How to Properly Filter Your Aquarium

Crystal-clear water, gently swaying aquatic plants, vibrant fish gliding by — is that how you envision your aquarium? Creating a beautiful and healthy aquatic landscape begins with a vision — and the right filtration system.

Filters are fundamental in maintaining your aquarium's ecosystem because they remove debris from your tank and prevent waste from accumulating. They also aerate the water, essential for keeping fish, plants and other aquatic life healthy.

Not sure where to begin? You've come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to filter your freshwater aquarium so you can create an underwater oasis.

1. Choose Your Aquarium Filter

First things first — you need to determine what type of filter to buy. Follow these steps.

Determine Your Tank Size and Flow Rate

How many gallons can your tank hold? Your filter should process all the water in your tank about four to six times an hour — a measurement called flow rate — to effectively remove debris. Choosing a filter that's too powerful is important because this can cause water movement that's too stressful for aquatic life.

For example, if you have a 10-gallon tank, look for a filter that can process 40 to 60 gallons per hour (GPH). Does your tank hold 30 gallons? Consider a filter designed to process 120 to 180 GPH. If you're uncertain about the flow rate, choose a filter that matches your tank size. 

Select Filter Type

Next, consider the type of filter you want to use. Here are some of the most commonly used options:

• Canister: A canister filter provides an external filtration system. Since they aren't placed within the tank, they can be a great choice for aquascaping and maintaining an unobstructed view. Use glass inflow and outflow tubes for a clean, minimalist look.
• Hang-on-back (HOB): An HOB filter is a box-shaped filter mounted to the aquarium's rim. These easy-to-install units may be considered the best aquarium filter for beginners.
• Sponge: A sponge filter is placed on the bottom of a tank and typically includes a sponge, an airline tube and an external air pump. A sponge filter can get your aquarium started or produce a gentle water flow, but it's not as effective as removing debris as other filter types.

Pick the Right Media

Media is the material inside the filter that facilitates filtration — either by mechanical, biological or chemical means. You'll want to select media that'll function properly in your filter.

For example, sponge filters are mainly used for biological filtration. Canister filters, on the other hand, are typically compatible with biological, mechanical and chemical media.

Here's a little bit about the different types of media:

• Mechanical: Mechanical media traps and contains particles, like fish waste or uneaten food. Common mechanical media include polyurethane sponges or pads.
• Biological: Biological media allows good bacteria to grow on its surface. The bacteria break down toxic compounds, improving water quality and promoting a healthy ecosystem. An example of biological media includes an open-cell foam cube, which also traps particles.
• Chemical: Chemical media uses chemical reactions to remove toxins from the water. A common example includes an activated carbon cartridge. You can use chemical media alongside other media types to capture both dissolved particles and larger pieces of debris. 

2. Install Your Filter

Installing an aquarium filter is usually a simple process that begins with reading the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, the process involves assembling your filter's components, which may include the filter body, media, inflow and outflow tubing, and a pump or motor. The pump draws water from the tank into the inflow tube, sends it through the media and then pushes it back into the tank through the outflow tube.

After assembling your filter, it's time to install it. If it's a HOB filter, you'll hang it on the tank. A sponge filter will get submerged in the water, while a canister filter will be placed on a surface next to the aquarium. Ensure your tank's water is full before turning the filter on so it doesn't run dry to protect its motor.

3. Maintain Your Filter

Maintaining your filter to prevent clogs and ensure it functions properly is important. Maintenance mainly involves cleaning the filter housing and the media periodically. You may also need to replace the media every so often, depending on your media type.

In general, aim to clean mechanical media and the filter body every two weeks for optimal performance. You can rinse mechanical media with tap water, and unplug and wipe down the inside of the filter body with a soft cloth. Just make sure not to use any cleaning chemicals, as these can harm aquatic life. The filter manufacturer should provide cleaning instructions.

Other media, like chemical and biological media, generally do not need to be cleaned that frequently. Still, you can check them every few weeks and clean them if needed. Be careful not to clean biological media too often to avoid removing beneficial bacteria. If it looks dirty, swoosh the media around in a bucket of tank water and gently squeeze it to remove debris.

If your filter is struggling to keep the water clean — even if you regularly clean the media — it may be time to replace the media. Expect to replace an activated carbon cartridge about once a month, for example. Ceramic rings may never need replacement unless they get damaged.

Shop High-Quality Filtration Systems From AFA

Installing a filtration system is crucial in creating and maintaining a beautiful underwater terrain that supports healthy aquatic life. At AFA, we have everything you need to get started.

We are the official distributor of premium Aqua Design Amano (ADA) products, offering high-quality filtration systems, elegant inflow and outflow pipes, various filtration media and more. Create a stunning natural aquascape and healthy habit for your fish and aquatic plants with innovative ADA products. Shop our products online or visit us at our San Francisco storefront!