Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Function of the filter

The filter will remove floating particles and some gases, notably carbon dioxide. It will also provide a form of aeration by circulating the water.

It will not remove algae, nor the sediment at the bottom of the tank unless this has been stirred up and is suspended in the water. Thus water suffering from white or green cloudiness is not normally cleaned. Neither will the filter remove parasites that carry fish disease.

Therefore, is it worth the trouble and expense? Frankly, no. Like aeration, it is a useful adjunct but it is not an essential part of the balanced aquarium.

Please note that marine aquaria are not being discussed here, and marine filtration is therefore excluded.

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