Posts tagged Systems
Freshwater Aquarium Filter Systems
Oct 27th
Freshwater Aquarium Filter Systems
One of the most important pieces of equipment that you need when setting up a freshwater fish tank is the filter. With so many aquarium filter systems available today, the beginner may get confused as to what they actually need. A good filter must provide multiple levels of filtration and be appropriately sized for the tank that it will be used in. Beyond that, other considerations depend on aesthetics and budget.
Any worthwhile aquarium filter will provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration in the aquarium. Mechanical refers to the filtration of physical particles such as fish waste, excess food, dead plant material, etc. Chemical filtration is concerned with the removal of unwanted chemicals in the fish tank water, such as ammonia and excess nitrites that can build up and prove toxic to the fish if not filtered out.
The third part, biological filtration, is accomplished by beneficial bacteria that live in the filter and in the substrate of the tank. This is often overlooked, but is extremely important. These bacteria are the main driver of the nitrogen cycle which is the process by which fish waste and food is broken down by the bacteria and turned into usable nitrate for the plants in the aquarium. All effective filter systems employ all three of the filtration processes.
There are a few basic filter types that are available for use. They include the sponge filter, box filter, undergravel filter, internal power filter, external (hang over the back) power filter, and canister filters. Roughly speaking the list is in order of cost and effective tank size. The sponge and the box filters rely on an airstone to power them while the undergravel can use an airstone and/or a powerhead. The internal, external, and canister filters all use a power motor of some sort.
When choosing a filter, the size of the tank as well as the number and type of fish that are going to be kept in it (also known as bioload) need to be considered. In smaller tanks, such as a 5-15 gallon tank, a simple box or sponge filter will often do the trick. An undergravel filter is suitable for 10-30 gallon tanks and the internal power filter works best for the 15-40 gallon range. When it comes to the external power filters and the canisters, they can work for tanks as small as 10-15 gallons, but they are the filter choice for the bigger tanks because they can be scaled up in size to handle just about any sized aquarium.
Regardless of how effective the filter is, periodic water changes and gravel cleaning is still a necessity. No filter is powerful and efficient enough on its own to take care of all the needs of an aquarium, so bear that in mind and don’t think that bigger is better, either. When in doubt, ask questions at the fish store and read the information on the filter boxes, and making the right choice should not be difficult. Buy the right size filter for the tank and do water changes, and your fish will stay happy and healthy!
Andrew Bartlett is an aquarium enthusiast with over 30 years experience in freshwater fish tank setup and maintenance. You can get more information at his website, www.TheFreshwaterAquariumGuide.com.
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Reverse Osmosis Water Filtering Systems
Oct 14th
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtering Systems
Reverse osmosis water filtering systems are primarily used for softening water. Hard water can lead to problems with skin moisture. Reverse osmosis water filtering systems will soften the water that runs through your home. Reverse osmosis water filtering systems will also remove all of the salt from your water. If you are worried about your salt intake, reverse osmosis water filtering systems are the way to go.
Reverse osmosis removes any and all minerals from water. Unless you have had your water tested and it is filled with radioactive minerals this is not a good thing. If you do not have trace mineral content in your water it loses all nutritional value as well as good taste. Trace minerals in water are how we get many of the nutrients we need through out the day.
Reverse osmosis water filtering systems are often used to produce artificial sea water, such as for an aquarium. If you are keeping exotic salt water fish, you may want to consider using reverse osmosis water filtering systems to keep the water at its proper salinization level for the fishes health. Organisms that live in sea water tend to also be very sensitive to changes, so it is a good idea to keep everything at the status quo when it comes to salinization. Chlorine and other impurities are detrimental to sea creatures and reverse osmosis water filtering systems do not remove chlorine. Investing in another type of filtration is ideal.
However, reverse osmosis is not the best option for you if you desire drinking water. Carbon filtration systems will filter out chlorine and other impurities while at the same time allowing the natural minerals in water to continue through to you. Combining carbon filtration with ultraviolet radiation treatment for water will kill any organisms and filter out any unwanted microorganisms. This is ideal for your drinking water.
Are you looking for more information regarding Water Filtering Systems? Visit http://www.best-water-filter-guide.com/ today!
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How Do Home Reverse Osmosis Systems Work?
Aug 24th
How Do Home Reverse Osmosis Systems Work?
Reverse Osmosis is the most effective water filtration possible, the process uses pressure to force a solvent (such as water) through a membrane that retains the solute on one side and allows the pure solvent to pass to the other side.
Best known for removing the salt from sea water to get fresh water (desalinisation) Reverse Osmosis is also used to purify naturally occurring fresh water for industrial and medical processes.
The applications of Reverse Osmosis include; drinking water purification, aquarium keeping, hydrogen production, dialysis and various applications within the food industry.
What does a home based Reverse Osmosis System consist of?
To be effective home installed Reverse Osmosis Systems typically have 4 – 5 stages, most of the complexity of these units relates to the pre filters that are in place to prevent the Reverse Osmosis membrane becoming clogged up and becoming degraded and therefore prolong the systems life. The stages of a typical home based Reverse Osmosis System are as follows:
1. Sediment Pre Filter used to extract the larger contaminants from the water including dust, dirt, sand, rust particles and grit where present.
2. Optionally a Secondary Carbon Pre Filter used to extract most of the chlorine and organic chemicals, providing enhanced reduction of taste and odour and helping to protect the RO membrane which is vulnerable to chlorine.
3. The Reverse Osmosis Membrane normally made from a thin film composite (TFC) membrane.
4. Optionally a Carbon Post Filter used to capture any chemicals still present and which will help against any tainting which may occur within the units water storage tank.
5. Optionally an ultra-violet lamp is used to disinfect the water of any microbes that may have escaped the reverse osmosis membrane.
Is Reverse Osmosis appropriate for everyone?
By it’s very nature Reverse Osmosis is a wasteful process flushing away up to 1/3 of the water that passes through the system. Reverse Osmosis is definitely not appropriate for everyone, in the UK most people enjoy food grade quality water 24/7, if you are supplied via the mains then it’s likely that your water is absolutely fine to drink, if the water has a poor taste/smell then you could consider a carbon based filtration system which is more cost efficient than Reverse Osmosis. Disturbingly many UK homeowners are being encouraged down the route of Reverse Osmosis with the promise of pure water despite the fact that the system is generally considered to be overkill in most instances. If you intend to source your water from a private supply, or are in any doubt about your water quality we strongly advise you to contact your local water authority.
What Contaminants Does Reverse Osmosis actually remove?
According to the manufacturer of our Reverse Osmosis System the following contaminates are removed from the household water supply. NB: We can find no machine on the market that guarantees to remove 100% of all contaminants:
Aluminium 96 – 98%
Ammonium 80 – 90%
Bacteria 99+%
Boron 50 – 70%
Bromide 90 – 95%
Cadmium 93 -97%
Calcium 93 – 98%
Chlorine 98+%
Chloride 92 – 95%
Chromate 85 – 95%
Copper 96 – 98%
Cyanide 85 – 95%
Fluoride 92 – 95%
Hardness 93 – 97%
Iron 96 – 98%
Lead 95 – 98%
Magnesium 93 – 98%
Manganese 96 – 98%
Mercury 94 – 98%
Nickel 96 – 98%
Nitrate 80 – 95%
Phosphate 95 – 98%
Potassium 92 – 96%
Silica 80 – 90%
Silver 93 – 96%
Sodium 92 – 98%
Sulphate 96 – 98%
Thiosulphate 96 – 98%
Zinc 96 – 98%
Why are Reverse Osmosis Systems used in the home?
There are 3 key reasons why home users wish to own a reverse osmosis system.
Your water supply is not mains connected and contains one of the listed contaminants (see above) that you wish to remove.
Many reef aquarium keepers use reverse osmosis to help produce their artificial mixture of seawater, this is because ordinary tap water often contains excessive levels of chlorine or other impurities detrimental to the sensitive organisms in a reef environment.
You require a water softener to protect your house from the effects of hard water and are conscious of your salt intake, Reverse Osmosis can be used to remove the salt from the water.
Article written on behalf of Water Coolers Direct suppliers of Reverse Osmosis Filters and other more basic Domestic Carbon Filters for the UK homeowner.
WaterCoolers Direct.com Ltd offers this article as ‘Guidance Only’. Therefore, WaterCoolers Direct.com Ltd and its employees or representatives cannot be held responsible for any work carried out by YOU and/or ANY third party using the instructions either in writing or over the telephone via the HelpDesk.
Copyright © WaterCoolers Direct.com Ltd 2007
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Choosing the Proper Water Filters and Water Purification Systems
Jul 27th
Choosing the Proper Water Filters and Water Purification Systems
Benefit from the clean and pure water we all need by choosing the proper water filters and water purification systems. Water is very important for the human body. With more than half of your body weight being water, you cannot survive more than a few days without it. Water is used in every cell of your body. It is the main component of the fluids within your bodily systems including your blood. Water travels throughout your body carrying nutrients, oxygen and wastes to and from your cells. Many parts of your body such as your heart, eyes, intestines, and even your little finger need water-based fluids to survive.
The water we shower in, cook with, prepare juices, teas or coffee with affects our health as well. Because water dissolves numerous substances in large amounts, pure water rarely occurs in nature. Precipitation absorbs carbon dioxide and other gases, as well as traces of organic and inorganic material from the atmosphere. The surface waters may contain domestic sewage and industrial wastes. Groundwater may contain nitrogen compounds and chlorides. Bottled water can be contaminated as well.
There are many water filters, but most of them do not remove pathogenic bacteria and most will remove the minerals needed by your body. Providing quality information to help you choose the healthiest water solutions, TheWaterKey.com selected the best water filters and water purification systems available.
These filters are used to cleanse water for a variety of purposes including irrigation, drinking water, aquariums and swimming pools. Water filters can also be used for removing harmful substances, or for reasons of aesthetics, to improve the taste, color or odor of drinking water. The filters used by recreational hikers and military are usually portable and light and some filter water by working a mechanical hand pump; although some of them may use a siphon drip system to force water through, while others are built right into water bottles.
SteriPEN is a portable water purification system that uses ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, viruses and parasitic protozoa, giardia and cryptosporidium. It purifies water very fast, in just a few seconds, no matter your source is. Take this system with you wherever you travel and you will benefit from the clean water it produces. SteriPEN is very efficient; it eliminates 99.99% of bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
The SteriPEN water purification system is available in different forms, including a pre-filter or a pre-filter and a water bottle.
SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier provides the same treatment as SteriPEN, but it is smaller and has lower weight. It’s very durable and its soft coating makes it feel very comfortable in your hand.
SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier with Solar Charging Case allows you to travel without carrying a bunch of batteries. Similar to SteriPEN Adventurer, this water purification system has a small size and low weight. The case provides secure storage and recharges its CR123 lithium batteries.
Try water purification systems and water filters and you will enjoy cleaner, better tasting water.
The water filters and the water purification systems are needed for your health.
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The variety of available filtration systems
Jul 21st
The variety of available filtration systems
Pet supply stores in the market are providing a good range of available filtration systems to choose from. All of them have some advantages and disadvantages as well. Before going into buying considerations, one has to keep some specifications in mind and this list is really going to help you a lot.
The fixing corner or box filters
These filters are made up of clear structures and are boxed shaped. The pros go as:
* They are extremely inexpensive and usually fit to the aquarium
* They work best when it comes to small tanks
* They are the best options for hospital and breeding tanks.
* Use of air stone make them self powered and efficient.
* Bacterial colonies breed well in such sort of filters.
Under gravel filters, the best seller
Most popular in the beginning aquarium kits, the UGF’s are just like above mentioned ones are also not so expensive. A prominent thing is most of the companies offer free maintenance. It includes the placement of filter which is also termed as filter under the substrate of the fish tank. Water is pumped by an air pump through the gravel and automatically filtering it just like biological filter. They are also working as mechanical filters and tend to clog over time thus. Regular filtering may cause an accumulation of filter particles on the floor and thus it is quite recommended to clean the floor regularly so that the waste could be rinsed off. Being a simple and cheap technique it is the one being most liked and purchased throughout the globe. One can imagine its utility from it price which is ranging within fifteen to thirty five dollars for twenty gallon capacity tank.
Simple setup filtration system: foam filtration.
Sponge or foam filtration is although not a good recommendation to be used as the main system in most of the fish tanks, yet is used worldwide due to its low cost and simplicity in use. This type is in use in hospital tanks and small breeding aquariums which contain tiny fry. This system boosts up the functioning of biological and mechanical types of filtrations. Regarding the prices, they vary from five to eight dollars per twenty gallons of water tank.
The most commonly used filters – The Power Filters.
Being the most renowned filtration system, power filters are usually taken as best source of mechanical, biological and chemical filtration at a single time. It is comprised of a chamber, with a hose that goes into it and it sucks water through the chamber to the chemical filter cartridge and then through the foam of biological sponge, before taking into the tank again. Stores offer a variety of different size tanks that go as high as seventy five gallons. Going a bit advance in technology, a bio-wheel attached usually boosts its efficiency. A plus point is they are easy in their maintenance. Price of such filters varies in the range of twenty to thirty five dollars per twenty gallons of water tank.
The Saltwater Enthusiasts – The Trickle filters
Also known as dry- wet filters; these are the most popular filters among hobbyists. The basic structure comprises two compartments. One is known as “wet- dry” compartment and the second is called as “sump”. The former one deals with the biological filtration. Water in this compartment after tickling down from a plastic plate, runs through the baffle to meet the activated carbon unit and then finally dispensed into the sump. From this compartment it is resent for filtration. Due to this complex procedure and frequently oxidizing of water this type helps in maintaining high quality water for a longer time. People with relatively higher number of fish in their tanks prefer it a lot. Pricing is in accordance to the efficiency of the system thus varying in the range of a hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per medium size aquarium i.e. 40-60 gallons water.
Prompt Results with Canister Filters
Especially made for larger tanks the canister filters can clean large amounts of water and give better results in relatively lesser time. The mechanical filtration being offered is exemplary. They give a décor to the place as they can be placed underneath the aquarium and avoid awkwardness in look and beauty of the tank. Before going through chemical and biological filtrations, water goes through a number of layers which perform mechanical filtration. Thus they are also better in filtered water quality. The only thing that goes as cons is the difficulty in their maintenance. It requires a good sum of money and labor for the purpose. In case of large tanks it is the best option. Price ranges from hundred and quarter dollars to quarter to two dollars per fifty to seventy gallons water tanks.
A million dollars advice when it comes to filtration of water tanks is “keep your fish healthy and the beauty and functioning of your aquarium thus consult a renowned pet supply store or a fish dealer”. Such a person can personally visit your place and give a better idea you may opt. A professional can handle your queries well and can produce better results.
Chintamani Abhyankar is a goldfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding goldfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy goldfish the natural way. His famous digital book <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.goldfishcaretips.com”>Secrets on Keeping Beautiful Goldfish</a>, offers simple, easy to follow instruction for raising healthy, long-living goldfish. Visit his website http://www.goldfishcaretips.com to learn more about expertly raising your goldfish and to receive your FREE copy of his special report, <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.goldfishcaretips.com”>Fish-Keeping Hobby Secrets Revealed</a>
DIY over the tank filter. for those fish freaks that run multiple tanks. for glass/eggcrate covered tanks. for people who like to DIY for the hell of it. what i used: Clear plastic box (crafts store) or any container you like. Clear acrylic tube (crafts store) or pvc pipe. Caulking gun. GE Silicone 1, clear, windows & doors. if you already have that very small & expensive aquarium sealant you can use that. this DIY does not require much of it. Soldering iron or drill. Plastic cap or use the undergravel adapter from your powerhead (which you’ll need anyway). Your choice of tubing (i just bought a replacement Fluval ribbed hosing/tubing for the 105/205 model. it’s alot flexible. Bio wheel mini part (not req’d). Bio balls (not req’d). Fabric/batting from crafts store or fabric dept at wally world. work in a well ventilated area if you’re going to use the soldering iron. inhaling the smoke kills stupid people. silicone also smells bad.
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Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems
Jul 20th
Salt Water Fish Tank Filter Systems
Choosing the between all the various salt water fish tank filtration systems can be confusing to say the least. But, before you choose your specific system, there are a few points you must know no matter which system you choose. Keep in mind filtration is a very important part of your tank, so don’t rush through this step.
In natural habitats, the fish have an ample areas in which to live. In your tank, they are confined to a relatively small quantity of water. In your tank, waste products can quickly build up and spell disaster. That’s where the filter comes in.
Four factors have a huge impact on the success of your tank, and your filtration system. You must have an adequate biological base, the appropriate choice of animals, not over-populate, and don’t over feed. Get one of these factors wrong, and you most likely will have problems with your saltwater tank.
Biological filtration is the most important sector of salt water fish tank filter systems. The biological filters are living organisms within your tank. They consume oxygen and waste material within your tank. It’s not something you can add. They will occur naturally within your saltwater fish tank.
Mechanical Filtration
The second type of filtration for your tank is mechanical filtration. This is where you choose the type of salt water filter system you will use in your new tank.
Mechanical filtration strains the solid particles from your tank water. It will not remove solids trapped by gravel, or other items within your tank. A good mechanical filter traps enough solids to keep your water clear, without becoming clogged frequently.
Smaller openings catch finer particles and are clogged
faster than a larger opening. Keep this in mind as you choose your mechanical filtration system.
Types of Mechanical Filters
For years, the corner filter has been the least expensive and most used type of salt water fish tank filtration systems. These clear plastic boxes sit inside the tank. An air stone bubbles air through an airlift tube, which forces water through a bed of filter floss mechanically filtering the water.
Today there are better methods,that don’t take up space, look nicer, and perform well.
Power filters are used by many. You’ll find many styles of power filters. The most common hangs on the back of the tank. A siphon tube pulls water from the tank into the filter box and passes the water though a mechanical filter. An internal pump returns the filtered water into the aquarium. Power filters come in many sizes suited for small to large aquariums
Under-gravel filters work by slowly passing water through the gravel on the bottom, which sits on top of a perforated plate. The water pumped with an airlift, with bubbles air lifting the water in a vertical tube attached to the filter plate. One problem is that the gravel clogs up with waste creating a health risk for your fish.
Sponge filters are an efficient,cheap form of biological filtration. Water is forced through porous foam by air bubbling through an airlift tube. Water flowing though the sponge allows the growth of a colony of beneficial bacteria that neutralizes toxic ammonia.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical filtration removes dissolved wastes from aquarium water. The most popular chemical filtration is the carbon filter method. Your water is filtered through gas activated carbon. The best GAC for filtering water is made from coal and is
macro-porous (larger pores).
Cris Stanford is the publisher of http://www.saltwater-aquarium-secrets.com where you’ll find money saving advice and expert tips on how to set up the perfect salt water fish tank filter systems.
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