An aquarium is a small body of water inhabited by aquatic inhabitants. In order to maintain biological balance in it, various means and methods are used. One method is to purify the water in the aquarium.
To purify the water, use special aquarium filters that work with electric pumps or air flow. There are universal filters in which the water flow rate can be adjusted. They are used in aquariums inhabited by various types of fish.
Filter classification
External Suspended Filter - This is a plastic box, consisting of several sections. This filter is located outside the aquarium. Its principle of operation is very simple: water is taken from the aquarium, filtered and returned back. Visually, this process resembles a waterfall.
An airlift filter is a small plastic container that has various shapes: a cylinder, a cube, or a pyramid. Water enters the filter through the perforated cover, flows under pressure from top to bottom through the filter material, then rises along the airlift and goes out. This type of filter is suitable for small aquariums as an additional filtration.
The canister filter is a vertical cylinder with an electric pump at the top. The water from the aquarium goes through plastic pipes and passes through the filter material. This filter is very good for larger aquariums.
A sponge filter is the most primitive and at the same time the most popular type of filter, consisting of a perforated tube with sponge cartridges attached to it. Contaminated water enters the sponge filter, is cleaned, and exits through the tube.
Types of filter media
Calcium carbonate - increases the hardness and acidity of water. Visually similar to crushed limestone, sand or coral chips. Used as a mechanical or biological filter.
Activated carbon - fixes all unnecessary substances on its surface and utilizes medicines and heavy metals dissolved in water.
Gravel is a filter that can be used endlessly.
The aquarium is filled with water, usually using a pump, which is a pump. Many pumps are designed for both fresh and sea water. They are submersible and outdoor.
Depending on the type and type of filter material, appropriate maintenance of the aquarium is carried out. Mechanical cleaning agents (various scrapers and sponges) must be constantly cleaned. Chemical filter media require periodic renewal. Biological filters are partially subject to replacement.
In addition to using filters, it is necessary to clean the aquarium bottom once a month. The procedure is carried out using a rubber tube with a plastic or glass tip. The diameter of the tube opening must not impede the passage of water and debris through it.
It is recommended to change 15 to 30% of the total aquarium water volume twice a week. For this, water is preliminarily defended for one or two days.
Also, special chemicals that are completely harmless to the inhabitants of the aquarium will help to normalize the condition of the water. The choice of such chemistry is quite diverse and is present in almost all pet stores.
