Types of filters for purifying water in an aquarium and how to install a filter yourself

When purchasing a home aquarium, you need to take care not only about the selection of beautiful fish, but also about creating good conditions for their life. In the process of life of fish, the water in the aquarium gradually becomes cloudy from the remnants of food, medicinal and vitamin preparations. In addition, fish need the presence of oxygen in the water, otherwise they will swim all the time on the surface or even get sick.

Why install a cleaning system in an aquarium?

Aquarium filters easily cope with water purification due to the presence of special barriers that retain contaminants. According to the principle of purification, these devices are divided into three types:

• with mechanical filtration (direct retention of fine contaminants with a sponge or pressed crumbs);
• with chemical filtration (purification of water using activated carbon or other substances);
• with biofiltration (water purification using bacteria).

Outside or inside?

According to the method of placement, aquarium filters are divided into two types – internal and external. As a rule, external ones are more powerful and are more often used for cleaning relatively large aquariums. But if desired, a filter of any kind can be used in both small and large aquariums.

In this case, the choice is determined rather by the personal preferences of the owners. Someone likes the appearance of an aquarium with one or another type of cleaning more, someone finds one of the types of attachment more convenient for themselves.

Objectively, there are some main characteristics of different types:

• the internal filter does not take up extra space while inside the aquarium;
• the external one is more convenient to maintain, since for its cleaning it is not necessary to transplant fish and act in the water, pulling out and then reinstalling the device;
• the external filter has a higher cleaning capacity due to the fact that it has the ability to use several filter materials placed in different containers;
• there is also an opinion that an external filter enriches the water with oxygen better, so it is preferable to choose it for those species of fish for which this moment is especially important.

Installing the internal filter

As a rule, installing an internal filter in a home aquarium is not difficult, thanks to the presence of a special suction cup. There are only a few points that must be taken into account.

First, the device itself needs submerge completely in water. There should be at least 1,5-2 cm of water above the top.

Secondly, a flexible hose connected to the filter part must be led to the outer wall of the aquarium. It is through it that air is supplied to the water.

Other than that, it’s pretty easy to install. So, how to install a filter in an aquarium:

1. Transfer the fish to another container of water so as not to damage them in the process.
2. You can only install a disabled filter.
3. Attach it at the right height to the inside wall of the aquarium.
4. Connect the flexible hose and fasten the outer end of the hose to the top of the aquarium (usually there is a special mount for this).
5. Plug in the device.

We add that at first it is better to set the air speed controller to the middle position, and then debug the work, based on the comfort of the condition of the fish. Some fish like to swim in a strong current, and some, on the contrary, feel uncomfortable in such conditions.

Never work in water with the device plugged in! First you need to make sure that it is turned off and only then adjust its operation. It is also impossible to leave the filter turned off for a long time, since its functions are very important for fish.

How to install an external filter

Here it is important first of all correctly assemble the structure itself. It consists of the filter itself and two hoses, one of which takes dirty water into the purification system, and the second brings it out already purified.

• Carefully assemble the filter according to the instructions in the box. It may consist of several containers that are filled with a special material. The cover of the system must snap into place tightly. (If it doesn’t, check if the containers are full).
• Only then, connect both hoses. The water outlet hose is shorter than the inlet hose.
• Then fill both hoses and the filter itself with water, and only after that it will be possible to connect the device to the network.

Summing up, we can say that installing a cleaning system for an aquarium does not cause any particular difficulties. You just need to choose the right model, follow the instructions and observe basic safety rules:

• Do not leave the device turned off for a long time in water. Moreover, do not turn it on after that without cleaning it. Otherwise, the fish may be poisoned.
• Perform all manipulations in the water only after disconnecting the device from the mains.
• Never turn on the filter when it is not submerged in water, otherwise it may be damaged.
• Do not forget to periodically clean the entire system.