Filters The purpose of a filter is to: Clarify and purify the water Keep the water clean and safe for the fish Extend the life of the water Help maintain a uniform chemical balance The three types of filtration that should exist in some form in every aquarium are biological filtration, mechanical filtration, and chemical filtration.

Getting Started with a Freshwater Aquarium 1. Aquarium Water 2. Choosing Freshwater Fish 3. Aquariums & Stands 4. Hoods & Lighting 5. Heaters & Thermometers 6. Air Pumps & Accessories 7. Filters 8. Gravel & Décor

Biological filtration provides an environment that breaks down organic waste such as excess food and feces. It decomposes and detoxifies the debris.

Mechanical Filtration cleans the water by mechanically trapping debris in filter floss, gravel or a foam filter cartridge.

Chemical filtration uses chemical filtrates to clean water by removing odors and discolorations. Use chemical filtrates such as activated carbon, ammonia absorbents and water softeners.

Filter Types

Different fish need different types of filters. The following chart describes the various types of filters and which types of filtration they provide.

Filter Type	Description	Filtration Type	PETCO Suggestions
Box (Corner) Filter	Usually a plastic box, which contains filter media that traps debris, while the carbon removes discoloration and odor from the aquarium water Placed in the back corner of the aquarium Powered by an air pump	√ Biological √ Mechanical √ Chemical	Penn Plax Small World Pump & Filter Kit
Undergravel Filter	Best all-around filter for any aquarium Simple Inexpensive Provides aeration By drawing "oxygen-rich" water through the gravel, this filter promotes the growth of bacteria in the gravel to break down fish waste and leftover food (biological filtration) Air pump or powerheads are used to run this type of filter (reverse flow systems)	√ Biological √ Mechanical    Chemical	PETCO Undergravel Filters
External Power Filter	Uses a built-in water pump for power Usually provides mechanical filtration and chemical filtration Collector of wastes (mechanical filtration) Must be periodically emptied and cleaned Usually moves more water than air-driven filters Many newer power filters also add a site for biological filtration to occur (may be in the form of a wheel or sand or some other method) May also be used in conjunction with undergravel filter	√ Biological √ Mechanical √ Chemical	Marineland Penguin BIO-Wheel Power Filters AquaClear Aquarium Power Filters
Sand Filter	Variation of External Power Filter and uses all the same mechanisms Sand in this unit provides biological filtration The media (carbon, floss, or foam) must be changed periodically (sand media can remain constant)	√ Biological    Mechanical    Chemical	Lifegard Aquatics Fluidized Bed Filter
Internal Power Filter	Driven by electricity Placed inside the aquarium Holds a limited amount of mechanical and chemical filter material Designed to be space-saving	Biological √ Mechanical √ Chemical	Aquarium Systems Duetto Multi-Function Internal Filters Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filters
Canister	Very efficient filter Has a large plastic container filled with different kinds of filter material Recommended for larger aquariums or for smaller aquariums that house a large number of fish	√ Biological √ Mechanical √ Chemical	Marineland Magnum 350 Dual Purpose Canister Filter EHEIM 2236 Ecco External Canister Filter

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