Filtration Basics

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN TYPES OF AQUARIUM FILTRATION SYSTEMS?

1. Chemical filtration systems

In these systems, carbon, resins, or other chemicals act as a magnet to pull impurities out of the aquarium’s water and into the filtration system. Water changes later eliminate these impurities. Since the chemicals can leach impurities into the water, these systems are not recommended for discus. 

2. Mechanical filtration systems

These collect particles for later removal. Often, a pad is often used to trap debris, and then this pad is periodically rinsed. Tank maintenance and water changes eliminate the debris.

3. Biological filtration systems

These have very porous biological filter media material with good nitrifying bacteria that remove toxins and impurities. These are the best filtration systems for discus aquariums.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BIOLOGICAL FILTERS?

Recommended for your discus aquarium:

The hang on power filter is excellent for discus aquariums. This filter should be filled with biological media. While some power filters provide a media of sponge or plastic grids, you should replace that with the proper biological media. Plastic is not ideal for filter bacteria to use. Also, some sponge materials are too coarse for the bacteria.

The wet-dry filter, also known as the trickle filter, provides excellent oxygenation. When you use this filter in a discus aquarium, place the biological media in the filter’s wet, submerged part. The water should flow through the filter at least three to four times per hour.

Not recommended for your discus aquarium: 

The under gravel filter used to be common for discus aquariums, but it is hardly used today. It can cause a build up of decomposing material under the filter plates, leading to dangerous levels of nitrates. Also, since the bacteria coat the gravel’s surface but do not contact the interior, cleaning the gravel can eliminate the nitrifying bacteria.

The canister filter and fluidized bed filter are other filter types. Since they are closed systems and consume oxygen, they will compete with the discus for the water’s oxygen. To help address these filters’ oxygen consumption, some are designed like a wet-dry type canister filter. If you use a canister filter, be sure that your water has strong aeration. Be careful with these filters. During a power outage, they can quickly create deadly toxins.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY BIOLOGICAL FILTER?

Clean power filters occasionally. When you clean them, put the biological media in a container filled with aquarium water. Then use a long brush to clean inside filters’ intake tubes. You can also remove the impeller from power filters and clean it using a toothbrush. You can make an excellent cleaning solution by adding one cup of vinegar to a half gallon of water.

Be careful to not overclean your sponge filter. Overcleaning it can harm the bacteria.

Do not use tap water to clean any biological media. It can harm the bacteria.

QUESTIONS

• What are the three main types of filters?
• What type of filter will you use for your discus aquarium?
• How will your filter choice help your discus flourish?