The Importance of Fish Tank Filters

Next to water and some fish, there is no component more important for sustaining an aquarium than fish tank filters. Fish tank filters, which are currently the most complex systems in aquariums, function to remove poisonous chemical and biological wastes from the aquarium—and to prevent build up of materials that will generally foul the smell and water quality of the tank.

Most fish tank filters consist of two important moving parts: the first part is a filter that is designed to remove chemical agents from the tank. This will often include a build up of nitrogenous gases or phosphoric compounds. The second part is a filter component that is designed to remove biological agents from the tank. This is essentially what keeps the tank looking and smelling clean. If plants are dying and breaking apart in the tank, the fish tank filters will prevent sludge build-up. If a fish is shedding skin, the fish tank filters will also remove these biological compounds, which often leave a nasty odor hovering above the tank.

In addition to using a fish tank filter, you may want to purchase a bottle of “Tidy Tank.” You can buy this product at most PetSmart stores. If you match it to the specifications of your tank (i.e. Saltwater, freshwater, acidic pH, basic pH, etc), it will keep to your miniature ecosystem functioning properly; and will prevent chemical and biological build-ups.

In addition to fish tank filters and Tidy Tank, you will want to consider whether or not you need an air pump. These used to be a feature of virtually all tanks; however, whether or not you need an air pump will be contingent on the filter you purchase. If your filter is active enough, it may facilitate the oxygenation of your tank. In this case, you will not need to purchase an additional air pump.