Aquarium enthusiasts often hesitate between natural or artificial solutions to filter aquarium water. Indeed, they have the choice between carbon cartridge, filtering foams, or various ornamental plants. The most important thing is to find the technique that is best suited to one's little proteges.
For beginners as well as for enthusiasts, reviewing the usefulness of aquarium filtration systems is always necessary.
- This type of device allows providing healthy water for the fish. They need it to ensure their development and longevity.
- The filters serve to reduce the risks of sudden death of the ornamental fish. Indeed, this artificial and enclosed environment becomes quickly toxic for the basin's occupants.
- Equipment such as pumps cleans the water, provides it with oxygen, and retains the waste. It is worth noting that oxygen is essential for the survival of fish.
If the water in the aquarium is neither filtered nor changed, the unsanitary condition will quickly kill the fish. Indeed, they will become poisoned by their own waste and their production of carbon dioxide. To ensure their longevity, it is therefore imperative:
- to regularly replace the water in the tank;
- to clean all decorative accessories (natural or artificial);
- to properly maintain the pump or any other filtration system.
Concretely, it is necessary to renew as often as possible the different elements present in the aquarium. This rule applies to classical species (goldfish, bettas, etc.) as well as to the most exotic varieties.
Particularly practical, the filtering foam allows capturing undesirable particles in the aquarium and keeping the water clean. It can even filter the finest particles to protect the aquatic animals. Professionals recommend replacing them at least three times a year.
To ensure the well-being of the fish, it is better to:
- choose a foam devoid of chemical residues;
- favor elements with a homogeneous structure to improve their efficiency;
- check the compatibility of the foam with the aquarium water (freshwater or saltwater);
- opt for an accessory suitable for the dimensions of the pump.
The carbon cartridge is distinguished from a standard filter by its active principles.
- It generally contains activated carbon, antiphosphates and antinitrates to purify the aquarium water. These substances help improve the quality of life of the fish.
- This accessory must be adjusted to the size of the tank and the filtration system. Thus, an aquarium with a capacity of less than 40 l will not have the same cartridge as a basin of 150 l, or more.
- It is essential to check the compatibility of the filter with freshwater or saltwater, depending on the content of the aquarium. Moreover, manufacturers often indicate recommendations regarding the renewal duration of these accessories. It is strongly advised to follow them to keep the fish alive.
For novices or confirmed aquarists, choosing a filter for an aquarium remains a quite difficult exercise. It is indeed essential to consider the size of the aquarium, the number of occupants of the basin as well as their species.