There are many types of filtration systems available for your saltwater aquarium. But which is the right kind for you? Biological filtration systems are of course going to be a part of your overall filtration system. They can constitute one hundred percent but that is an option, and you may wish to have mechanical filters working in conjunction with your biological ones.
The filter's purpose is to ensure that waste is removed from your tank, because unlike the ocean, your tank is a finite space where your livestock cannot escape. If you don't have a good filtration system and make the mistake of over-feeding your livestock, then you will quickly have problems inside your tank. This is because most fish process waste into ammonia, which then becomes toxic to your fish unless destroyed by your filtration system.
Let's examine what types there are available.
Biological Filters
Biological filters are going to constitute a portion of your tank because the natural foundation of your reef, from the sand, to the rock formations and plant life you choose all form part of the biological filter. What occurs in nature is that is that natural bacteria form on the rocks and in the sand, which is exactly what you want. The first batch of bacteria that will form will be ammonia eaters, but they will convert the ammonia into slightly less harmful nitrate. Fortunately, nitrate-eater bacteria will form next, thus clearing your tank of harmful waste. It takes more than a rock or two to have a one hundred percent biological filter however. There are many techniques, some of which are visually stunning, used to create a sound biological filter that eliminates the need for mechanical filtration. But the right materials all depend on your choice of livestock. Different fish, corral, and other livestock you may choose for your tank will require different biological filtration set-ups. So do your research based on your species.
Mechanical Filters
Mechanical filters used in conjunction with your biological setup puts you in full control, ensuring that if there is a waste problem that it can be dealt with immediately to ensure the survival of your livestock. But it is important to remember that mechanical filters will not be able to eliminate large solids in your tank, and require effort on your part to keep them from getting clogged. What they primarily do is strain solid particles from your tank to keep the water clear. Working in partnership with your biological filter, the mechanical filter is among the most important components of your entire tank.
Chemical Filters
Chemical filters work by gas activated carbon dissolving waste materials, and usually are used in combination with mechanical and/or biological filters. It is useful to use the carbon-based chemical filter when ammonia levels rise to a high enough level to harm the livestock in your tank, while allowing your biological system to do the regular, every day work.
It is useful to know that all three types can be used in combination or separately. It really depends on the size of your tank, the livestock you have chosen, and your particular tastes and design for your underwater habitat.
There is little in life as pleasing as the beauty of a fully outfitted, custom made saltwater aquarium and the aquatic residents that make it their home. The process of purchasing an aquarium is an easy one for many-after all, there are so many choice for the decorating of such a thing that they seem to be almost endless-but the process for establishing maximum utility and making the aquarium livable for its new residents is a bit more complicated.
The first thing that needs to be done after the purchase of a new aquarium is to cleanse the tank itself and all of its accessory parts with freshwater, sans soap, and a soft cloth. This will remove any dust and chemicals which it may have accumulated while in the factory and prevent them from harming the fish. Once all of the parts have been cleaned the tank should be set upon a level stand which has been placed an appropriate distance from the wall to enable the electrical cords to reach an outlet plug with a minimal risk of minor amounts of sloshing from the tank causing an electrical fire. A soft cloth should be placed beneath the tank to keep the condensation from the saltwater aquarium from causing damage to the surface of the stand beneath it.
Once the aquarium has been properly installed it should be filled with saltwater. You can either purchase an already made saltwater solution or make your own. Once you have filled the tank you should let all of the equipment run for 24 to 48 on a test cycle to ensure that everything is working properly. Take this opportunity to test the temperature, salinity and pH of the water to ensure that the conditions are optimal for the breed of saltwater fish which are going to be inhabiting your aquarium (it is best to research this ahead of time-not all saltwater fish thrive in the same conditions).
By the fifth day these first stage bacteria will have begun to metabolize the ammonia into nitrite. This process will be well established by the end of the first week. At the end of the second week ammonia levels will be completely safe for the fish and nitrites will be at their peak. From here until approximately day 27 the second stage bacteria will be working to begin metabolizing the nitrite to nitrate. By day 30 ammonia and nitrite levels should be all but non-existent as nitrate levels reach their peak and the bacterium are well able to handle maintaining the chemical composition of the water.
Red-brush algae is a variety of algae that loves aquariums that have a high PH. It is incredibly difficult to manually remove red-brush algae from aquariums.Blue-green algae is deceptive because it's not an algae at all. It is really a cynobacteria. When it appears in the aquarium it looks like a slime that is taking over the tank. Blue-green algae can be fatal to aquarium plants and can jeopardize the health of the fish.
There are a million different types of aquariums on the market, and with the number of choices available and the fact that there is no guaranteed formula for success for creating a saltwater aquarium it can be very difficult for individuals to choose which type of aquarium they should purchase. There are a number of factors which should be considered before the would be biologist ever sets foot inside a pet store.
Use distilled water whenever you clean your saltwater aquarium or change the water. Changing your water every two to three weeks will limit the amount of time algae can grow in your tank. When you change the water make sure you vacuum your rocks. Also keep the use of additives to a minimum. Change your prefilter pad weekly.
Another consideration is materials. Glass and acrylic are the two choices most widely available on the market at the moment. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass is by far the more popular of the two due to the fact that it is less likely to scratch, allowing the sides to maintain their clarity. It is also considerably less expensive, an important consideration as it can cost a great deal of money to establish a saltwater aquarium and every advantage should be taken. Finally, the nature of the silicone sealant used in glass aquariums allows the tank to expand more readily when water is added.
Purchase the largest, strongest algae glass cleaning magnet you can find and then use it. If you use the magnet each and every time you clean the water your tank the glass on your tank should stay algae free. Be sure to clean the magnet after each use. For particularly stubborn algae spots, you will have to use a razor blade. Don't forget to clean the overflow pipes.
Both Devin Gilliland & Roger Gordon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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