Countless aquarium filtration hacks exist, promising improved efficiency, cost savings, and more. While some are merely fads, others are genuine gems discovered by seasoned fishkeepers. Having used hundreds of filters in our store and personal fish rooms, we’ve compiled the top 5 simple yet effective tips for maximizing your filter’s performance.
Reusable Filter Media
Ever wondered how long those filter cartridges included with aquarium kits (HOB or internal filters) actually last? Sadly, many manufacturers use disposable cartridges, recommending replacement every 1-3 months, primarily for profit. These cartridges, typically containing filter floss for mechanical filtration and activated carbon for chemical filtration, quickly become clogged and lose effectiveness. Their design also makes them difficult to clean and reuse.
The good news is that you can easily replace these disposables with reusable media like coarse sponge pads and bio-rings. Simply clean them in a bucket of old tank water (no soap!) when dirty and return them to the filter. This not only saves money but also preserves the crucial beneficial bacteria that provide biological filtration, consuming waste and purifying the water. These reusable options often last for years and can even be used to cycle new tanks. Consider reusable chemical filtration media like Seachem Purigen, which, unlike activated carbon, can be regenerated with a bleach solution.
What is Pre FIlter Sponge
For any filter with an intake tube (HOB, canister, etc.), a pre-filter sponge is invaluable. This simple, cylinder-shaped sponge slips over the intake tube like a sock, preventing fish food, debris, small creatures, and substrate from entering and potentially damaging the filter motor. Acting as the first stage of mechanical filtration, it traps the majority of the larger particles before they reach the main filter media. This keeps the media cleaner, leading to more efficient filter operation and less frequent cleanings. The pre-filter sponge also provides additional surface area for beneficial bacteria, boosting biological filtration. While a fine sponge might seem like it would trap more particles, we recommend a coarse sponge with larger pores. Fine sponges can clog easily, putting strain on the filter and shortening its lifespan. For more detailed information on choosing and fitting the perfect pre-filter sponge, check out our full article.
Keep an Air Stone in your Filter
Sponge filters typically produce large, irregular bubbles, creating a stop-and-go flow. Adding an air stone inside the sponge filter transforms these large bubbles into a consistent stream of tiny bubbles. This creates a more even water flow through the sponge, improving its particle-trapping efficiency and reducing noise. For instructions on installing an air stone in a sponge filter, see [link to instructions].
Even if you don’t use sponge filters, an air stone can benefit your hang-on-back filter. Placing one in the HOB filter’s media compartment significantly boosts the growth of beneficial bacteria and increases oxygen levels in the water, creating a healthier environment for your fish and plants.
Add Carbon to a Sponge Filter
Adding carbon to a sponge filter, while not the most conventional method, can be a useful technique when dealing with specific water quality issues. Since sponge filters lack a dedicated media compartment, the key is to utilize carbon-infused media pads. These pads, typically designed for other filter types, can be adapted to work effectively with sponge filters. The process involves cutting the pad to an appropriate size and securely wrapping it around the sponge filter itself, typically using a rubber band to hold it in place. This placement ensures that water drawn through the sponge filter also passes through the carbon pad.
The mechanics of this setup are quite simple. As the air bubbles rise through the sponge filter’s lift tube, they create an upward current, drawing water into and through the filter. By positioning the carbon pad around the sponge, the incoming water is forced to flow through the pad before reaching the sponge material. This process effectively removes toxins and impurities from the water as it filters through the carbon. The constant flow of water ensures continuous contact with the carbon, maximizing its absorption capabilities.
This method isn’t limited to just carbon pads. Other chemical filtration pads, such as those designed for ammonia or phosphate removal, can be used in the same manner. This adaptability makes the technique particularly valuable when dealing with specific water parameters that need to be addressed without altering the established biological filtration within the sponge filter itself. It offers a simple and effective way to incorporate chemical filtration into a sponge filter system, even without a traditional media compartment.
Keeping More Filtration is not good
The common belief that “more filtration is always better” can be misleading, particularly in the aquarium hobby. While adequate filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality, simply adding more filters isn’t a guaranteed path to success. In fact, it can sometimes create more problems than it solves. Each additional filter introduces another potential point of failure, increasing the risk of overflows, leaks, and other malfunctions. Furthermore, maintaining multiple filters requires more time, effort, and expense, from cleaning filter media and impellers to replacing parts. This increased complexity can ironically make it easier to overlook a developing problem with one of the many systems, potentially leading to a decline in water quality.
A more effective approach is to focus on optimizing the filtration you already have. This involves ensuring your existing filter is appropriately sized for your aquarium, performing regular maintenance, and implementing techniques to maximize its efficiency. As discussed previously, using a pre-filter sponge, switching to reusable media, and even incorporating an air stone can significantly enhance a single filter’s performance. By streamlining your filtration setup and focusing on a single, well-maintained filter, you can often achieve better results with less effort and fewer potential headaches. This “less is more” philosophy not only simplifies maintenance but also encourages a more attentive approach to your aquarium’s health, as you’re more likely to notice any changes in its operation.