tropical fish tank filters

[spudo]

could someone please explain all the typs of filters you can buy to-day and all the typs of filter media avaliable.
a.t.m i have a mercanical filter with a bog standard sponge in it> is this enough?
thanks.

[hammerman]

There are 3 types of filteration....

Biological, where bacteria is "grown" on a filter media such as bioballs, ceramic tubes etc. The bacteria breaks down the fish waste (ammonia) into less harmful nitrites which inturn get broken down into nitrates which are reletively harmless. This filteration requires a steady flow of oxygen rich tank water to keep it going.

Mechanical, where a fine mesh substance such as filter wool or sponge allows aquarium water to pass through it but traps any larger particles of detritus in the aquarium. Mechanical filteration can also turn biological and act as both types of filteration.

Chemical, where certain substances such as carbon and antiphos are used to remove aquarium pollutants by absorbtion. Chlorine, medications, phosphates and among a host of things removed.

As for the filters themselves, the undergravel filter is probably still the widest used. This is both biological and mechanical (the gravel acting as a filter media and to trap the waste)

Internal and external powerfilters provide all 3 of the above filteration methods...they usually come with a sponge, some ceramic pipes and a packet of carbon.

You can also use air driven foam filters (which i use in all my siamese fighting fish breeding tanks) and hang on back (HOB) filters which do exactly what it says on the tin.

For further advanced setups, a sump can be used as a trickle filter but that involves drilling the tank or using complicated overflow boxes.

As for the media available, a mix of biological, mechanical and chemical filteration is best but biological is the most important. I don't really know what's on the market....a trip to a few local fish shops and a chat with the owners would be better there.

You could join one of the internet forums too.....such as www.fishforums.net

Hope this helps a bit

[spudo]

thanks alot hammerhead!