Never replace it, unless it is about to fall apart, or rinse it in chlorinated tap water or heated water. To clean it, wring it out in a bucket of waste tank water, such as after siphoning. Sponge: This type of filter media should last you for several years.Carbon will deactivate water-based medications and some other water treatments. Carbon can be used to remove various compounds from your water, but your water may already be healthy enough. Activated carbon: You are not required to use carbon in your filter.We recommend swapping this out for a sturdy sponge, cut to size, before you start running your filter. It may contain a few flecks of activated carbon, but mostly is designed to fail. Mesh: This type of filter is very flimsy and cheap.Here are some of the types you may encounter: There are many different types of filter media available for home aquariums. If you’d prefer a canister model, the Fluval Performance Canister Filter has a size that will make your fish happy and you can customize the filtration components to your heart’s content. I’ve been using one for almost 10 years, and it is the best pick for most aquarium tanks. When it comes to selecting a filter, you just can’t beat the AquaClear Power Filter. When it comes to filters, you really can’t beat AquaClear overall. In my career as a private fish practitioner, I have seen every type of filter and have frequent discussions with my clients about various available models. Our best overall selection, the AquaClear Power Filter, comes in a wide range of sizes, contains filter media that is almost indestructible and has been successfully cleaning this author’s tank for almost 10 years. Jessica Fox, Certified Aquatic Veterinarian, told The Spruce Pets. All aquatic animals will require a filter of some kind,” Dr. Good fish health requires filters to be set up correctly and maintained regularly.

“Filters are a vital component of any aquarium.

No matter what type of filtration you select, remember that proper maintenance will keep it working long and hard. Depending on the size of your tank, your inhabitants and your own personal preferences, we’ll guide you to the best options available. When it comes to choosing a filter for your aquarium, you have lots of options, and many fish owners can become overwhelmed. Aquarium filters are essential to providing your fish with clean and healthy water.

Modern fish tank aquarium