Do cichlids need special water?

Are cichlids antisocial to each other?

Cichlids are infamous for being antisocial towards one another and their tank mates. Many of the larger Gouramis and Killifish will also treat their tank mates poorly, chasing them around.

What is biological filtration in aquariums?

This is biological filtration at work. Biological filtration refers to when bacteria in your tank eat any compound, such as ammonia, nitrite or nitrate, and then convert it into something else. You want these bacteria in your aquarium.

Why is there No Filter in my fish tank?

When an aquarium is initially set up there is no biological filter present in the water because the colonies of bacteria responsible for it have yet to be established. When fish are added to the new tank they immediately begin to pollute the water with highly toxic ammonia exuded from breathing and waste.

What are the different types of aquarium biological filters?

The efficiency (strength) of a biological filter is determined by its surface area. Some filter mediums are more efficient than others. Aquarium glass surface area aside, here are the most popular biological filtration methods: Canister-style filters come in many different styles and sizes and can also be multi-functional.

Do aquarium filters need to be filtration?

Aquarium filters provide filtration in three broad ways: mechanical filtration, biological filtration and chemical filtration. Of these, many hobbyists suggest that mechanical filtration and biological filtration are the most necessary and chemical filtration is optional.

How does aquarium biological filtration work?

To understand biological filtration, it is necessary to understand a basic process in the aquarium: the nitrogen cycle. Ammonia is one of the key elements in the nitrogen cycle. Fish produce ammonia directly both as a by-product of respiration and as a waste product from the digestion of foods.

What is a bio filter?

Fishlab Fact: Any filter media that is designed to provide a home to the bacteria used in biological filtration is referred to as a bio filter. Biological filtration works a little differently from the other methods of filtration. Mechanical and chemical filtration work by removing the unwanted stuff.

Why won’t my fish get enough oxygen?

If your filter was the only source of surface agitation, then oxygen won’t be getting into the water at the rate your fish need it. Solution: grab an air pump ( reasonably priced, widely available) and put an airline into your tank as soon as you can.

How does biological aquarium filtration take place?

The new sera video “sera siporax – biological aquarium filtration” explains how biological filtration takes place: Purification bacteria in the filter make sure that pollutants such as fish waste are being broken down biologically. They require a filter medium on and in which they can settle to fulfill their task.

Is it possible to over filter a fish tank?

It is possible to over filter a fish tank, that being said, it all depends on the size of the tank and the type of fish. If you have a tank with plants, algae eaters and community fish, your filter should be at a mid-way of filtration. Say you have a community tank with guppies. A 10 gallon tank with live plants and a aquarium rocks.

What happens if you block an aquarium water filter?

While your aquarium water is going to be very clean, however, the suction and the outflow is going to blow your fish around the tank. And if you block the filter then the motor will overheat and keep your water warm for while before exploding into pieces. Either way, it’s a lose-lose situation so get a filter that is suitable for your tank.

How does a sponge filter work in an aquarium?

How does a sponge filter work? Air is pumped through a tube via a pump into the sponge filter. Bubbles rise from the inside of the sponge, pushing water through the sponge walls. This process mechanically collects debris from the aquarium and gives beneficial bacteria a place to grow within the sponge itself!

How do Bio filters work in fish tanks?

The most hard-working portion of your bio filter system is actually the gravel in your fish tank. This is where the bulk of the waste-munching microorganisms live. Gravel care is essential to the longevity of your aquarium and its inhabitants.

Why do bacteria live in aquarium filters?

These bacteria not only live there but also act as the main part for biological filtration. You can call an aquarium filter a home for the beneficial bacteria as they live, colonize, and grow within its proximity. And your filter does not stop here.

Can you use an aquarium without a filter?

An aquarium without a filter would clog very quickly, water should be changed every day which would be very restrictive. With some small tweaks and setting up an easy routine, all negatives of a missing filter in your aquarium can be handled.

Can you run a tank with too many filters?

It is possible if you run with two filters or more. Extra filtration does not always mean your fish will be healthier, especially if your tank is not overstocked in the first place. Strong filters can also batter around weak swimmers with current, not to mention disrupt and suck up food before it gets eaten.

Can fish get stuck in a filter?

Usually, prominent and other small body adult fish do not get stuck in a filter because they are also intelligent enough to keep their body safe. The real issue comes with the fish fry or baby fish.

Should you use a filter at night in a fish tank?

Now, there are two kinds of fish tank pumps that determine the usage of a filter. With the right one, you can judge if you should use a filter at night or not. Records have it that many people choose these to be their go-to tanks. At least, they are not expensive and are versatile enough to accommodate different types of fish and aquatic plants.

Should I Turn Off my aquarium pump at night?

If your pump is separate from the filter, switching off the pump at night is a go. Cold water can hold more water than hot water. So the warmer the water, the less Oxygen will be dissolved into the water. If your tank is full of large fish, you use submerged filters, and the water tends to be warmer, then your fish are at a higher risk.

Are aquarium filters too loud?

Aquarium filters can be loud, even if you buy a good one, and some people just want to be able to turn the filter off at night. Now the common response to the ‘My filter is too loud and my boyfriend is going to murder all the fish if they keep him awake for one more night,’ dilemma is to say ‘Get him some ear plugs,’ or ‘Buy a better filter’.

How do canister filters work?

Canister filters draw water up a lift tube and out of the aquarium into an external filter chamber or canister where the water is pushed through a series of filter media to clean the aquarium water.

How do sponge filters clean aquarium water?

The way sponge filters clean aquarium water is by trapping debris from the water and filtering clean water back into the tank. Air is pumped through airline tubing and into the filter, filling the hollow space down the middle of the sponge and causing bubbles to form.