What are the differences in filters and which would work best in my tank? I have a 30 gal tank and the current filter (hangs on the tank) has started to leak a little. I would like to change it out but don't really know about filters nowdays. What is a bio wheel? Do you have a particular brand that you really like or don't like? Do the hanging on the back of the tank filters vary in amount of upkeep? Do they all work the same?
2007-07-02 05:51:43 · 5 answers · asked by Tina N 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
They all are pretty similar for freshwater tanks. The hang-on types basically provide some type of media to "strain" particles from the water (mechanical filtration) and provide additional surface area (in addtition to your substrate, that is) for bacteria to grow (biological filtration). The bacteria involved are those that convert the toxic byproducts of your fishs' metabolism (ammonia and nitrite) into nitrate (nontoxic in moderate levels). You can add carbon, zeolite, or other media to remove dissolved chemicals, medications, color, and odor (chemical filtration) as needed.
A biowheel adds a separate revolving drum that's corrugated as an additional surface for bacteria to colonize, thereby increasing biological filtration. I've never seen any studies to show just how much colonization area is provided, and how this might compare with the surface area of a filter that uses a sponge (AquaClea) or those that use two media cartridges in sequence (water flows through one, then the other). There are also canister filters and a number of outside filters that use bioballs (look like small rubber balls with lots of projections) to create surface area for bacteria.
What's most important is that you get a filter that's the proper rating for your tank and fish. The filter should process 5-10 times your tank volume every hour. So look at the GPH (gallons per hour) rating to choose. If your tank is somewhat overstocked, close to the stocking limit, or you have fish that are messy eaters or that produce a lot of wastes (goldfish, cichlids, plecos) it's okay to go up one filter in size.
The upkeep on all is about the same - you need to periodically rinse the media (in a separate container of tank water, never tap water so the bacteria aren't killed) to remove any buildup so they don't clog. With the hang-on types, the media is easily accessible (as compared to undergravel filters and canisters) so there are fewer excuses NOT to do it.
The only downside to the hang-ons is that once they clog, water can bypass the filter (flow over the top or around the media) so no filtration takes place. This doesn't happen in a canister because eveything is enclosed and water is pumped through the media. The provide an even greater range of types of media and have even greater surface area for bacteria, but aren't as easy to clean.
Then there's the old standby of an undergravel filter. These provide excellent biological filtration since the move water through the gravel where most of the bacteria are located. They provide some mechanical filtration, but no chemical filtration. They don't move the water very quickly if you use an air pump to power them, but will if a powerhead is used. If run in the "traditional" direction (water goes down through the gravel, up through the tube) waste can collect under the filter plate and it will have to be pulled up periodically and cleaned (a real pain). If a reversable powerhead is used aand the flow goes in the opposite direction, you still get the same biological filtration, but without the problem of waste building up. I wouldn't use these as a sole means of filtration, but I do have them in combination with hang-on filters on several of my tanks.
2007-07-02 06:36:33 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with copperhead. I have the under gravel system with power heads on all my tanks with a piggy back system that have worked for me very well. You do need to get the proper GPH power head for you tank or it will not filter properly or turn it into a whirl pool. I use a diatom filter system to pull the waste out of the gravel and under the filter. It pulls the waste thru filter sand and places the clean water back in the tank. You still have to do the proper water changes but don't have to break the tank down for years unless you over feed or have live plants. I get all my products from " The Fish Place " on line at 1/2 the cost as the stores.
2007-07-02 09:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All filters work about the same. They harbor beneficial bacteria and polish water with carbon and other media. Bio-wheels are hang on the back filters, like the one you have, with a rotating wheel at the outflow. What the wheels do is harbor beneficial bacteria. The bacteria are well oxygenated and effectively remove ammonia and nitrate once bacteria have established themselves. If you want to change filters, get a bio-wheel (I think they are awesome), I would relocate some of the bacteria from the old filter into it. You could put the foam pads into it or use some poly-ester fiber fill in the old one and let it get dirty and put it in the new filter to seed it. Never clean off the wheels too much and you won't have to worry about is there enough bacteria to rid the tank of wastes. Its always there in the wheels. That's why I think a bio-wheel is an awsome filter.
2007-07-02 06:00:51 · answer #3 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aquaclear filters are my preference. They are low priced and are easy to maintain as well as being very reliable (starting after power fluctuations, not clogging easily, ect). The biowheels are very noisy and have to be maintained on a regular basis to work properly in my experience. They will also be more expensive than the aquaclears. Good Luck!
2007-07-02 06:14:33 · answer #4 · answered by lilith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a little aquarium if you dont have a lot of fish.
2007-07-02 06:01:49 · answer #5 · answered by ramirez071091 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋