Spherical aquariums are distinguished by sophistication and sophistication, do not take up much space and are easy to maintain. Special equipment is also selected for them to filter the reservoir and enrich it with oxygen. For spherical containers, compact devices are suitable. How to choose a device for filtering water in a round aquarium and how to properly install and secure the device? This will be discussed in this article.
Varieties and features of filters
Owners of small ponds should pay attention to the bottom filter. The device is a compact device. Gravel is used as a filter material. The device has the form of a flat pancake. The device is equipped with a pump on the foot. The pumping speed depends on the pump. The power of the pump is selected based on the volume of the aquarium. By all standards, the filter should clean 5 times the volume of the container in 1 hour. For a round tank with a volume of 5 to 20 liters, a filter with a minimum filtration rate is used.
The process of the pump is based on the circulation of water, due to which all fish waste and food debris are effectively processed.
When using a bottom filter, do not fill in sand or fine-grained soil. This can clog cells that serve to circulate air. Each side of the issue has advantages and disadvantages. Of the advantages of bottom filters, the following aspects should be noted:
- silent process of work;
- uninterrupted circulation;
- it is possible to mask the device in algae or decorations;
- optimal price;
- mechanical and biological filtration of a high level;
- creating the necessary microclimate in the pond;
- the liquid is cleaned in two degrees;
- sand and soil do not sour.
The disadvantages of the devices are quick pollution and regular cleaning of the filter.
Also for small ponds there are mounted filters. This filter is perfect for round aquariums with a volume of 5 to 10 liters. Filters come in two types: with internal and external mounting. The internal device is completely immersed in the reservoir, and the external is attached to the outer edges of the tank. For round aquariums, an external mount is preferred. Some models of mounted filters equipped with LED backlight.
The process of filter waterfalls creates a flow of water at a minimum speed. The flow is formed due to the falling stream of water. A small stream is enough to filter a small reservoir. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the inconvenient filling of the device with filtration materials.
Filter glasses are convenient due to the presence of a special compartment in the form of a glass that can be filled with various filter media. When buying, it is worth checking the equipment for the presence of a flute nozzle, due to which it is possible to reduce the flow rate. It is also desirable that the nozzle of the device is regulated, this will help reduce the power of the water pressure. Disadvantages of filter glasses are not. However, devices from some manufacturers make an unpleasant noise. When buying, it is recommended to immediately check the operation of the device.
For mini ponds you can use airlift filter that is installed inside the aquarium. The basis of the principle of operation is the movement of air under water. Air bubbles float to the surface and create pressure in the air outlet channel (tube). Under the influence of pressure, water is purified when passing through the filter material. The minus of the device is the noise from the murmur of water.
How to choose?
When choosing a filter for a round aquarium, you should pay attention to filtering methods. The following cleaning methods are available.
- Mechanical. The easiest filtering method. The device saves the pond from debris, small contaminants, residues of fish stool and food debris. The design includes a motor, pump and sponge. The pump is pumping fluid. Then the water enters the sponge and is cleaned. This cleaning method is suitable for mini-aquariums with a volume of 5-10 liters.
- Biological water purification. Purification of the reservoir is facilitated by special bacteria that inhabit the soil. The biological type of treatment eliminates toxic substances in the pond.
- Chemical cleaning removes odors and helps purify water from ammonia. Such filtration has the highest degree of purification.
Also, when choosing a device, it is worth considering filter power and performance. These parameters, as a rule, the manufacturer indicates on the packaging of the goods. The cost of the manufacturer plays an important role in the acquisition of equipment. For a spherical capacity, it is worth choosing a device of an average price. In this case, it is possible to obtain the optimal ratio of cost and quality.
When buying aquarium filters It is also worth considering the type of mount. For example, for water bodies with illumination from 5-20 l in volume, internal filters are suitable. Most often, lighting in round aquariums is built-in and located on the outside of the reservoir.
In order for the container to look aesthetically pleasing and not spoil the appearance, choose internal devices that are installed inside the tank. However, there are compact external devices that are mounted on the edges of the tank and do not look so bulky. The best option is a hinged filter with a backlight, which performs several functions: it illuminates the underwater space and provides high-quality filtering.
How to install?
To install the internal filter does not require much effort. Even a novice aquarist will cope with this. Just follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Before installation, the fish are moved to another tank.The filter is installed in a filled pond.
- The filter is fixed using hooks, suction cups or Velcro, which are included in the package. The device is immersed in water, but at the same time a layer of water from 2 to 5 cm should remain above the filter. The device should not reach the bottom of the aquarium.
- Then you should check the operation of the tube, which should go to the surface for free flow of purified water. To check, turn on the device and bring your hand to the outlet of the tube. Water should come out of it. This means that the device is in good condition. Then you can populate the fish.
- Next, you need to adjust the fluid flow. It is better to install the filter in the middle position. Not all fish love a strong current. To begin with, it is worth watching the inhabitants of the reservoir. If necessary, you can reduce or add the speed of the fluid flow.
To install an external filter, assembly is first required according to the instructions that came with the product. A special place is allocated under the filter. The location of the device should be below the capacity level by 20 cm. The device is placed under a pond. Inlet and liquid outlets are placed on opposite sides of the aquarium.
When installing equipment, fill it with water gravity method. Connect and open the fluid collection hose. It should be monitored so that the liquid does not leak from another hole. After water intake, the hose is closed. Next, turn off the tap of the hose that releases the water, turn on the filter. When installing the bottom filter, fluid is removed from the reservoir and soil. Then you need to put the device so that it is located 2 cm above the bottom. After that, the soil is moved back to the tank.
Next, watch a video with tips on how to reduce noise from a working filter in an aquarium.