Selecting A Filtration System For Your Saltwater Fish Tank

There are so many filtration methods to select from when it comes to saltwater fish tank that the beginner can get truly confused at what to look for. It sometimes seem so much easier to just purchase an aquarium that already comes built-in with the complete filtration and heating systems that you might need but this does come with a bigger price. Also, having the freedom to choose each tank equipment separately also gives you the freedom to customize the aquarium to suit the needs of the unique fish you plan to breed and match the locality where you wish to place the tank.

Regardless of whether it is for a freshwater or saltwater fish tank, there are three basic functions that every filter needs to perform. They are mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. These filtration functions eliminate waste matter and chemical traces that would otherwise be hazardous to the health of your fish.

Mechanical filtration is a basic function performed by all filters. They function by removing larger waste matter such as excrement from the fish or excess food. If left without removing, these waste matter will promote excessive bacterial and fungal growth which will turn the tank water cloudy as well as affect the health of the fish. In a saltwater fish tank, a common mechanical filter is the protein skimmer which uses air bubbles to trap protein in the water, floating it to the top of the tank through a water column and is then collected and discarded using a skimmer.

Biological filtration makes use of beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia first into nitrate and then into nitrite which is harmless to the fish and is easily discarded as it escapes from the water into the atmosphere. In a saltwater fish tank, this function is provided by Live Rock and Live Sand.

Chemical filtration works to remove any harmful chemicals that might be free-floating in the water. These chemicals may have come from accidental pollution such as a new decoration, unauthorized cleaning solutions or even uncleaned hands dipped into the water. Or it may be left over from a water treatment you may have used to treat some sick fish. Most basic filters do not incorporate chemical filtration because it is not really important on a day to day basis but if you wish to, you would use Granular Activated Carbon or GAC. GAC is typically made from coal and through a process of absorption is able to remove gelbstoff, chlorine, medication as well as many other pollutants that other forms of filtration would not be able to remove.

There are many saltwater fish tank filters to choose from in the marketplace today but now you know what to look for when selecting one that is just right for your fish and your tank. For more information on saltwater fish tank [http://fish-tank-filters.org/the-difference-between-saltwater-filters-and-freshwater-filters-part-1/] and other aquarium guides, please visit Fish Tank Filters at [http://fish-tank-filters.org] today.

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