What kind of filter is good?

Question

I bought the 2.5minibow, and it came with like an under gravel filter. It is a plastic like sheet or w/e, and it goes under the gravel, and then you put gravel on top. Then there a tube that sticks out in the corner, with like a white rock T think they call it.. ANd then in the plastic pipe, there is a small oxygen hose. Would someone explain to me how this system works, and if it's good!? I have no idea how the filter part works.... Its a mystery! :)

And how should I clean my rocks!?

Answer 1

If you just bought it, then i am assuming you are setting up a new aquarium.
PLEASE DO NOT PUT ANY FISH INTO A NEW AQUARIUM UNTIL you have set it up and let it run for about 2-3 weeks.
the fish may die.

What you have is a good filter system. Not great but good.
the advantage of these systems is you don't have to clean the filter (at least not often)
the filter itself as you stated sits under the gravel and there should be a plastic pipe that sticks up into the water to about 1 inch of the surface of the water. (or the white rock may be the replacement) i would have to see it to be sure.
You must have an air pump for this system to work because the air is pumped through the hose to the bottom of the plastic pipe. when the bubbles rise through the pipe it moves the water under the filter up causing a vacumm to occur which sucks the water down through the gravel. the fish waste is caught in the gravel where bacteria break the waste down into nitrites and nitrates which become food for any plants you have in the tank.
in essence you create your own little eco system inside the tank that takes care of itself (hopfully, but not always)
You can learn all about aquariums, their equipment and how they operate at the link below. Please read it before adding fish to your new aquarium.

Have fun

Answer 2

The bubbles going up the little pipe create an upward current in the pipe. It encourages the water to travel in a circular motion from the center of the tank down through the gravel (pulling the waste under the gravel) and then back up the tube. The top of the tube sometimes contains charcoal (which removes some toxins by having them stick to it), and a filter that traps any dirt that makes it up the tube. They aren't the most effective filtering system as the dirt is collected under the gravel and not removed form the tank. Try one of these
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9821&ref=3969&cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Filters&subref=AA&N=2004+22769
A

Answer 3

The tube with the air stone in the bottom is the pump. As the air rises it pulls water along with it. This sucks water through the rocks where bacteria grow providing them with oxygen. The bacteria clean the ammonia out of your tank by converting it to safer substances. These filters work well as long as you use a good air pump, you most likely need way more bubbles than the one which came with your kit. Other than that they work great, as long as you clean the rocks every month or two. I have been using them in my tanks for years with great success.

Answer 4

Your vehicle proprietor's guide is the bypass to position for questions such as this. on your proprietor's guide you'll discover all kinds of functional advice as well as an intensive and finished itemizing of auto specs. between the specs are protected the fashion of filters, fluids and aspects for use along with your vehicle. those are the producer's suggestion and at the same time as they're going to inform you what the specs of oil, filters, fluids and fuels to apply, they received't many times advise a particular sort. you could also come across a go reference guide at everywhere that sells oil which will inform you what the clear out volume is for use on your vehicle. in case you want an proprietor's guide, you could acquire one for loose on the link below:

Answer 5

for a mini aquarium that will be fine... just make sure u clean the gravel monthly