About Salt Water Fish Tank Filters

Function

There are three main types of filters - biological, chemical, and mechanical. Each performs a unique and specific role in keeping the aquarium healthy and clean. Biological filtration encourages the growth of good bacteria in your aquarium, while reducing harmful bacteria. Chemical filtration involves removing waste from the system. Mechanical filtration removes any other free-floating particles in the water.

One simple type of filter is a corner filter. This sits in the corner of the tank and provides all types of filtration. The carbon in the filter will need to be changed regularly. Another type of filter is the under gravel variety. Under gravel filters are placed along the bottom of the tank, beneath the gravel. These provide mechanical filtration as particles are forced below the gravel, and chemical filtration as the water is pushed back up. Biological filtration also occurs through the flow of the water in this process. The most popular type of salt water tank filter is a powerhead. This type of filter provides chemical and mechanical filtration. A powerhead will also provide for adequate water circulation, which is especially important with saltwater fish.

For your filter to function properly, it should have the capability of pumping about six times the amount of water in your tank each hour. What this means, more simply, is that all the water in the tank will be filtered five or six times each hour. If you have a very large tank, you may need more than one filter. You can use two powerheads, or experiment with a combination of different types of filters. Various types of filters have different rating systems to identify the amount of water they can filter. Some will simply tell you the size of the aquarium that they should be used for, while others will tell you the gallons per hour that can be filtered using that system.

Your filter will need frequent maintenance to function properly. You will probably need to change approximately 25 percent of the filter medium each month. You should rinse new filters in salt water before placing them in your tank. This removes any debris, and activates the chemicals in the filter. Do not change everything in your filter at once, because some buildup of beneficial bacteria is required for a healthy tank. Follow the manufacturer's directions for details on handling your specific filter.

Proper filtration in a saltwater aquarium keeps things clean. Your filtration system will remove dirt and debris from the tank on a regular basis. It is also important for saltwater fish to have good circulation in their tank. The water should be kept moving at all times. If you notice a buildup of debris in your tank, change a portion of the filter medium. If this doesn't solve your problem, reevaluate the size of your tank and the power of the filter you are using to ensure that the water is circulating frequently.