The best internal filters for an aquarium: reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

When a person acquires an aquarium, he strives to equip it at the highest level. Responsibly approaches the choice of soil, aquarium plants and decorations. This is one of the elements of a full-fledged artificial reservoir. But there is a more important thing necessary for the normal functioning of the future home for fish. This is an internal filter for an aquarium.

What is a filter and what is it for? What are water aeration devices? How to take care of them? What is the difference between filters of famous brands Aquael and Tetra? The answers to these questions are given in the article.

What is a filter and what is it used for?

This is a device for water purification and oxygen saturation, i.e. aeration. Depending on the displacement of the latter, internal filters for the aquarium are different in power. The device purifies not only water, but also soil.

What are filters?

Devices are divided into four types:

1. External aquarium filters.
2. Internal aquarium filters.
3. Bottomfilters.
4. Hinged filters.

External filters

External filters are installed in aquariums with a volume of over 300 liters. The device is placed next to the tank, two hoses are immersed in water. One of them serves to pump out dirty water, the second fills the aquarium with clean water after a preliminary cleaning system. This type of filter is efficient and economical. However, the cost is quite high and the equipment takes up a lot of space.

Bottom filters

Their second name is false bottom. The filter plate is laid on the bottom of the aquarium. The top is covered with soil. Since the filtration is carried out from below, the water is purified in two ways: through the filter and through the soil. These devices are not suitable for large aquariums due to their low performance. It is also noted that they are difficult to operate.

Hinged filters

This device is popular among amateur aquarists. The device is installed near the wall of the aquarium, and the filter device itself (filter mechanism) is lowered into the tank. The performance of this type of equipment is different. But they are not suitable for small aquariums.

Internal filters

Internal aquarium filters are the most popular among professional aquarists. The mechanism is installed inside the fish house. The main advantages of internal filters are as follows:

1. Affordable price.
2. Easy operation.
3. High performance. The device can work both in an aquarium from 3-5 liters, and in a tank with a volume of 250-300 liters.

What are internal filters?

Filtration systems are divided into three types:

1. Mechanical.
2. Biological.
3. Chemical.

Let's look at them in more detail.

Mechanical cleaning

Water is purified using a sponge in the filter cup. Water intake is carried out from below through special holes in the glass. Particles of debris and dirt settle on the sponge, and the water comes out of the filter already cleaned.

Filters with this cleaning method are suitable for various aquariums.

Chemical cleaning

Charcoal is the basis of internal filters for an aquarium with a chemical cleaning method. Water, passing through the carbon filler in the filter, leaves an unpleasant odor, pollution, and most importantly, ammonia. It is filled with useful impurities and minerals and in this form goes into the tank.

Biological treatment

One of the most effective. In the aquarium environment, the soil acts as a cleaner. The filters have special biological fillers populated with beneficial bacteria. Purified with their help, the water loses toxins formed as a result of the vital activity of fish and the death of plants.

Aquael Aquarium filters

The manufacturer of this series of filters is Poland. Devices are of high quality, and the price is not particularly high. There are several types of internal filters for Aquael aquarium:

1. FanMicro.
2. Fan Mini.
3. Fan-1.
4. Fan-2.
5. Fan-3.

How do the models differ? The smallest device is designed for an aquarium up to 30 liters. The largest - Fan-3 - will perfectly cope with water purification in an aquarium with a nominal value of 150-250 liters.

The device of these filters

All of the above devices - mechanical water purification. What is their device? A sponge is inserted into the filter cup. A pump with a flow power regulator is put on top. The rotor is hidden inside the pump. In addition, a hose or aeration tube, suction cups, holder, water flow deflector, aeration nozzles are attached to the device.

How to use the device?

The assembly mechanism is extremely simple. Instructions for use are attached to each type. It will not be difficult even for a beginner to assemble and attach in an aquarium.

Now we need to figure out what to do next with him. If you need to adjust the flow rate, then just turn the knob. It is located on the pump and is a small gray switch.

For greater cleaning efficiency, the hose (aeration tube) can be attached to the aeration nozzle on one side, and connected to the aeration regulator on the other. The aeration power is adjusted by opening or closing the knob.

Filter Care

Actually, there is nothing complicated about it. Periodically it is necessary to wash the sponge, glass and rotor. The fact is that the filter becomes dirty, and aerationwater weakens. How to properly wash the device will be described below:

1. Before you start washing the device, it should be disconnected from the network.
2. Then the filter is carefully removed from the aquarium.
3. The glass is removed. You should click on it in the places indicated.
4. The sponge is removed.
5. The glass is rinsed under clean running water.
6. Sponge should be washed in aquarium water. For washing it under running water will lead to the death of all beneficial bacteria. And this, in fact, is a restart of the aquarium.
7. The rotor is washed twice a month. To do this, it must be removed from the filter and rinsed under running water.

More information

Once every six months, the sponge in the filter must be changed. As well as the suction cups are replaced once a year.

Internal filters for Tetra aquarium

Devices are divided into 4 types:

1. Tetratec in 400.
2. Tetratec in 600.
3. Tetratec in 800.
4. Tetratec in 1000 Plus.

All devices in this series have removable cartridges. Therefore, they do not have to be washed. You just need to change the cartridge in time. Let's consider in more detail how the filters differ from each other.

Tetratec in 400

The filter is designed for aquariums up to 60 liters. Its capacity is 200-400 liters per hour. There is one double replaceable cartridge. Therefore, water purification is carried out both mechanically and biologically. There is a biological sponge and activated carbon in stock.

Tetratec in 600

The model is designed for tanks up to 100 liters. The filter capacity is 300-600 l/h. There are two double replaceable cartridges. The device enriches the water with oxygen, and a natural current is created in the aquarium.

Tetratec in 800

This mechanism is capable of servicing an aquarium up to 150 liters. Productivity of the device reaches 800 l/h. It has two cleaning chambers (cartridges). Thanks to this, one of them can always be in the aquarium when replacing the second. The design of the device is such that you can remove and replace the fillers without touching them with your hands.

Tetratec in 1000

This internal filter for a 200 liter aquarium will do. Its maximum productivity is 1000 l/h at a power of 14 watts. As in previous models, there are two replacement cartridges, as well as a spare set consisting of a sponge and activated carbon.

Comparative characteristics of Aquael and Tetra

When choosing a model, the future aquarist asks the question: which internal filter is better for an aquarium? The tables below reflect the capabilities of the two most popular brands on the market. The first one is Aquael.

Model	Power, W	Capacity, l/h	Aquarium volume, l
Fan micro plus	4	250	Up to 30
Fan mini plus	4, 2	260	30-60
Fan 1 plus	4, 7	320	60 - 100
Fan 2 Plus	5, 2	450	100 - 150
Fan 3 Plus	12	700	150 - 250

Let's take a look at Tetra products.

Model	Power, W	Capacity, l/h	Aquarium volume, l
Tetratec in 400	4	170	Up to 50
Tetratec in 600	8	600	50 - 100
Tetratec in 800	12	800	100 - 150
Tetratec in 1000	14	1000	150-200

As can be seen from the tables, Tetra filters differ significantly from the Aquael series in power and performance.

More information about Aquael

In addition to the above, professional filters, the company is engaged in the production of so-called amateur equipment. These are Aquael Asar and Aquael Unifilter series equipment. These models are designed for amateur aquarists. Unlike the Fan series, they have less power and performance.

You need to know

The closer the filter is attached to the bottom, the worse the aeration of the water occurs.

Aquael Micro Plus is capable of working at a depth of 3 cm. It is ideal for small round aquariums.

Poland (Aquael) and Germany (Tetra) produce the best internal aquarium filters.

Reviews of aquarists

As always, opinions are divided. Other aquaristssatisfied with Tetra filters, they agree that the devices work quite well, without any complaints. And someone claims that after the first disassembly and washing, the filter began to work worse, buzzing. Or even leaking.

As for the feedback on the Aquael series, the situation is the same as above. Someone praises the filters, points to their long service life and crystal clear water in the aquarium. And someone does not like the noise emitted by the device, and the appearance of the device.

Reviews about the internal filter for the aquarium of both brands are different. Choosing a device for an aquarium should be carefully studied technical specifications.

Conclusion

Which is the best internal aquarium filter? There is no objective answer to this question. How many people, so many opinions. Some like the Polish company Aquael, others prefer the German brand Tetra.

What should I consider when choosing a filter? First of all, technical specifications. It must be understood that in an aquarium with a volume of 50 liters, a filter designed to service a 30-liter tank will not be sufficient.

Secondly, the price category. A good filter is not cheap. The average price of devices with minimum performance is 800 rubles. The more powerful the device, the more expensive it is.

And thirdly, you should think about the future inhabitants of the aquarium. Small fish do not need huge tanks with a powerful filter. The flow of water will simply kill the fish. Conversely, small filters are not placed in large aquariums. Insufficient oxygen will kill its inhabitants.