What Type of Filter Should I Get?

In this article, I will only cover the most common types of filters.

Power filters hang off the side or back of a fish tank. The water gets sucked up and is passed through the filter material, and falls back down into the water. From my experience, these are the most common filter used, and are effective. Biowheel filters are much like this, except the filter material is in the shape of a wheel, and continually spins giving extra surface area for the bacteria to grow. These filters also act as an air pump, so you may not need a seperate air pump.

Under Gravel Filters, like the name states, sits under the gravel. They can be easily clogged by sand, and are not effective if you have a thick, eneven gravel bed.

Sponge filters, corner filters (or box filters) are ideal for tanks specifically for fish fry. The "sponge" prevents the fish fry from entering the filter. They are generally meant for smaller sized tanks. Water enters it, and exits through the airlift tube.

Canister filters sit outside the tank completely, and rely on long tubes to carry the water to and from the aquarium. However, they may get clogged and be hard to clean due to the long tubes. These types of filters usually have a higher price tag as well.

Although 'they' recommend that your filter media be replaced every now and then, I find it adequate to just give the filter media a good rinse. Replacing an old one with a totally new cartridge will take away all that good bacteria from your filter.