Major Types of Filter Equipment

In order to purify your aquarium water it will be essential to obtain filter equipment to perform biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration. There are numerous types and designs of commercial filters for aquariums. The basic types of filters fall into the following categories: undergravel (subsand) filters, outside power filters, canister filters, and the new nitrifier/denitrifier filters.

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Filter Materials

Activated Carbon

The Most commonly available filter medium to remove dissolved organic materials in the water is activated carbon, which is manufactured from various materials including coal, and wood. Activated carbon is not the same as charcoal, which has a limited ability to remove organics and should never be used in marine aquariums. Most of the filter media commercially available are high-grade activated carbon.

Filter Floss

Filter floss is primarily a mechanical filtrant but also becomes a biological filtrant as nitrifying bacteria colonize the filter strands. The filter media are generally synthetic materials such as dacron or polyester. Enough material is simply layered in a box filter, outside or canister filter. The mechanical filtrant is also available as pre-sized and layered pads that are simply added to the particular filter used.

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 Air Pumps and Diffusers

Besides filtration, some additional source of aeration is recommended to promote additional gaseous exchange and to help in providing a current. Marine animals, particularly invertebrates, benefit from aeration, which in turn assists good water movement.

A high-quality air pump is also required for powering undergravel filters. Various types of air pumps are available: the majority are the vibrator type. These tend to be relatively quiet and maintenance free. It is important that you do not economize on the air pump, especially if you intend to connect it to outer pieces of aquarium equipment. Even if the pump supplies more air than needed, the amount can be regulated with valves. There gang valves channel air to various pieces of connected equipment through flexible plastic tubing.

Air diffusers or air stones are useful for providing additional aeration and more water current. As long as ample filtration is provided through good quality filters, there will be sufficient water movement and aeration. However, you may wish to add an air stone or additional water movement.

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Heaters

Marine aquariums should be equipped with a thermostatically controlled heater. A heater ensures that the temperature is maintained within the acceptable range. Some heaters can be secured on the inside of the aquarium by special suction cups; other designs allow the heater to be completely submersible. Adjusting a small knob on the heater controls the temperature; a small bulb within the heater indicates when the heater element is functioning.

Heaters are available for all sizes of aquariums, but you must ensure that the heater is correct for use in saltwater and that it has ample wattage to heat the aquarium water. Commercial heaters range form 25 watts and up.

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Lighting Requirements

The marine aquarium must receive ample light for several reasons: the most obvious is to allow illumination of the tank for observation of the inhabitants. Also light is required for the growth of algae, which in turn serves a useful function.

While algae growth was once regarded as undesirable, in marine aquariums it is highly desirable to encourage the growth of some algae. Light is required for normal photosynthesis, growth, and function of algae. Algae should be allowed to grow to yield a supplementary food source for fish, to assist in removal of nitrogen-containing compounds such as nitrate, and to remove carbon dioxide. In addition, certain invertebrates, such as sea anemones and corals, have algae cells within their tissue. Inadequate lighting jeopardizes the survival of these algae, which in turn endangers the survival of the invertebrates.

For the beginner, the use of a hood equipped with the proper type and number of fluorescent bulbs will supply the necessary light for a marine aquarium. The deeper the water, the more lighting is required for proper illumination and growth of algae.

Marine aquariums should receive 8 to 12 hours of light per day. Those heavily populated with macroalgae may require a longer photoperiod.

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