Carbon filter for aquarium: internal (photo)

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

Activated carbon is often used to filter water in an aquarium. The substance is famous for its ability to quickly remove unpleasant odors and make water more transparent. In addition, medicinal components are removed from it if the fish were treated. Aquarists disagree about the need to use this substance. Some use it on a regular basis, while others prefer not to use it at all. A carbon filter for an aquarium is the most budgetary and common form of water purification. Therefore, it is worth considering its pros and cons, as well as the possibility of making the device yourself.

Used for

Activated charcoal is intended for various purposes, including medical ones. In the aquarium trade it is used for:

• eliminate unpleasant odors and clarify water;
• giving her a speci altransparency;
• remove additives, medicines and fertilizers.

It has been noticed that if a partial change of water in the tank where the fish are swimming is not carried out for several weeks, then an unpleasant odor appears in it. A charcoal filter for an aquarium can eliminate such problems and does not require special installation conditions.

Features of use

Often, corals and all kinds of plants are placed in the aquarium. However, light is necessary for the full growth of its inhabitants. In order for the lamps used to have full return, the water must be transparent. For this, a carbon filter for aquariums is useful. As a result of its installation, all substances that interfere with the penetration of light disappear. But experienced aquarists warn that charcoal should be used with care:

• if there are a lot of corals in the water tank, then a large amount of black substance can damage them;
• when the water was cloudy before, corals experience a slight shock when it suddenly clears up.

To understand whether it is necessary to purify the water, you should look at the tank with fish from the side of one of its walls. If the opposite glass is not visible, then a carbon filter for aquariums will be required. It is able to clean the container from dissolved organic matter and make the water transparent.

Additional features

The charcoal filter for the aquarium has great potential. Why it is needed is known, but not to all novice fish lovers. So, if the fry were onlypurchased from a pet store, they must be quarantined. In this case, recommended medicines are used that can remove activated charcoal without harm to the he alth of fish.

But you should refrain from using it if you need to fertilize plants. Otherwise, all useful additives will be quickly removed. Some aquarists claim that plants absorb fertilizer before it disappears. However, it is impossible to say for sure that the filter will not hurt.

How often to change activated carbon

A carbon filter for water in an aquarium can last a different period of time. The duration of the black substance in the purification system depends on the degree of contamination of the water. So, the service life is significantly reduced if there are too many impurities. It is important to understand that the use of the filter in each individual case is individual.

If there are a lot of corals in the aquarium, they produce biochemicals, which, in turn, have a negative effect on other plants. The algae also release biochemicals into the water that can be detrimental to corals. In this case, it is simply necessary to use an internal carbon filter for the aquarium. The product contributes to a significant and rapid reduction in the harmful effects of components released into the water.

It is generally recommended to change activated charcoal after 3-4 weeks of use, but the exact timing depends entirely on the biological content of the water. If such a load is weak, then the device will work longer. Shouldn't be leftused filter for a long time in the aquarium. During intensive work, the pores become clogged and bacteria multiply in them. As a result, it not only does not contribute to water purification, but is also a source of contamination.

Disadvantages of the carbon filter

Whether a carbon filter is needed for an aquarium depends entirely on the operations being carried out. It is known that the substance is not able to distinguish which compounds should be removed and which should be left. If the aquarist uses mineral plant food, the filter will interfere with their absorption and the algae will not receive full nutrition. The same applies to any other useful supplements. In addition, activated carbon creates dust, which sometimes causes erosion of the head and sides of the fish. Of course, there is no scientific data on this topic yet, but you should keep this in mind.

Phosphates can also form from the black matter if carbon is used that has not been acid washed. As a result, massive algal blooms are possible. To test coal for phosphates, there are special test kits that can be purchased at a pet store.

How to use a carbon filter for an aquarium

Experienced aquarists, if necessary, use activated carbon to purify water using a reactor. In addition to it, you need to purchase a falling water pump and a bag for the substance itself.

Next, the coal is placed in the purchased bag and washed under reverse osmosis water. This is necessary in order to remove all the dust from it. Then itplaced in a reactor and water is turned on at a flow rate of about 1,300 liters per hour. Do not create too much water pressure. Otherwise, the contact time of the liquid with the carbon is reduced, which makes the use of the filter less effective.

Do I need a filter

Experienced aquarists know how to keep water at optimal levels. If a person is just starting to breed fish and decides to use a carbon filter for the first time, then you should carefully monitor the condition of the water.

If it turned yellow, exudes an unpleasant odor, then you can put the device on for two or three days and see how it will work.

But if corals of different nature are present in the aquarium, then it is necessary to use only acid-washed substance and carefully observe the results.

DIY carbon filter for aquarium

All fish lovers need to take care of:

• suitable aquarium;
• vegetation;
• ground;
• decorative elements;
• filter.

It is important to remember that a water purifier is essential for the normal functioning of aquatic life. However, it is not always possible to purchase the optimal model in a pet store. Therefore, you can make a filter yourself.

Production principle

It is quite possible to make a carbon filter for an aquarium with your own hands at home. It is known that a good device is not cheap. For those who want to save money,we propose to consider a variant of a simple model for water purification. To do this, you need to prepare a sponge, the size of which is selected depending on the volume of the aquarium, as well as:

• sucker;
• atomizer;
• rubber tube;
• small compressor;
• two syringes (20 ml).

It is necessary to take a syringe, and in the part where the medicine is drawn, make holes with a heated awl. The first syringe should be connected by soldering to the second. To do this, the widest ends can be held on a hot plate and quickly connected, holding tightly for 5 seconds. The part into which the needle is inserted must be cut off. The result is a long tube.

In the sponge, you need to make a deep, but not wide cut, and insert part of the syringe into it. Next, a rubber tube is inserted into the pipe and connected to the selected compressor. On the other side, a suction cup is attached to hold the structure on the wall of the aquarium.

Filter installation methods

So, I bought or made my own carbon filter for the aquarium. How to install the device? What are the rules to follow?

Initially, you need to remember that the filter is not installed in an empty container. The aquarium should be at least half full. In addition, all parts of the filter must be thoroughly dried before its initial assembly.

The carbon device is attached to the walls of the aquarium with suction cups, taking into account a distance of about 3 cm from the bottom. The filter must be immersed in water only when it is disconnected from the mains.condition.

The device includes a tube that is needed to supply air. She is taken outside. If the filter is purchased at a pet store, then it is worth considering options that provide for convenient attachment. In such devices, the tube will not fall into the water and will be in a fixed state. These conditions correspond to the carbon filter for the Tetra aquarium. Further, if everything is done correctly, you can plug the device into a power outlet.

To make sure that the filter works properly, you need to pay attention to its work. If it circulates and oxygenates the water, then there should be no doubt.

Different types of filters

Carbon filters for an aquarium, the photos of which are presented in this article, can be external and internal. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which one is suitable in each case.

Beginner aquarists are first of all recommended to focus on the size of the fish tank. If the aquarium is large, then there is no fundamental difference. But often they install small houses for fish, or medium sizes. In this case, it is optimal to use an external filter. Unlike internal, it is installed outside the tank, which saves space for aquatic life.

Features of the operation of such a device are as follows:

• water enters the filter;
• clearing;
• returns back to the fish.

Benefitsexternal filters

An external device has many advantages. Among them, experienced aquarists distinguish the following:

• does not take up useful space inside the aquarium;
• makes the container more aesthetic;
• clean water better from pollution.

Of course, it is necessary to choose a purification system not only according to its capabilities, but also the price. But it is the cost that is often too high, so you can use the above scheme and make the product yourself. Everything you need is sold in pet stores, and the assembly itself is quite simple.

Maintenance of filters

Maintenance of appliances comes down to cleaning them as they get dirty. Used external filter cans should only be opened and washed every six months. However, only ceramic parts and foam rubber are subjected to the caring process. In addition, only aquarium water should be used.

Some nuances are available for homemade filters. After starting the first time they work like mechanical ones. The used substrate quickly fills up with dirt, which entails a decrease in productivity. Meanwhile, favorable soil is created for the reproduction of bacteria. They quickly accumulate and their excreted substances turn into nitrate. Thus, there is a self-cleaning of the filter in a biological way. To prevent harmful substances from entering the water, it is necessary to clean it after 2-4 weeks.

Conclusion

Reliable aquarium water filtrationis an important factor for the normal life of fish. The charcoal device does its job well. However, it is necessary to take into account the volume of the aquarium and observe the ongoing processes. In addition to industrial devices, you can use homemade ones. In this case, everything you need should be purchased at specialized pet stores and the filters should also be cleaned. The methods are no different in both cases.