Internal filters for the aquarium: description, selection and installation

Filtration of aquarium water is possible with various devices that are external or internal. The latter option is characterized by different performance and price. The choice of the internal system is complicated due to the wide variety of models.

The main feature of the internal filters for the aquarium is its convenient dimensions. The use and care of aquarium devices is quite simple, and they are installed right inside the aquarium. A wide variety of devices is presented on the market, they are produced by different manufacturers. Filtration with their help has its advantages and negative qualities, but the feature of the devices is the same - a simple principle of operation. The device itself looks like an ordinary cylindrical vessel with the slots that are needed to draw in liquid with air. An electric-powered pump is usually attached to it, and a filter base is located inside. In most devices, the role of such is played by foam rubber, less commonly - modern polyurethane foam.

In addition to a closed filtration system, there are open internal systems for saleincluding only cleaning materials and a pump. Under the action of the mechanisms, the foam cells are filled with dirt, and clean water gets back into the aquarium. In complicated versions of open filters, saprophytes are used - microorganisms that work by the method of biological treatment.

Colonies of microorganisms are able to turn residual organics into inorganic nutrients.Cheap options only with mechanical cleaning have little filtering capabilities, so they are often supplemented with other elements. For example, activated carbon or zeolite are often used in filter media. It is believed that such models produce chemical water treatment.

The performance of internal filters is different. The volume of processed aquarium water for a certain unit of time depends on this. The maximum possible capacity in which the device can technically be installed should not exceed 300 liters. Modern appliances are distinguished by additional options, but they do not increase the volume of water available for processing. More often it is an additional heater, power regulator or directed flow switch. Additional options affect the price of the device. Internal aquafilters are valued for their noiselessness, but they require free space in the aquarium.

The best internal filters are silent. In the rating presented below, we consider the main types.

This is an affordable instance that can maintain the purity of water in containers up to 100 liters. Manufacturer - Poland. His products are regularly recommended by aquarium experts. The IN 600 Plus is not very attractive in appearance, but ergonomically comfortable. The compact device includes two chambers for bacteria, so beneficial microorganisms that process the liquid remain long-lasting.

The turnover in this model is manually configured. Nozzles working on the exit of clean liquid rotate 180 degrees. The part has a function of oxygen intake, and the following cleaning methods are also implemented:

• biological;
• mechanical;
• chemical.

This is a very productive model with a fairly affordable price tag. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for cleaning 150-liter containers. The filter can skip up to 500 liters per hour. The power consumption of the device is modest. The ceramic filler BioCeraMAX 600, installed inside, copes with nitrites and ammonium. The device implements the following filtering methods:

• mechanical;
• biological.

The device is able to deliver oxygen very deeply, which is important for bottom dwellers. The filter is good for very large aquariums, but this will require additional containers, which are sold separately. This is convenient if the aquarist plans to expand the housing for fish.

This is a very capacious filtration system, which is suitable for volumes from 55 liters. The system uses the so-called rotating flute, thanks to this solution the device is completely silent. It can be used for shrimp and very delicate fish. The classic filter system is filled with a carbon cartridge compartment, which is usually sold separately. The performance of the device is pretty good - 200 liters per hour. The model is quite expensive, but this is most likely due to the origin, the manufacturer is Italian. The system uses the following purification methods:

• mechanical;
• chemical (when installing an additional carbon cartridge).

When choosing, it is enough to consider several basic criteria. Internal devices for water purification in an aquarium of 100 or 200 liters differ in the types of filler. The main cleaning methods are as follows:

• in a mechanical system, debris particles accumulate inside, and a sponge often acts as a drive; this method is enough, for example, for goldfish;
• the biological method allows the cleansing of chemical toxins; the role of filters here is played by special bacteria that live in filling cartridges;
• the chemical method involves the use of coal components; the technique eliminates musty, it is very good in large containers.

Internal filters are characterized by a single installation method, but the equipment needs closer attention, in comparison with an external filtration system. The device is most often used in home, amateur aquariums. Professionals prefer to use another type of internal filter, which is called the bottom. The system is placed underground and prevents acidification.

In general, the equipment varies in power, which is usually indicated on the package. The performance label indicates that the device can process 300 liters of water per hour, 60 liters of water in 10 minutes. A powerful appliance is capable of processing 1,000 liters. Power is calculated by manufacturers on their own, but the data does not always correspond to reality.

Another important selection criterion is the inside of the aquarium filter. The applied sponges can be finely porous or large-porous. The life of both components is approximately seven days. In expensive models, in addition to the sponge, activated carbon is used. However, use this type of filtration with caution. If coal overflows with harmful substances, they will be thrown into the aquarium, which can cause the death of all fish. The system will serve efficiently if timely replacement of carbon filters.

Internal filtering devices vary significantly in price. For example, Chinese manufacturers are quite inexpensive Atman resun. Companies JBL, Sera, Hagen, Tetra (Germany), Aquael (Poland), Ferplast, Hydor offer more expensive models that are positioned as European, but their production is also located in China. The price of the devices is average. Eheim - A German company that produces the most expensive filters, but they are actually produced in Germany. Among specialists and amateurs it enjoys well-deserved popularity. Aquael fan. The products, the choice of which is huge, are characterized by an ideal combination of price and quality.

According to the reviews of aquarists, fine-cellular foam is especially polluted. However, novice lovers often pay attention to it, as they consider it easy to maintain and repair. Internal filtering in itself is easy to operate, and this is its advantage compared to an external system. The external device is more complex, but quiet, so it is used by experienced fish owners. But this system is often required for very gentle aquarium inhabitants who need special conditions. They need additional care, so these inhabitants are not recommended to beginner aquarists.

Instructions for devices of foreign manufacturers are often uninformative or completely incomprehensible. Installing filters can be difficult for a beginner aquarist who has acquired an inexpensive Chinese device. The internal filter is installed directly in the water, but not at the very depth. When installed correctly, it needs to be placed slightly above the surface. For attachment to the walls of the aquarium, special suction cups are usually supplied in a package with a filter and a pump.

The device is supplemented with a hose, one end of which is mounted on the device, and the other end is exposed to the surface. Without proper hose installation, oxygen cannot be supplied. Oxygen is taken above the hydrological level, and the filler must be under water. The installation of an internal filter is not permitted in an empty aquarium.It should be at least half full with water. However, it is not desirable that the internal filter touches the bottom.

A properly attached device can be immediately plugged into the network. For safety, it is important to leave the wire loose. And you can also use special mounts for fixing. When filtering is enabled, a flow should appear. Its strength can be regulated by a mechanical damper, which is installed on the fluid outlet. And you can also adjust the direction of the flow. To correct or change this parameter, it is recommended to disconnect the device from the network.

Particular attention should be paid to installing a biological filtration system. The subtlety lies in the need for a special component that accelerates the growth of bacteria. They must work actively, and before that they will successfully settle on a sponge or in a special filler. Specialists fill the water using a special air conditioner. All preparation is organized before installing the filter in the aquarium. The main difficulties lie in the installation of bottom devices. They cannot be installed without completely removing fluid from the container. Still need to remove all the soil, and after installation, carefully pour it back. The water purifier requires cleaning every four months, and every time all work is repeated.

Operation of filters is impossible without constant maintenance. Regular cleaning is necessary for the normal operation of the device, otherwise the efficiency of the filtration system is reduced. According to the basic rule, the greater the load on the cleaner, the more often it should be cleaned. Frequent maintenance requires mechanical filtration systems. Normal, recommended interval - 1-2 times a week. If clogging of water is observed or the system is very humming, it must be cleaned very often.

Rarer maintenance is required by biological systems. Processing involves partial flushing of the system. General cleaning is needed approximately once every three months. In this case, it is important to leave part of the bacterial colonies, in their complete absence, the meaning of the device’s operation is lost.

Coal used in the aquafiltration system also requires periodic replacement. Activated filler works well in the aquafiltration system for about 2–4 months. Numerous conditions play a role here, for example, volume, water quality, fish and plants living in the aquarium. When replacing, it is worth remembering that it is completely impossible to restore a chemical filter at home. The desired component is purchased only in special stores.

An aquafilter for an aquarium is important not only to choose and mount correctly, but also to work with it competently. In addition to the filter, in this case, the volume of the aquarium, the type of living inhabitants, algae are necessarily taken into account. If the system is optimally selected, the inhabitants will live in a comfortable environment, and caring for them will be simple. For long and proper operation, it is advisable not to leave the device in the water with the fish turned off. Otherwise, the inhabitants can be poisoned by chemical components that are included in the cleaning system.

If necessary, two filters can be installed in one aquarium, which will provide the best result. The power of devices can be reduced. Water treatment with aeration is an important part of aquaristics, therefore, experts are developing entire water treatment systems that keep even large closed aquariums that do not require special care in good condition.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the internal filter for the JBL CristalProfi i100 aquarium.