BiomesInaBox

Tag: filter

  • Do I Need a Protein Skimmer For a Saltwater Tank?

    Do I Need a Protein Skimmer For a Saltwater Tank?

    Saltwater aquariums come in many different sizes, and shapes, and they all have their quirks and needs. When questions such as, “Do I Need a Protein Skimmer” pop up, it’s hard to give a perfect answer. At the end of the day, it comes down to the aquarium’s specific needs and style of fishkeeping, but I will share my point of view on the topic. To start, this article will cover what is a protein skimmer for fish tanks and then I will discuss whether your saltwater aquarium might need one.

    What is a Protein Skimmer?

    Before we continue the discussion of whether a protein skimmer is a necessity or not, let’s talk about what it is. A protein skimmer is a piece of equipment used in saltwater aquariums that removes waste from your water. A pump creates air bubbles and the bubbles push up through a cylindrical housing. Proteins and other organic wastes are attached to these bubbles which dispense into a collection cup. The collection cup will fill with a slurry of water and waste, which will need to be cleaned out from time to time. In nature, the foam you see on the beach is similar to the end product of what a protein skimmer does to remove waste from the water.

    Protein skimmers are wonderful tools to use in a saltwater aquarium when they are dialed in just right. Besides removing waste from the water, they also help produce large amounts of oxygen, which is overall beneficial for a saltwater aquarium.

    Are Protein Skimmers Required?

    To keep it as simple as possible, I highly recommend setting up a protein skimmer if it logistically makes sense for your system. If you have a saltwater aquarium with a sump system, you’ll likely want a protein skimmer. The skimmer will help remove undesirable waste from your fish tank, which will decrease the likelihood of larger increases in nitrates and phosphates. The size of the protein skimmer should be rated equal to or larger than your aquarium’s water volume. If you own a 75-gallon reef tank with a 20-gallon sump, You’re safe to use something like the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT, which is rated for aquariums up to 100 gallons.

    If you’re running a smaller saltwater fish tank, such as a nano tank, you can likely get away without using a protein skimmer. Frequent water changes will remove proteins and waste from the water column. Water changes in a nano reef tank won’t be as costly compared to large aquariums that require larger quantities of saltwater. Internal protein skimmers will also take up a lot of space in the fish tank can ruin the aesthetic. However, if you’re still interested in a protein skimmer for your nano fish tank, consider checking out the AquaticLife Mini Internal Protein Skimmer.

    How To Setup Refugium in Saltwater Tank

    Learn the importance of a refugium and how to set one up for different types of aquariums

    Read More

    If you have an All-in-One nano aquarium, there are small protein skimmers that may fit in one of the compartments of your filtration system. The Coralife Biocube Protein Skimmer is a great example of a skimmer made for All-in-One fish tanks. The hardest part of this is finding a skimmer that will fit correctly into your filtration system. You may have to do some research and digging to find out which one will be best for you.

    Final Notes

    Protein skimmers are just another tool we use to create a pristine environment for our fish, coral, and invertebrates. When tuned correctly, a skimmer works incredibly well at removing wastes from the water column. Combining the filtration of a protein skimmer and setting up a refugium are two things you can do to make your saltwater aquarium filtering easier.

    Image by Skimz on wikiMedia

  • Fluval Aquaclear HOB Filter – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Fluval Aquaclear HOB Filter – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Aquaclear Hang on the back Summary

    The Aquaclear Power Filter series is a fantastic filtration system with all shapes and sizes for most standard aquariums. It is one that I have used in the past and plan on using for future aquarium builds. It provides biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration for your fish tank and has an entirely customizable media basket. This article will go into detail about each Aquaclear HOB Filter. If you have used Aquaclear Filters and are interested in other brands, check out the 7 Best Hang-On Back Power Filters for Freshwater Aquariums, otherwise continue reading!

    Table Of Contents
    1. Aquaclear 20 A-595
    2. Fluval AquaClear 30 A-600
    3. Fluval AquaClear 50
    4. Fluval AquaClear 70 A-615
    5. Fluval AquaClear 110
    6. AquaClear Instructions & Installation
    7. Final Notes

    Aquaclear 20 A-595

    The Aquaclear 20 Power Filter is rated for fish tanks between 5 and 20 gallons. You can check it out on sale at Amazon by following this link. Out of the box, this power filter comes with foam sponges, activated carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 20 filter flow rate is roughly 100 gallons per hour (378 liters per hour) at its maximum. You can adjust the flow of this filtration system to fit your needs. The minimum flow rate is 33 gallons per hour (125 liters per hour). This HOB filter has a media basket that allows you to easily swap out filter media. AquaClear branded media is available to make switching out filter media incredibly simple. This model’s filter media will have a large 20 labeled on the box.

    I would recommend purchasing bulk media such as activated carbon and foam sponges. Those are things that will more than likely need to be switched out over time. You may not require ammonia remover if you have an established fish tank. An established fish tank should not have increased levels of ammonia. If you own loose filter media, you can purchase AquaClear 20 Nylon Bags to add your filter media.

    AquaClear 20 Dimensions

    This filter is small and compact but still provides plenty of power to keep your fish tank clean! The AquaClear 20 dimensions are 4 7/8″ x 4″ x 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). If you’re using the metric system to measure the dimensions they are 11.75cm x 10.25cm x 14.75cm. Most of the filters will hang on the outside of the aquarium. The only piece inside the fish tank will be the intake tube. This allows you to have plenty of space for aquascaping!

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 20 Use?

    The AquaClear 20 does not use much electricity at all. When running this little filter will use 6W. This isn’t too much energy considering a filter is a fairly important tool we use in fishkeeping.

    Fluval AquaClear 30 A-600

    The AquaClear 30 Hang-on Filter is rated for aquariums up to 30 gallons. You can check out the Aquaclear 30 on Amazon. This model comes included with a Foam Sponge, Activated Carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 30 Power Filter has a little more power to it than its smaller counterpart. The AquaClear 30 flow rate will max out at 150 gallons (568 liters) per hour and has a minimum flow rate of 50 gallons (190 liters) per hour. Similar to other AquaClear filters this one has filter media specifically designed to fit its media basket. You will see a large 30 on filter media boxes rated for the AquaClear 30.

    This HOB filter also has a media basket that allows you to mix and match different filter media. There are AquaClear branded media available to purchase to make your life easier. The filter media is appropriately sized to easily fit into your filter. This model’s filter media will have a large 30 labeled on the box.

    AquaClear 30 Dimensions

    This filter has a little larger footprint compared to the AquaClear 20. The only difference in size between AC20 and AC30 is the length. The AquaClear 30 dimensions are 6″ x 4″ x 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). For anyone using the metric system, that is 15.25 cm x 10.25 cm x 14.75 cm. This is a filter that is just a little larger but benefits from an increased flow rate and more space for filter media.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 30 Use?

    It might be surprising, but like the AquaClear 20, the AquaClear 30 also only uses 6W of energy. With this filter, you get more surface area for biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration and more water flow.

    Fluval AquaClear 50

    The AquaClear 50 filter is designed for aquariums of up to 50 gallons. Check it out on Amazon here. This filter model will come included with AquaClear Foam Sponge, Activated Carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 50 flow rate will max out at 200 gallons (757 liters) per hour. On the other hand, it can be dialed down to have a minimum flow rate of 66 gallons (250 liters) per hour. So far each filter increases the max flow rate by intervals of 50 gallons per hour. The pump will intake water which will feed through the filter housing. Like the other AquaClear hang-on filters, the housing will have a media basket that will help provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

    AquaClear 50 Dimensions

    AquaClear 50 dimensions will remain roughly the same as the smaller models. The only thing larger with this model is the length. AquaClear 50 Power Filter is 7″ x 4″ 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). If you prefer seeing these measurements in centimeters, they are 17.75cm x 10.25cm x 14.75cm. Overall, it is not much larger than the AquaClear 30 but benefits from providing more flow and more surface area for filter media.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 50 Use?

    Similar to the smaller hang-on-the-back models, the AquaClear only uses 6W of energy. This filter might be a little overkill for smaller fish tanks, but it may still be great for 20 or even 30-gallon aquariums.

    Fluval AquaClear 70 A-615

    The AquaClear 70 is rated for aquariums up to 70 gallons. Pick it up on Amazon by following this link. However, if I have an aquarium this large with a well-stocked fish tank I would consider using a canister filter and maybe supplement the fish tank with this filter. Heavily planted aquariums will probably get by with an AquaClear 70 but fish tanks with high-bioload fish will, in my opinion, require something more.

    Anyway, the AquaClear 70 flow rate will max out at about 300 gallons (1135 liters) per hour. You can adjust the flow and at its minimum, this filter will pump water at about 100 gallons (380 liters) per hour. This filter increases the flow rate in the aquarium by 100 gallons per hour, compared to the AquaClear 50.

    It comes included with Activated Carbon, Foam Sponges, and AquaClear BioMax. When hunting for filter media replacements look for AquaClear boxes with a large 70 labeled on them.

    AquaClear 70 Dimensions

    We see an increase in length, width, and height for the AquaClear 70 dimensions. The AquaClear 70 is 8 1/4″ x 6″ x 8″ (LxWxH). For our friends that use the metric system, the dimensions are 21cm x 15.25cm x 20.5cm. That is a fairly large increase in size which will help your aquarium become filtered successfully. Remember, you can’t over-filter your aquarium!

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 70 Use?

    The AquaClear 70 only uses 6W of energy. It’s a little much for smaller aquariums but great for 40, 55, or 75-gallon fish tanks. If the flow is adjusted, it may work on a 30-gallon aquarium.

    Fluval AquaClear 110

    We have finally gotten to the largest AquaClear Power filter. The AquaClear 110 Filter is a behemoth. You can pick up the AquaClear 110 Filter on Amazon! It is rated for aquariums up to 110 gallons. The AquaClear 110 flow rate will max out at 500 gallons (1890 liters) per hour! At its minimum, this power filter will output water at 166 gallons (630 liters) per hour. As stated above, I would personally choose a canister filter if I have a large bio-load over a power filter of this size. Luckily, in this hobby there is no single correct way of doing something right, so do what works best for you.

    This power filter model will come included with Activated Cabon, BioMax, and Foam sponges. When shopping for filter media, replacements for the AquaClear 110 will have a large “110” label on the box.

    AquaClear 110 Dimensions

    The dimensions for the AquaClear 110, are larger than all of the other models. This hang on the back filter is 13 1/2″ x 6 3/4″ x 9″ (LxWxH). For metric system visitors that translates to 34.5cm x 17.25cm x 23cm. This provides plenty of space for filter media and plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 110 Use?

    The AquaClear 110 power filter uses a little more electricity compared to the other models. This model uses 14W of energy. It is not incredibly more but just know that it does consume a little more electricity.

    AquaClear Instructions & Installation

    The AquaClear hang-on filter is incredibly easy to install. After opening the box, you can remove the filter media from inside the housing. Make sure that all plastic wrapping is removed. I have known new aquarium keepers that tried running the filter with media still wrapped in plastic packaging. You can start putting the filter together. Here is how I would recommend installing your AquaClear filter:

    1. Prepare Filter Media inserts (rinse carbon, transfer BioMax, etc.)
    2. Install filter media inserts in the media basket and place the media basket into filter
    3. Attach the Intake U Tube to filter
    4. Attach the Leveling device
    5. Mount power filter onto aquarium & adjust leveling device
    6. Add water into Power Filter Housing, and fill the housing with water
    7. Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet

    Here is an AquaClear manual that shows the specs, parts list, and instructions for AquaClear filters. The manual also provides a list of replacement parts and troubleshooting information at the end, including tips on what to do if your AquaClear filter is not working.

    Final Notes

    Hopefully, this article helps give you a rundown on the different AquaClear models and you can decide which will work best for you. Overall, I think the AquaClear brand is fantastic and very reliable. I love the media basket because it gives you a little more versatility and control over what you can add and use. If you have any experience with AquaClear filters let me know! Already have a filter and looking for a heater? Check out this guide that discusses some of the best heaters available in this hobby!

  • Sponge Filter Use, Cleaning and Extra Tips

    Sponge Filter Use, Cleaning and Extra Tips

    Sponge Filter Use Summary

    Sponge filters are one of the many different types of filtration systems used in aquariums. They are often used for breeding fish tanks, oddly shaped aquariums that cannot use other filters, low tech tanks, hospital/quarantine tanks and much more. They’re a great filter system with just a few limitations. They will take up space in the fish tank, so you will need to consider where you want to place your sponge filter. Also, the sponge filter provides mechanical and biological filtration for your aquarium. Overall, this filter type is great to use but if you’re looking for more customizable filters check out hang on the back filters, canister filters, and/or sump systems.

    An aquarium sponge filter is more commonly used in freshwater but it can also be used as a supplemental form of water movement in smaller saltwater fish tanks. They are often used as living spaces for beneficial bacteria and are fairly cheap and easy to maintain. This article will discuss how a sponge filter works in a fish tank, cleaning, and it will recommend sponge filters for different fish tanks.

    How Does a Sponge Filter Work in a Fish Tank?

    A sponge filter for a fish tank will consist of an air pump, airline tubing, and sponge as a filter. The air pump is connected to the sponge through tubing. Air flows from the pump, through the tube, and up through the center of the sponge. This causes water to flow through the sponge which traps debris, food, and fish waste. The air floats up to the top of the aquarium and breaks the surface of the water which provides oxygen for the fish tank.

    Sponge Filter Use Advice

    There are a few things I will cover which may be redundant for more experienced aquarium keepers but beneficial for newcomers. Certain air pumps will come with check valves. These valves prevent water from coming back through the tube and into the air pump. If your pump does not come included with this, I highly recommend purchasing one. You can follow this link to purchase a check valve off Amazon. It’s a good safety feature. Also, the air pump does NOT belong on the water. It stays on the outside of the fish tank. The tube and sponge are the only things that should touch water. Also, be mindful of the different size pumps because many are rated for different sized aquariums. Air pumps almost always must be purchased separately from the sponge. Adjustable air pumps, like this one from Amazon, are some of my favorite to use because you can change the flow that goes through the tube.

    How to Clean a Filter Sponge in Fish Tank

    Cleaning a fish tank filter sponge is fairly simple but not everyone does it correctly. A lot of people will take it to the sink and rinse the sponge thoroughly with tap water. This is something I do not recommend because it will strip the sponge of all the built up beneficial bacteria living within. The best and probably easiest way to clean an aquarium sponge filter is to kill two birds with one stone and clean it during your water changes.

    Water changes require you to remove water from your fish tank. We normally take the water out and drain it into a bucket. Once the water is in the bucket, use that to clean the sponge filter. All you have to do is disconnect the sponge from the airline tubing, put it in the bucket water, squeeze it a few times, and shake it around to remove debris that may be built up in there. Once that is completed, reconnect the sponge to the airline tubing and place it back into your fish tank. This will prevent losing all of your beneficial bacteria but still does a good job of removing debris from the sponge.

    Aquarium Sponge Filter Sizes

    Sponge filters and air pumps come in different sizes, shapes and styles. The table below has provides information on different sized sponge filters, air pumps and tubing (if needed). Different sponges and air pump brands can be purchased and used but this is a general list of each you can use. There are also accessories that may not come included with your sponge filter kit. As stated above, check valves are highly recommended. If you’re using your air pump to simply provide water movement and oxygenation, you can use an air stone instead of a sponge.

    10 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge10 Gallon Air PumpAirline Tubing (if needed)
    20 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge 20 Gallon Air Pump Airline Tubing (if needed)
    30 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge 30 Gallon Air Pump Airline Tubing (if needed)
    40 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge 40 Gallon Air Pump Airline Tubing (if needed)
    55 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge 55 Gallon Air Pump Airline Tubing (if needed)
    75 Gallon Fish Tank Sponge 75 Gallon Air Pump Airline Tubing (if needed)

    Final Notes

    Sponge filters are a very versatile and useful form of filtration for fish tanks. Although they are not often used with larger fish, they’re a great way to filter water with fish, shrimp, and other inverts that have a low bioload. They’re also fantastic for providing additional oxygen and water movement into an aquarium. If you’re looking to setup a new fish tank consider an aquarium sponge filter!

    Image by Ofkun on wikiMedia