Aquarium & Fish Tank Filters

Why do I need an aquarium filter?

The key to successful fish keeping is maintaining good water quality. Aquarium Filters play an important part in providing healthy living conditions for your aquarium inhabitants, like fish, plants, corals and invertebrates.

Types of aquarium filters

There are many filter types available to you and which one you choose depends on the size of your aquarium tank, your budget, room environment and cleaning preferences. Below is an explanation of each aquarium filter we offer:

Canister Filters

Canister filters are an external filter that provide the largest filtering capacity and work under pressure.

These filters are ideal for medium-large aquarium setups. They’re typically placed inside the aquarium cabinet and pump water in and out of the pipes. Our canister filters are designed for multipurpose use and capable of filtering out mechanical and chemical substances while creating a medium for good bacteria to colonise – all in just one simple device. All you need to do is place the appropriate material into each filter media, whether that be foam, ceramic noodles, charcoal or filter wool, and your fish will be protected against any harmful substances. These models are suitable for freshwater and saltwater environments. And they require little maintenance during their lifecycle too.

Internal Filters

Internal filtersare regularly used in smaller aquarium setups and installed inside the aquarium itself (typically on the bottom or mounted on the side). By drawing water towards the filter media (can be foam and/or charcoal depending on the brand), they trap any impurities that travel through and direct the new supply of water back into the tank. Much like canister filters, you can place different media into the device, in order to achieve the 3 necessary types of filtration.

Hang on Filters

These filters hang on the rim of your aquarium. Water is normally drawn up through a length of pipe submersed in the aquarium, pumped through the filter media (which will depend on the brand) and then back into the aquarium overflowing from the top of the filter.

Air driven filters

As the name suggests they are driven by air. The air is normally supplied by an air pump and creates a vacuum, drawing the water through the filter media (usually filter wool & charcoal).

We stock a great range of of air driven filters to suit your aquarium.

Undergravel Filters

Undergravel filters are a common type of internal filter, which is installed below the aquarium gravel to break down waste which accumulates in the gravel. This encourages the growth of good bacteria to cleanse your water supply.

Note that the aquarium gravel is an important part of the filtration process.

These filters come in a range of standard sizes:

• 25x50cm (10x20inch)
• 30x60cm (12x24inch)
• 30x76cm (12x30inch)
• 30x91cm (12x36inch)
• 30x121cm (12x48inch)

How do I pick the right sized filter for my fish tank?

Work out the capacity of my fish tank

Multiply the length x width x height measuring in centimetres and divide by 1000 to get the capacity in litres:

• example: 60cm x 40cm x 40cm = 96000. 96000 / 1000 = 96 litres

Now multiply this by 3 and 4 to get an approximate flow rate range for your filter.

• example: 96 x 3 = 288, 96 x 4 = 384

In this example a suitable filter would have a flow rate of 300-400 litres per hour.

Fish tank capacities and corresponding flow rates

If you are not sure what sized fish tank filter would be suitable then please contact us.

Not Sure Which Filter is Right for You?

If you need assistance with choosing one of our Aquarium Filters, you can call us on 07 5551 0235 and our friendly staff will be able to help you. You can also email us at info@theaquariumshop.com.au and we’ll quickly respond to any queries you may have.