Aquarium Filters Melbourne

Before delving into the various types of Aquarium Filters, it’s essential to grasp the three primary forms of ‘Filtration’:

Mechanical Filtration:
This method involves passing water through a sponge or wool filter pad using either an air pump or water pump. The filter pad traps floating debris, effectively aiding in maintaining water cleanliness.

Biological Filtration:
Here, toxins and harmful substances like ammonia (resulting from fish waste) are eliminated from the water through the action of live bacteria. Filter media, often in the form of filter noodles, are placed inside the Aquarium Filter. As water flows through the filter, the live bacteria break down the harmful ammonia present in the aquarium. Given that ammonia is a significant threat to fish in aquariums, biological filtration holds paramount importance.

Chemical Filtration:
In this type of filtration, chemical media is introduced into the filter to facilitate water purification. These chemicals come in various forms, with the most commonly used ones being activated carbon, zeolite (known for its ammonia removal properties), and materials like peat moss or volcanic rock, which serve as phosphate removers. Chemical filtration aids in enhancing water quality within the aquarium.

Prices for Canister filters vary between $150 up to $500 depending on the Warranty, Flow Rate, whether there is an Ultra Violet Steriliser, Type of Filter Media inside and obviously the quality.

At Waterlife we only stock the well-known brands that come with a minimum 3 year warranty so they will last longer.

BEWARE

of cheap no name brands of aquarium filters online because parts are either hard to get or non-existent especially a year or so down the track. We deal with these issues every day in our store. A customer buys a cheap filter and the tap breaks and parts aren’t available. They end up buying a quality aquarium filter and have the peace of mind for years to come.

To determine the required flow rate for your Aquarium Filter, calculate how many litres of water in the aquarium. You can do this by multiplying the length x width x height in mm then divide x 1000.

Example

Suppose 90cm x 35cm x 45cm. Calculate .9 x .35 x .45 = .141 x 1000 = 141 Litres. Then multiply the litres x 4 (minimum). So the flow rate for 141 Litres will be 564 Litres per Hour minimum. We always recommend an aquarium filter around 700 litres per hour for an aquarium around 150 Litres.

If you are happy to change a minimum 30% of the water in your aquarium weekly, an Internal Filter may be adequate. Remember that you get what you pay for so obviously a $50 Internal Filter won’t do the job of a Canister Filter. Internal Filters generally only have ‘Mechanical Filtration’ therefore the regular water changes weekly are recommended to remove the harmful ammonia as there is no biological filter media.

Low Budget?

If your budget is low and you need to purchase an internal filter we recommend that you add a small amount of filter noodles inside the chamber that houses the sponge. You will need to remove some of the sponge to fit in the filter noodles. Also cut the sponge in half then alternate the cleaning. Always keep one sponge dirty as this is where the live bacteria lives.

There is also a budget range of filtration. Internal Sponge Filters which operate on air, Under Gravel Filters and Hang On Filters.

The first 2 mentioned are ‘Old Style Filters’ and modern technology have left this type behind (except for use in commercial breeding tanks for housing baby fish). The Hang on Filters work adequately however they require cartridges containing sponge and carbon which need to be changed monthly.

Visit our stores in Hoppers Crossing or Ferntree Gully today to discuss the best form of Aquarium Filter for your needs.

CLICK ‘Enquiry Button’ or CALL us now to discuss what Aquarium Filters are best suited for your needs.

Check out some testimonial videos of our happy customers below.

For inquiries, please fill out the form below and one of our staff will get in touch with you. Thank you for your interest in Waterlife Aquarium.