The Internal filter and the External filter

Internal filters

Internal filters are ideal for beginners and advanced aquarists as they are inexpensive to purchase and easy to install. The basic internal filter will be a container filled with a filter medium and attached to an air pump or water pump to force water through the filter and trap larger debris. The majority of filters will cause some movement at the water surface which has the added benefit of aerating the aquarium. This will increase the amount of oxygen in the water and create a more healthy environment for the fish and a more efficient filter.

When you clean your filter never use hot water, tap-water or detergents as these will destroy the beneficial bacteria which are needed to break down fish waste. It's best to clean filter equipment in aquarium water removed when you do a regular water change since it will be the right temperature and chemistry so that the bacteria are not disturbed more than is necessary. If you need to replace any of the filter media, ideally never change it all at once. It's better to change only part of the media at any one time so that you don't lose too much filter bacteria at one time.

External Filters

For aquariums where better filtration is needed, for example larger tanks or where larger, messy fish are being kept, an internal filter is often not enough to keep the tank water in top condition. External filters, which are housed outside the aquarium, contain a lot of filter media to break down large volumes of fish waste but without taking up space inside the aquarium with a lot of unsightly equipment. The filters are connected to the aquarium by two hoses. One takes the ‘dirty' aquarium water to the filter, where it passes through mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. Once the water from the aquarium has been filtered, it's pumped back into the aquarium. The hoses can be positioned so that a good flow of water circulates around the aquarium from one end to the other.

One of the great advantages of an external filter is that various types of filter media are available to alter the water chemistry of the tank and remove a wider range of waste than with most internal filters. This makes them especially suitable for aquariums containing fish with special requirements such as marine fish and certain saltwater fish.

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.

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