hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the bacteria in biological filtration.

This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia from solution. Even in water of low pH (under 7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. This is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some “free” ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water. This is why AmQuel works faster at higher pH’s and in saline waters.

USE: One of the first products for chloramine and ammonia removal. It is very effective in binding the ammonia (NH3) where that it stays non toxic even when nitrifying bacteria are not fully active. Although safe for saltwater, I have seen this product lower pH (although use with Novaqua counters this), for this reason it is not my first choice in this type of conditioner (Prime is my favorite as stated earlier).

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater (when not over used).

AMQUEL +;

Since this is a new product, the ingredients are proprietary and not yet disclosed.

AmQuel+ (also known as AmQuel Plus) is a recent chemical invention that has the ability to make the “Nitrogen Cycle” (involving ammonium/ammonia/nitrites/nitrates) totally nontoxic in aquarium and pond keeping, without interfering with its process in any way, and without interfering with the beneficial bacteria that are involved with the cycle. Further, AmQuel+ detoxifies/removes all of the toxic nitrogen compounds that can appear in aquarium and pond water over time.

USE: A new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). The claims by Kordon sound very promising, and this may turn out to be an excellent product for new aquariums in particular, although use in established aquariums seems unnecessary.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

NOVAQUA +;

Novaqua + is a new product and again has proprietary ingredients that the company will not totally divulge. NovAqua+ claims to provide, in a single product, everything necessary to handle all of the needs when treating tap water for aquatic life (except for handling nitrogen compound removal such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). For the removal of toxic nitrogen compounds, Kordon recommends the use of AmQuel+

USE: Again a new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). If this product lives up to claims such as aiding in osmotic function as well as chlorine removal and heavy metal removal, this may be a very useful product as well. Due to claims of iodine removal, I would not recommend use in marine reef tanks (as many soft corals need iodine)

Ingredients are safe for freshwater.

CONCLUSION;

This is an incomplete list that I will add to in the full article (listed below)as time goes on and I will also update as new products and information becomes available (especially in relation to Kordons new Amquel + and NovAqua +)

Also it should be noted that most water conditioners of all types (basic, artificial slime coat replacer, and chloramine/ ammonia remover) have similar properties and ingredients and some of the outrageous claims I have read on the internet such as “Start Right is not safe for marine aquariums while Novaqua is” are without any scientific merit (if anything the phosphates in Novaqua can cause more problems than any ingredient in Start Right!

It is also important to note that without adequate filtration and circulation, water conditioners cannot work as well or solve these problems such as lack of oxygen. A good air pump such as the Million Air line of aquarium pumps or a good basic filter such as the Via Aqua VitaLife Power Filter are important as well.

For the full articles (with pictures and that is expanding), please follow this link:

Aquarium Water Conditioners

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Article Tags:
aquarium, aquarium water conditioner, amquel, stress coat, start right, prime, seachem, kordon, ammo lock, novaqua, sodium thiosulfate, ammonia, chlorine, chloramines, nitrites, slime coat

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Choosing the Right Aquarium – a Fresh Water or a Saltwater

Choosing the Right Aquarium – a Fresh Water or a Saltwater

An aquarium can be a great addition to your interior decorations. If you are looking to add a certain level of style and beauty to your home or office, having an aquarium can do just that. While deciding to choose an aquarium for your house you may have wondered which one to choose from. There are endless possibilities when setting up an aquarium in your own home. If you are installing aquarium for the first time, you need to know many tit bits of keeping fish healthy and in a comfortable environment.

For people who are new to domesticating fish, starting with a small tank with less number of fishes is a good idea. This will give them time to understand the needs and will train them in many aspects that need to be taken care of before installing a fish aquarium or constructing a fish pond. For starters, the tank will need a pond pump, lighting, hood to prevent the fish from jumping out, a filter to keep the water clean, water testing kit for PH water levels etc. And when switching to a larger aquarium or a fish pond you will require many aquarium accessories like aquarium pumps, pond filters and pump, pond liners, water fountains, garden fountains and many other pond and aquarium supplies.

Know lets talk about which one to choose-a freshwater aquarium or a saltwater one. Many people choose a freshwater aquarium over a saltwater aquarium without really looking into the benefits and drawbacks of both. In my opinion if you have a good budget to invest on your aquarium needs, then you should definitely look into a saltwater aquarium. While people tend to go the freshwater direction due to the fact that it is a much cheaper alternative, the beauty and variety that having a saltwater aquarium affords you is not easily surpassed.

Moreover in a saltwater aquarium, you have much more variety of tropical fish to choose from. Clownfish, Hawk Fish, Blue Tang and many more varieties can be bred in a saltwater aquarium. The tropical fish are bright, colorful and lively —all of the things that you need in an aquarium to help you feel better about your space and more alive. The fish that you can have in a saltwater aquarium are a great deal more exotic and beautiful than anything a freshwater aquarium could house.

Maintenance is yet another factor that should be considered while choosing a tropical aquarium for your house. If you don’t’ have time to indulge in aquarium maintenance, having a saltwater aquarium is a bad idea. There are people who tend to go the freshwater direction due to the fact that it is a much cheaper alternative and need less maintenance and cleaning. Whatever type you choose an aquarium definitely adds a touch of your personal character to a home or office environment.

Aquatics-Online is a leading online supplier of tropical aquariums and aquarium accessories providing best of aquarium lighting and heaters throughout UK.

When setting up an aquarium power filter, which hangs over the side of the aquarium, start by removing the motor to make sure that the impeller and blades are there. Find out why fish tank filters should be cleaned every six months withhelp from the owner of a pet fish store in this free video on setting up aquarium filters. Expert: Eric Rasmussen Contact: www.worldofwetpets.com Bio: Eric Rasmussen is the owner and operator of World of Wet Pets in Portland, Ore. Filmmaker: Lisa Fenderson
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Freshwater Fish Tanks Vs Saltwater Fish Tanks – Which Is Right For You?

Freshwater Fish Tanks Vs Saltwater Fish Tanks – Which Is Right For You?

When one is considering setting up an aquarium, the question comes to mind whether you should set up a freshwater or saltwater fish tank. while a saltwater aquarium will allow you to have it interesting variety of colorful fish, the novice aquarist might consider getting his feet wet with the freshwater fish tank as this will allow you to gain experience before you delve into the very expensive world of saltwater fish.


A freshwater fish tank has an easier setup in the saltwater tank and requires less in maintenance. it also is much less expensive in both fish and equipment. A saltwater aquarium requires Marine fish which, although much more colorful than the freshwater fish, are very expensive. In a saltwater aquarium, you’d most likely have live rock which can be very expensive but is a great biological filter and makes setup and maintenance of the saltwater tank a little bit easier.


live rock is taken from coral reefs and has organisms such as worms, sponges, and algae still inside or on the rock. these organisms play an important part in the nitrogen cycle which helps keep the water from becoming toxic. In a way, they help re-create the natural environment of the sea. If you don’t want to bother with live rock, then you should buy a protein skimmer which will help remove organic waste from a saltwater aquarium thus helping to clean the water and provide a healthy environment for your fish.


Lighting for a saltwater fish tank can also be more expensive, especially if you have live rock and corals in the tank. The lighting is extremely important, especially if you have a reef tank and poor lighting can actually cause the organisms in your tank to die.


Once you have your saltwater aquarium up and running it requires maintenance just like a freshwater aquarium, however the saltwater aquarium is a little more delicate and has the added job of having to monitor the salt. The environment inside the saltwater aquarium needs to be balanced perfectly in order for your fish, rocks and plants to survive. Also, the water quality needs to be top-notch but this is no different than a freshwater aquarium.


So, if you are new to the world of aquariums, you may want to balance your decision on whether to start off with a saltwater fish tank very carefully. A freshwater fish tank can be just as much fun and there are many beautiful freshwater tropical fish that you can fill It with. Learning the ropes with a freshwater tank will allow you to avoid the heart ache of losing a fish while you’re learning how to maintain a tank. Then again, if you are up for the challenge and you want to have beautiful vibrant colorful fish and live corals and rocks you might want to jump right in with the salt water fish tank – it’s not really that much more difficult but does require that you keep a close eye on your query and conditions.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.fish-tank-guide.com we you can learn more about aquarium care and maintenance.

Some of my personal methods for setting up a betta breeding tank. Music: “Inner Sanctum” James Newton Howard Filmed on a Cannon Vixia HV30 HD Camcorder Edited on iMove ’08

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Choosing the Right Kind of Water for your Aquarium

Choosing the Right Kind of Water for your Aquarium

Getting fish can be very exciting. There are so many different kinds of fish that sometimes it can be hard to choose. Fish come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. They can look exotic or ordinary, bright or dull. Some are large, and others very tiny. They can add a great deal to any home décor, adding variety and color to the home. Additionally, they make great pets, teaching children responsibility. Plus, they are easy to care for, and if you get a good filter and keep the tank out of the sun, you only have to clean the tank every couple of weeks. But you can’t just buy a bunch of fish and toss them into the water. You have to make sure that your fish and your water go together.

For most fish, just any water will not do. There are two main types of fish: salt water fish and fresh water fish. You can kill fish by putting them in the wrong kind of water. A salt water fish does not thrive in fresh water, and you can easily kill a fresh water fish by putting it into salt water. This means that you have to be careful when selecting fish for your tank. You need to make sure you are getting the right fish for your tank. Otherwise, you will find your fish belly up in a mere matter of days.

If you are set on particular fish, then it is important to determine what kind of water they will need before you buy them. You want to make sure that you will have access to the proper water before buying the fish. After all, it is so much a waste of money to buy fish when you cannot get the proper water. And many pet shops will not take fish back. This is because they might pick up diseases, and shop owners do not want to take them back. On most fish, there is a no return policy in force at the majority of pet stores. So do your research ahead of time so that you know exactly what you need in terms of water for your desired fish.

The other thing you need to make sure you have is the proper fish tank. Some tanks are made specifically for salt water, and some are made for fresh water. There are tanks that are made for both, so that you can use either. Before you purchase your fish, make sure that you have the right tank. You want to be sure that your tank is the right kind of home for your fish. Plus, you do not want to ruin the tank by putting the wrong kind of water in it. Tanks can be quite expensive, and it is a bad idea to ruin one with the wrong water. Getting a tank meant for either type of water can be a good move, as it allows you the flexibility to change your mind later on down the road.

Learn more about aquariums, caring for fish, and where you can buy exotic fish by visiting the Aquarium Cart


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Find the Right Fish Tank Accessory for Your Aquarium

Find the Right Fish Tank Accessory for Your Aquarium

When it comes to finding fish tank accessories there is just about everything you can imagine. Deciding what to put into your fish tank to make it look natural or just fun to look at can take a little bit of planning. You also must remember that there are several items that every fish tank needs.

There are three mandatory things that just about ever fish tank needs and these include a filter, a heater and lights. The filter is important because it is the thing that keeps the water in the tank clean and clear. Without a fish tank filter your fish will suffer from disease and even death and the water will turn cloudy and start to smell.

A heater is necessary because in most cases people put tropical fish in their new aquarium. Tropical fish live in warm water and will not live long in water that has big temperature fluctuations. A heater will keep the water temperature constant which tropical fish like best. Remember to get the right size heater for the size of tank you have. The only exception to the heater rule is a gold fish tank. Gold fish can survive in un-heated water.

Lights are important for a couple of reasons. There are fish that need the extra light to help them thrive and survive. This is especially true in salt water tanks that have corals and anemones. Lights also add to the beauty of the tank, bringing out the colors of the fish and other accessories you may have.

Once you have those three things taken care of how you choose to accessorize your fish tank is up to you. This is a personal decorating choice because for the most part any fish tank accessory you add is there to decorate the tank; they do have a few benefits to the fish.

If you have a community tank with different sized fish it makes sense to provide accessories that provide hiding areas for the smaller fish. With the right selection you can set up your fish tank much like your fishes natural habitat. This will give them the opportunity to interact with their environment just as they would in the wild.

If you are setting up a Cichlid tank then you need to be aware that many Cichlids do not take kindly to to much decoration. They will push rocks around, dig holes in the gravel, and tear up plants that you may put in their tank. If you insist on putting accessories in a Cichlid tank just be forewarned that it may be redecorated the next day.

Finding the right fish tank accessory or accessories is all up to you and what you want your aquarium to look like. Keep in mind that a more natural look will enhance the fish you have and their ability to live like they would in their natural habitat.

For more information about choosing fish tank accessories and setting up and maintaining a fish tank visit the website Fish Tank Care & Supplies by Clicking Here.

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How to Select the Right Aquarium Water Pump

How to Select the Right Aquarium Water Pump

Pets are a welcome addition to many people’s lives; however, not everyone can handle nor want the responsibility of large animals. Perhaps space is an issue, or cost, or time. For those who would enjoy a pet but whose concerns have restricted their purchase in the past, the tranquility of fish could be the answer.

A well maintained aquarium can bring hours of joy and entertainment to a household. But what is necessary to establish a stable environment for fish, simply a bowl and water? For most species of fish, the answer is decidedly “No.” To create and enjoy an aquarium, careful planning should preview any purchase of equipment or fish. Consider the size of tank needed, the type of aquarium water pump, the size of filter, and whether a water heater is necessary.

For aquarium success, proper circulation, along with filtration and lighting, is the foundation. Consider the natural environment of water. It contains air circulation and exchange, plant and microbial life, fish, and constant changes from weather conditions; it is a complete ecosystem, your household aquarium is not. Without proper circulation your tank will fail.

Water movement is necessary because it creates surface movement. This movement allows oxygen into the water and lets waste gas (nitrogen) out. Water circulation is also an important part in stabilizing water conditions like temperature and salinity, where fluctuations might stress or kill your fish. Heaters necessary to produce more natural temperatures for your fish only affect one area in your tank, the rest of the aquarium relies on circulation to evenly distribute it. Equally, without an aquarium water pump, normal algae growth can become extraordinary. With water movement this growth is eliminated at the surface (like in ponds) and it becomes much more difficult for algae to take hold of other surfaces.

So how much water movement is needed? Depending on the size and type of your tank, industry standards state to multiply the number of gallons in your tank by the “turn-over rate” for your species of fish following the chart below.

Tank Type Turnover Rate
Freshwater Tanks (small fish) 3-4 times per hour
Freshwater Tanks with Plants 2 times per hour
Freshwater Tanks (large fish) 5-6 times per hour
Saltwater Tanks 5-7 times per hour
Saltwater Reef 7-10+ times per hour

For example, with a 10 gallon, fresh-water fish tank, and no live plants, I would need a GPH (gallon per hour) movement rate of 40 (10gal X 4tr.)

There are many different types of aquarium filtration to consider. Aquarium water pumps can be internal or external and generally require a “trickle” or wet/dry filtration system. Depending on your space and application needs, you can choose from submersible pumps that sit inside your tank and are relatively quiet and easy to install or external/inline pumps which are considerably louder but stronger powered. Powerheads are also available; these types of submersible pumps attach to the sides of your tank and create underwater currents. You can find these and all other equipment needed for your aquarium online at JuliesPetMarket.com.

JuliesPetMarket.com carries a huge selection of aquarium water pumps. Such brands as GenX, Rio, and Coralife populate this site attesting to the high demand for quality required by the owners. All items carry a full, 30-day, manufacturers’ warranty, and JuliesPetMarket.com offers a 14-day “return for any reason” guarantee as well. Make sure to check out their website in the planning stages of your aquarium to get some great product at affordable prices. If you have questions or need help through this process, their friendly, knowledgeable staff is available to help.

Julie’s Pet Market is your source for all your pet supply needs. We provide a wide selection of pet supplies and equipment making us the Key to your Pet Supply

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How To Select The Right Fish Tank Filter

How To Select The Right Fish Tank Filter

Aren’t All Fish Tank Filters Created Equal?

Well, I hate to burst your bubble but fish tank filters are not created equal. Some function better than others while there are those that perform specific functions ideal for certain conditions. The also differ according to price and how often they need to be maintained. I will be delving into the different choices that you have when it comes to aquarium filters and how you can select the right filter for you.

Are Aquarium Filters Really That Important?

Very important, in fact fish tank filters are an absolute must in any aquarium. Along with fish tank heaters, aquarium filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish.

Selecting a fish tank filter that is right for you is more of a personal matter. While different types of filters function is different ways, they all perform the same functions which is to filter the water of debris and externals that would reduce the water quality .

How Do Fish Tank Filters Work?

Fish tank filters do one or more of the following tasks when filtering: chemical, mechanical and biological.

Chemical filtration involves the removal of toxins and dissolved matter usually through activated carbon. The carbon filter is extremely porous and traps waste and phosphates in its pores. Other than these, it will also be able to remove odor and ammonia from the water. While it really isn’t all that important to perform chemical filtration, it can be useful especially in a tank meant for quarantine to filter out the excess chemicals used for treatment.

Mechanical filtration is the process of removing large waste and sediments from the tank. This is the most basic filtration but is no less important.

Biological filtration is a very important filtration task. Colonies of beneficial bacteria are used in biological filters to remove toxins and decay from the aquarium. This form of filtration is an absolute must in order to have a healthy and thriving tank of fish.

Choices Of Fish Tank Filters

Usually almost all fish tank filters perform mechanical and biological filtration. You will find chemical filtration as an add on to the more epxensive range of filters. Choosing the type of fish tank filter you need will depend on the size of the tank, the quantity of fish, how sensitive the fish are, the budget you are willing to spend on the filter and finally the amount of time that you have for fish tank maintenance. Below is a list of the different kinds of aquarium filters which are commonly sold today:

Box Filters: Also known as Corner Filters, a see through box is used to hold filter floss and other media. Air is push through an air stone which then pumps water into the filter, through the floss and filter media which performs mechanical filtration. Over time, bacterial colony builds up on the filter media providing biological filtration . Box filters are cheap but you should only consider them for small tanks as they are generally not that efficient. Most fish enthusiasts today also do not favor them because the box which is placed inside the tank tends to stand out like a sore thumb against the beautiful decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.

Undergravel Filters: These consists of a raised plastic platform with a layer of gravel on the top. By utilizing a pump, water is suck from under the gravel, forcing it to flow through the gravel which performs mechanical and eventually biological filtration . Undergravel filters usually comes together with a beginners tank that you buy in a complete set. During the weekly cleaning session, you would have to vacuum the layer of sediments that will accumulate just above the gravel.

Sponge Filters: Fairly efficient, these filters are usually used as a secondary filter to compliment the filtration of a main filter. Sponge filters are cheap but maintaining them can be a bit messy because you’d need to remove the sponge from the tank for cleaning before replacing it back again.

Power Filters: These are the most common filters used by most fish enthusiasts. Power filters provide a complete filtration process and are generally very efficient. Their mid range prices, efficient filtration and easy maintenance makes this the most popular fish tank filter sold today. Just right for a mid size tank.

Canister Filters: These filters are meant for larger tanks which require powerful filters. Canister filters are expensive but they provide the perfect filtration solution. They require very little maintenance usually just a couple of times in a year. Also, the filter is totally out of the water so maintenance does not involve the water in the tank at all.

In Conclusion….

Think carefully about the fish tank filter that you wish to buy because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Choosing the correct fish tank filter will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.

Tim Kessler has been breeding fish for years. He now shares he love for fish keeping as well as the best fish tank filters to use to successfully breed freshwater and saltwater fish in his brand new website Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org

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Which Fish Tank Filter Is Right For My Aquarium?

Which Fish Tank Filter Is Right For My Aquarium?

To begin to understand which fish tank filter would be right for your aquarium, it is important to look at how the different kinds of filtration currently offered by various fish tank filter systems and what this means for your aquarium.

Chemical Filtration – Chemical filtration works by processing the water through a substance such as carbon which removes fish excrement and dissolved minerals. Phosphates, nitrites, nitrates and ammonia as well as various other chemicals can be effectively sand safely removed by chemical filtration.

Biological Filtration – Biological filtration works by bringing a kind of bacteria known by the name of nitrofiers”. These bacteria basically work by breaking down ammonia and nitrite, both of which in large enough quantities prove fatally harmful to fish, into nitrates. Nitrates can then be removed with the aid of chemical filtration or by simply changing the water. Regardless of which fish tank filter you may choose for your aquarium, all tanks need a flourishing bacterial community. This is the primary reason when starting a new tank that it is left to cycle between two to six weeks. Bacteria colonize on the surface of the tank and filter. A biological fish tank filter will often use a media which attempts to accerlate the growth of the bacteria culture.

For biological filtration to be affective, all the water in the tank need to pass through the filter roughly four times per hour. Small to medium size tanks and aquariums may do well with an undergravel filter. however larger sizes will require a canister filter.

Mechanical Filtration – This final method of filtration works by actively removing debris such as excess food, parts of plants and any other kind of waste from the water by passing it through absorbitive material. The material traps this waste, so it can then be effectively removed from the aquarium. Since fish continually produce waste, the fish tank filter must provide some kind of mechanical filtration. It has become quite common for many fish tank filters to combine both mechanical and chemical filtration.

At a bear minimum it is important that your fish tank filter manages to combine at least biological and mechanical filtration. Stressful levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates inhibit fish breeding, activity and growth and can even result in death.

So Which Fish Tank Filter Is Right For Me?

Very small tanks of ten gallons or less may use a “box filter” which provides mechanical and biological filtration. A box filter is very cheap and may use several different kinds of media. They are commonly used in breeding tanks with tiny fry.

Medium sized tanks may use either an undergravel filter or a power filter. Some fish enthusiasts are sceptical about an UGF as it is less obvious when things go wrong. I would not recommend this kind of fish tank filter to an inexperienced person. A power filter can hang on the back of a tank and is normally quite cheap, providing both biological and chemical filtration.

Larger tanks, of 50 gallons or more, should use a canister as their fish tank filter. These kind of aquariums or tanks need a more powerful filter as more water is being cycled. Depending on the media used, these kinds of filters can offer all kinds of filtration.  

The kind of fish tank filter needed in your tank or aquarium will depend on the size of the tank and the volume of water it will be processing. The most important aspect of keeping fish healthy is offering a combination of filtration, with mechanical and biological as a bare minimum.

Sean Norman is a fish enthusiast who also keeps terapins. More relevant information about the author and this article may be found by Clicking Here

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