Internal filters for aquarium: description, selection and installation

Filtration of aquarium water is possible with various devices, which are external or internal. The last option is characterized by different performance and price. The choice of an internal system is complicated by the wide variety of models.

The main feature of internal aquarium filters is their convenient dimensions. The use and maintenance of the aquarium devices is quite simple and they are installed directly inside the aquarium. There is a wide variety of devices 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 slots, which are needed to draw in liquid with air. An electrically powered pump is usually attached to it, and a filter base is located inside. In most of the devices, the role of such is played by foam rubber, less often - modern polyurethane foam.

In addition to the closed filtration system, there are open internal systems on sale., including only cleaning materials and a pump in the kit. Under the action of the mechanisms, the foam rubber 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 capable of converting organic residues into inorganic nutrients.Cheap options with only mechanical cleaning have little filtration capabilities, so they are often supplemented with other elements. For example, activated carbon or zeolite is often used in filter materials. It is believed that such models produce chemical water purification.

The performance of the 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 devices are distinguished by additional options, but they do not increase the volume of water that can be processed. Most often it is an auxiliary heater, power regulator or diversion switch. Additional options affect the price of the device. Internal aquafilters are prized for their quiet operation, but they require a lot of space in the aquarium.

The best internal filters are quiet. In the rating below, we will consider the main types.

This is an affordable unit that can keep water clean in containers up to 100 liters. Manufacturer - Poland. His products are regularly recommended by aquarists. IN 600 Plus is not very attractive in appearance, but it is comfortable ergonomically. The compact device includes two chambers for bacteria, so beneficial microorganisms that process liquid remain efficient for a long time.

The turnover in this model is set manually. The nozzles, working for the outlet of clean liquid, rotate 180 degrees. The part has the function of taking oxygen, 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 guarantees cleaning of 150 liter containers. The filter can pass up to 500 liters per hour. The power consumption of the device is modest. The internal ceramic filler BioCeraMAX 600 handles nitrite and ammonia. The device implements the following filtration methods:

• mechanical;
• biological.

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

This is a very capacious filtration system that is suitable for volumes from 55 liters. The system uses a 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 filtration system is filled with a compartment for the carbon cartridge, which is usually sold separately. The performance of the device is quite 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 cleaning methods:

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

When choosing, it is enough to take into account a few basic criteria. Internal devices for water purification in an aquarium of 100 or 200 liters differ in the type of filler. The main cleaning methods are as follows:

• in a mechanical system, debris particles accumulate inside, and a sponge often acts as a storage device; this method is sufficient, for example, for goldfish;
• the biological method allows cleansing from chemical toxins; the role of filters is played by special bacteria that live in filling cartridges;
• the chemical method involves the use of coal components; the technique allows you to eliminate mustiness, it is very good in large containers.

Internal filters are characterized by a uniform installation method, but equipment needs more attention than external filtration systems. The device is more often used in home and amateur aquariums. Professionals prefer to use another type of internal filter called a bottom filter. The system is placed under the ground and prevents soil acidification.

In general, the equipment differs 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. The powerful device is capable of processing 1000 liters. The power is calculated by the manufacturers themselves, but the data does not always correspond to reality.

Another important selection criterion is the inside of the aquarium filter. The sponges used can be fine-pored or large-pored. The life of both those and other components is approximately seven days. In expensive models, in addition to a sponge, activated carbon is used. However, this type of filtering must be used with caution. If the coal overflows with harmful substances, they will be thrown into the aquarium, which can cause the death of all fish. The system will serve well if the charcoal filters are replaced in a timely manner.

Internal filtration devices vary significantly in price. For example, devices from 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 Is a German company that produces the most expensive filters, but they are actually made in Germany. It enjoys well-deserved popularity among specialists and amateurs Aquael fan... The products, the choice of which is huge, are distinguished by an ideal combination of price and quality.

According to aquarists, fine-mesh foam rubber is especially heavily contaminated. However, novice amateurs often pay attention to it, since they consider it easy to maintain and repair. Internal filtration itself is easy to operate, and this is its advantage over an external system. The external device is more sophisticated, but quiet, so it is used by experienced fish owners. But this system is often required for very delicate aquarium dwellers who need special conditions. They need additional care, so these inhabitants are not recommended for novice hobbyists.

Instructions for devices from foreign manufacturers are often uninformative or completely incomprehensible. Installing filters can be difficult for a novice aquarist who has purchased an inexpensive Chinese device. The internal filter is installed directly into the water, but not to the very depth. When properly installed, it should be positioned 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 to the device, and the other end is exposed to the surface. Oxygen supply is not possible without proper hose installation. Oxygen is taken above the hydrological level and the filler must be under water. Installing an internal filter is not permitted in an empty aquarium.It must be at least half full with water. In this case, it is not desirable that the internal filter touches the bottom.

A correctly fixed device can be plugged in immediately. For safety, it is important to leave the wire free to fall. And you can also use special fasteners for fixing. When filtration is on, a current should appear. Its strength can be regulated by a mechanical flap, 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 turn off the device from the network.

Particular attention should be paid to the installation of 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 in water using a special conditioner. All preparations are organized prior to the installation of the filter in the aquarium. The main difficulties are in the installation of bottom devices. They cannot be installed without completely removing the liquid from the container. You also need to remove all the soil, and after installation, carefully fill it back. The water purifier requires cleaning every four months, and each time the entire work is repeated.

The operation of filters is impossible without constant maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential for proper operation of the device, otherwise the efficiency of the filtration system will decrease. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the load on the cleaner, the more often the cleaning should be done. Systems with mechanical filtration require frequent maintenance. Normal, the recommended interval is 1-2 times a week... If the water is clogged or the system hums a lot, it must be cleaned very often.

Biological systems require less maintenance. Treatment involves a partial flush of the system. A general cleaning is needed about once every three months. At the same time, it is important to leave some of the bacterial colonies; in their complete absence, the meaning of the device's operation is lost.

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

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

If necessary, two filters can be installed in the same aquarium, which will provide the best result. The power of the devices can be reduced. Aerated water treatment is an important part of the aquarium industry, which is why specialists develop complete water treatment systems that keep even large closed aquariums in good condition, which do not require special maintenance during operation.

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