If you adhere to proper nutrition, then avocados are probably in ...
Organization home aquarium always associated with the need to install . It is simply necessary for the normal existence of fish, as it saturates the water with oxygen, improves water circulation, and mechanically purifies the water. But for beginner aquarists, this often becomes a problem, and they wonder how to install an aquarium internal filter.
How to install an aquarium filter correctly?
The internal filter is called internal because it is completely immersed in water. The water level above it, depending on the depth of the aquarium, should be from five to eight centimeters.
The filter is attached to the wall of the aquarium using special suction cups, which in most cases are included in the kit.
A flexible transparent tube, which is called an air outlet hose and is designed to supply air, is connected to the filter spout at one end, and is brought out of the aquarium with the other. The end of the air outlet hose located outside the aquarium should be higher than the one attached to the filter spout.
In addition, during installation, you should pay attention to the fact that the air supply power can be changed using a special regulator, which is located either on the tip of the air outlet hose or on the filter nose. First put it in the middle position. And you can adjust the position you need by looking closely at the fish. There are fish species that love strong currents, and there are those that do not tolerate it well. With a low power level of the filter, there may not be any bubbles, in which case a slight swaying of water will tell about its proper operation.
After the installation of the aquarium filter is completed and all parts are attached, you can connect it to the mains. And for the future, it should be remembered that any manipulations in the aquarium should be carried out with the filter unplugged from the outlet.
Instruction
Find the right filter for your aquarium from a specific manufacturer. Thanks to right choice, you will get rid of further problems with filters.
Immerse the internal filter in water, completely, so that it is covered with water from above to a depth of about ten to fifteen millimeters.
Attach the internal filter to the walls of the aquarium. They usually have Velcro, thanks to which they are attached to the walls of the aquarium. This will help fix it at a certain level and not move in one direction or the other.
Install the filter so that the tube to which the hose is attached comes out. This will help clean up and give your fish a clean environment to live in. Waste water exits through this tube, which enters through a sponge located at the end of the filter tube.
Plug the filter into a power outlet for it to start working. Don't forget about safety precautions, including it by checking how it works.
Check if the internal filter works on your . To do this, you need to bring your hand to the upper outlet, if you feel a stream of water, the filter functions as it should. Take a few minutes to see if it works correctly.
Put the fish in the aquarium and see if they are comfortable with. If everything is in order and it works as it should, you can continue to enjoy your pets. The main thing is not to forget to feed them and keep them clean. A clean environment will help them extend their life to the maximum and, thereby, please you longer.
note
When buying an aquarium, do not forget that in addition to peace from it, you will also take care of its inhabitants and their habitat, that is, the aquarium. Keep it clean regularly.
An aquarium with fish is not only an element of home decor. It has long been proven that watching the behavior of fish swimming there, behind glass, calms and relaxes. Thus, the aquarium can play the role of a stress reliever.
Filtration should be in every aquarium, otherwise the fish in dirty water won't live long. purify water from inorganic substances, remove organic compounds and other substances dissolved in it from water, circulate water and enrich it with oxygen.
Instruction
Internal filters:
Aerolifts are the simplest devices that raise water in a tube from the bubbles created. Such filters are almost completely immersed in, almost to the very bottom. Aerolifts are installed in small aquariums, spawning and rearing for .
glass filters. A plastic "glass" with a substrate for filtration inside is attached to the electric pump. Such filters often play the role of water aerators.
Multi-section internal filters are like boxes divided into sections. Such filters combine several filters at once. And each section has its own filtering. Such filters are attached to the walls. True, they have a significant drawback - they are large in size.
Bottom set at the bottom of the aquarium. A plate or several connected plates are placed on the bottom, covered. Bottom filters usually play the role of auxiliary filters.
External filters multi-section and canister.
Canister filters are installed outside the aquarium and communicate with it through water intake and return hoses. Very roomy. Supports all types of filtering. Some models are equipped with a heater.
Multi-section external filters are very similar to their internal counterparts, only they are installed outside the aquarium.
Related videos
The most important piece of equipment in an aquarium is filter. Filters are necessary to purify aquarium water and enrich it with oxygen. With absence filter a, maintenance and service aquarium becomes a hassle, not to mention the health of your aquatic pets. It is better to have this equipment available.
You will need
- In order to select and install a filter, you will need: an aquarium that will be filled with settled water.
Instruction
The filter is necessary thing in your . This equipment is divided into two types: internal, which will be located inside, and, of course, external (this one will be installed outside aquarium). Pick up the look filter and follows depending on the volume aquarium. Also have filter sealing materials that are used for mechanical and biological treatment water: activated carbon, expanded clay or ceramic filler.
Interior filter consists of a pump and a sponge. Polluted water passes through the sponge, and clean water comes out. Such filter can be used in small aquarium x to . The sponge itself filter must be cleaned and, as it wears out, replaced with a new one. Efficiency filter but will depend on the size, type and power.
External filter We have a canister. This canister is always out aquarium. From such filter and there are two hoses. From one hose, water enters the canister, and through the other it goes back to. When water enters the canister, several stages of mechanical, chemical and biological purification take place. Such filter used for large or aquarium x smaller volume. Little one aquarium water pollution does not allow to keep the internal filter. Some filter They can be combined with a compressor, that is, together with water purification, they can saturate water, as well as with an ultraviolet lamp.
note
Remember that any aquarium filter should work constantly, without interruption.
Do not save and get a high-quality filter, because the health of your fish depends on it.
It is best to take a filter with built-in: a compressor and an ultraviolet lamp (like all living things, fish need the sun).
It takes a lot to breed aquarium fish. additional equipment, first of all, you need a backlight and filters for water. Sometimes when assembling filters, certain difficulties can arise. How to collect aquarium filters?
You will need
- - aquarium filter parts,
- - instruction.
Instruction
There is no fundamental difference in the purpose and functions of the external and internal aquarium filters. They differ in their device, but, they have a number of features during assembly. If the inner one is placed directly into the water, then the outer one is located outside, and from it is a tube immersed in water. It will not be difficult for experienced aquarists to collect filters different models from different manufacturers, since they all have general design. For beginners, the instructions that come with the filter will help. For trusted companies, they are Russian-speaking and absolutely understandable.
If there is no translation for the instruction, it is incomprehensible or lost, try to look for the instruction or more detailed descriptions for building your model in . This will help you avoid incorrect assembly and take into account everything for installing your particular filter.
Lay out all the filter parts and make sure that they are all present and what is not on them. visible defects.
Do not buy additional adapters and taps for external filters - the more difficult the route along which water goes from the filter and back, the greater the loss in performance. Sometimes aquarists do not even use all the adapters that the filter is equipped with.
Do not bend or pinch the filter tubes, otherwise the water flow through them will be obstructed.
When filling the filter with cleaning materials, pay attention to which direction the water flows - from bottom to top or top to bottom. The first layer through which water will pass must be foam sponge. Then you need to arrange a substrate that helps with bacteria. It can be bioceramics, balls, etc. And finally, lastly, the water should be filtered through activated if aquarium requires this level of purification. Charcoal does not have to be used in all filters.
Related videos
An aquarium in the house is always a charge of positive and a reason to forget about your problems and relax. Every experienced aquarist knows perfectly well that looking at bright tropical fish and swaying green algae is much more pleasant than gray houses and white snowdrifts. In order for the water in your little piece of ocean to be clear and clean, you need to regularly clean it. filter. Believe me, there is absolutely nothing complicated about this.
You will need
- running water, clean water tank, replaceable filter cassette
Instruction
Filtration systems in aquariums types. The simplest, used in medium-sized aquariums- based filters activated carbon. The design of such a cleaning system consists of a primary filter sponge, on which large particles of dirt and silt accumulate, as well as an internal cassette containing
How to install internal filters?
Internal filters are installed inside the aquarium. The most popular are internal pump filters and airlift filters. They are inexpensive, they are easy to install on your own, they are convenient to use during operation. However, these mechanisms have their drawbacks - they need to be cleaned of dirt almost daily, they are overall, and noisy. Before purchasing such a water purifier, determine whether it will fit in your aquarium.
Will it be possible to install the internal filter correctly the first time? Quite if you read the instructions carefully. The device must be placed in the tank when it is half filled with water, when there are plants planted in the ground in it. Before connecting the filter to the network, it should be assembled in parts and fixed on the wall or above the aquarium.
Water treatment devices such as internal filters must be completely immersed in aquatic environment. There should be another 3 cm of water above the filter. The apparatus itself must not touch the bottom. If you bought an internal filter, or made it yourself, then it is correct to attach it with suction cups to the glass wall.
See how to disassemble, assemble and install the internal filter.
Included with branded filters is a hose for air supply. AT homemade device it must also be present, however, the principle of fastening is the same for them. Take one end of the tube and attach it to a special filter hole, bring its other end above the water and fix it with the fastened material to the upper edge of the tank wall. The tube must be above the water level, otherwise air will not be sucked in properly.
There must be an air regulator on the tube or directly on the filter. Its location affects the strength of the water flow in the aquarium. After installing the water purifier, set the regulator correctly to the middle position. Then observe the behavior of the fish - some will love the flow of water, other fish will avoid it. Adjust the level of water flow to make the fish comfortable.
Internal cleaners should be installed after they are completely immersed in water. Before removing it from the water for cleaning, the machine must be disconnected from the power supply. Also, you can not leave the switched off mechanism in the water, and turn it on after long period stagnation (if they did not have time to clean it).
How to install external filters?
The organization of a home aquarium is always associated with the need to install an internal filter. It is simply necessary for the normal existence of fish, as it saturates the water with oxygen, improves water circulation, and mechanically purifies the water. But for beginner aquarists, this often becomes a problem, and they wonder how to install an aquarium internal filter.
How to install an aquarium filter correctly?
The internal filter is called internal because it is completely immersed in water. The water level above it, depending on the depth of the aquarium, should be from five to eight centimeters.
The filter is attached to the wall of the aquarium using special suction cups, which in most cases are included in the kit.
A flexible transparent tube, which is called an air outlet hose and is designed to supply air, is connected to the filter spout at one end, and is brought out of the aquarium with the other. The end of the air outlet hose located outside the aquarium should be higher than the one attached to the filter spout.
In addition, when installing the filter, you should pay attention to the fact that the air supply power can be changed using a special regulator, which is located either on the tip of the air outlet hose or on the filter nose. First put it in the middle position. And you can adjust the position you need by looking closely at the fish. There are fish species that love strong currents, and there are those that do not tolerate it well. With a low power level of the filter, there may not be any bubbles, in which case a slight swaying of water will tell about its proper operation.
After the installation of the aquarium filter is completed and all parts are attached, you can connect it to the mains. And for the future, it should be remembered that any manipulations in the aquarium should be carried out with the filter unplugged from the outlet.
How to install an internal filter in an aquarium:: How long should an aquarium filter last:: Equipment and accessories
If you decide to install an aquarium at home, then you can not do without an aquarium filter. His choice must be taken into account special attention, since the quality of water in your underwater kingdom will depend on this device.
Instruction
1. To date, there are many varieties of aquarium filters: internal, external, bottom, aerator filters, as well as filters that produce mechanical filter tion (as filter filter thread, sponge or crumb is used), chemical filter tion (using activated carbon or zeolite), as well as bio filter tion (the filter uses microorganisms that purify water from harmful impurities).
2. The filter must be selected based on the volume of the aquarium, as well as the functions that it will have to perform. For example, external filters are easy to use, and bottom filters help create a more favorable microflora in the aquarium, and they need to be cleaned every two to three years. For small aquariums ideal option there will be a filter-aerator, which combines the functions of cleaning and saturating water with oxygen. In any case, before choosing a particular filter, you should consult with a specialist.
3. Read the instructions carefully before installing the filter. If you purchased a chemical filter, then it must be filled with the adsorbent that comes with the kit.
4. Before installation filter prepare the aquarium. Rinse it thoroughly and fill it with water to check if the seams are leaking. Drain the water and put pre-prepared soil on the bottom of the aquarium. If you purchased a bottom filter, then it must first be installed under the ground. Pour about one third of the water, then plant the plants. If you have chosen an internal filter, then it must be installed at this very moment. Attach the filter with Velcro or a retaining clip, then fill the aquarium with water to the required level. An external filter can be installed after filling the aquarium with water.
5. After filling the aquarium, turn on the filter to check its operation. While the aquarium will come to equilibrium (about two weeks), the filter must be kept on. As soon as you see that the turbidity from the water has disappeared, then you can safely populate your undersea world fish.
note
When buying an aquarium, do not forget that in addition to peace from it, you will also take care of its inhabitants and their habitat, that is, the aquarium. Keep it clean regularly.
The location of the filter in the aquarium
An aquarium is a biosystem, a living organism, in order to maintain its viability, you need to have special equipment. It can be internal and external, main and additional.
The main equipment are: compressors that saturate the water with oxygen, filters for water purification, water heaters to maintain the selected temperature regime and lamps for lighting the aquarium.
Internal filters combine 2 functions: oxygen supply and water purification. Internal filters include a pump that pumps water and a filter - an element that can be located both outside and in the filter housing. Installing the internal filter is extremely simple. The location of the filter in the aquarium is as follows: it is attached to the side wall of the aquarium, next to the rear glass. The pump of such a filter must be completely in the water. Only an oxygen hose remains above the surface of the water to take in air and transfer it through the pump to the aquarium.
Remote filters are placed in a cabinet - stand. There are 2 tubes in the aquarium for taking water into the filter and supplying clean water. The filter consists of a pump that is installed on top of the filter, as well as a filter housing with filter material in it. When installing the filter in the cabinet - stand, you need to make sure that the hoses that connect the tubes and the filter are located freely. The suction pipe is placed vertically in the aquarium, about 5 centimeters from the ground, while the pipe for supplying water from the filter is installed in the upper part of the aquarium and can be located both under water and above water, taking into account the tasks assigned to the filter.
Remote filters are designed only for water purification, and a compressor is used to supply oxygen to the water.
How to put a filter in an aquarium:
Open the filter, unfasten the covers, then remove the engine.
Pull out the baskets with the filter elements. In the penultimate basket - activated carbon, remove the packaging from it. Then put the net with coal into the basket.
Drop the baskets into the filter.
Reinstall the engine and close the covers.
Install a water intake pipe into the aquarium through the technological hole, putting a tip on it in advance. Suction cups must be used for fastening.
Attach a hose of the desired diameter to the tube. This hose can be lowered into hot water briefly, so that it is easier to put on the tube. Additional fasteners are not required here.
Place a tap "in" on the hose. Before installation, hold the end of the hose in hot water.
Install the water supply pipe in the 2nd technological hole. Attach a hose to it, the smallest in diameter “out”.
Connect the cocks to the filter using the gray tightening washers.
Place the filter next to the cabinet.
How to install the filter in the aquarium:: aquarium installation:: Equipment and accessories
How to install a filter in an aquarium
An aquarium with fish is not only an element of home decor. It has long been proven that watching the behavior of fish swimming there, behind glass, calms and relaxes. Thus, the aquarium can play the role of a stress reliever.
Filtration should be in every aquarium, otherwise the fish in dirty water will not live long. Filters purify water from inorganic substances, remove organic compounds and other substances dissolved in it from water, provide water circulation and enrich it with oxygen.
Instruction
1. The installation process of the filter depends on its purpose and type. And according to the location, filters for aquariums are divided into external and internal.
2. Internal filters:
Aerolifts are the simplest devices that raise water in a tube using bubbles created by a compressor. Such filters are almost completely immersed in the aquarium, almost to the very bottom. Aerolifts are installed in small aquariums, spawning and rearing for fry.
glass filters. A plastic "glass" with a substrate for filtration inside is attached to the electric pump. Such filters often play the role of water aerators.
Multi-section internal filters are like boxes divided into sections. Such filters combine several types of filtering at once. And each section has its own filtering. These filters are attached to the walls of the aquarium. True, they have a significant drawback - they are large in size.
Bottom aquariums are installed at the bottom of the aquarium. A plate or several connected plates are placed on the bottom, covered with sand. Bottom filters usually play the role of auxiliary filters.
3. External filters are multi-section and canister.
Canister filters are installed outside the aquarium and communicate with it through water intake and return hoses. Very roomy. Supports all types of filtering. Some models are equipped with a heater.
Multi-section external filters are very similar to their internal counterparts, only they are installed outside the aquarium.
Related videos
The best filter for an aquarium: types of filtration, photo and video review
Mechanical filters and aquarium filtration
Chemical filters and aquarium filtration
Biofilters filters and aquarium biological filtration
Combined filters and aquarium filtration
photo mechanical aquarium filter
Internal aquarium filters
- fasten and work inside the aquarium. They can be of all types of filtration, that is, mechanical, chemical, biological and combined.Perhaps these are the most popular and best-selling filters. Their price is an order of magnitude cheaper than that of external filters, they are easy to operate and clean. As a disadvantage, some aquarists note that they take up space in the aquarium - thereby eating up precious volumes. However, this is a controversial point, because the filter does not occupy 1/3 of the aquarium. Well, yes, it takes up 2-3 liters of volume, hanging quietly in a corner. It seems to me that this is not a very significant drawback, especially for medium and large aquariums.
An external filter, especially if it has a large capacity, is extremely important for an aquarium. When choosing a model of equipment, you need to take into account the quality and method of work. But, besides this, you should choose the appropriate model depending on the volume of the aquarium. How to choose an external filter and how to install a filter in an aquarium can be found in the article.
[ Hide ]
External filter characteristic
This unit is designed for one purpose - filtration. It can be mechanical, chemical and even biological, so aquarium filters are universal. The best aquarium filters come with an autostart mechanism. This means that they are easy to fill and start working right on the spot.
Principle of operation
Water purification equipment consists of a hermetic type canister. It should be installed outside the aquarium and connected at the inlet and outlet with a hose. Waste from the aquarium is drained into the sewer thanks to sewer pipe that leads from the aquarium. Inside the canister, water undergoes several types of treatment, including chemical.
They are bigger and more powerful on their own. They can accommodate more filter material and offer better cleaning and supporting more fish. That is why most aquarists buy these filters for large tanks, for example, 200 liters.
Advantages and disadvantages
External devices are produced by many companies, so the disadvantages can be different. If it is budgetary, it can wear out in 1-2 years, occasionally leaks can occur. More quality fixtures cost a lot of money.
There are many advantages:
- Does not take up space in the aquarium. Thanks to this, more decorations or equipment can be added.
- It can be removed from the eyes, for example, put in a cabinet. But you need to take into account the size of the structure.
- very convenient, because you just need to disconnect it from the tubes.
- It is important that you can use the filter in large aquariums with 200 liters of water. Therefore, fillers can be different.
The cons include:
- Volumetric.
- We must not forget that at high power the tube can suck a small fish inside. To prevent this from happening, a mesh must be put on the end of the tube.
Criterias of choice
The filter is the basis of the aquarium, because it purifies the water and enriches it with oxygen. When choosing it, you should take into account, because for small tanks you can purchase an internal filter, for large tanks - with a volume of 200 liters - an external one.
Tetra
The Tetra external filter is one of the most popular.
This is due to the benefits:
- it is comfortable and simple design, which will be clear to any aquarist;
- some models are able to work absolutely silently, others - with little noise.
The disadvantages include plastic tubes that are installed at the inlet and outlet of the filter. Such material requires careful handling and does not tolerate heavy loads.
Eheim
The Eheim external filter is also popular because of its affordable price and user-friendly design.
Eheim external filters have many advantages:
- Water, traveling through the levels of the canister, passes through all stages of purification.
- The absence of additional buttons, including those for quick start and tubes, guarantees protection against leakage.
- Models of this brand can be used for marine aquariums.
At the same time, some pluses can turn into minuses:
- Eheim external filters will occasionally have to be run in a strange way. Holding the outlet hose from the filter in your mouth, you need to take a big breath inside the tube.
- The noise level is quite low, but still different from most other brands.
JBL
Some JBL external filters are used in aquariums up to 200 liters of water, others up to 800 - there are a lot of options, which is why filters of this brand are attractive.
Of course, the benefits don't stop there:
- they can save energy consumption
- works silently, which can not but rejoice.
Reviews of aquarists say that it is worth buying fillers, for example, filter sand, separately.
aquael
The Aquael external filter of Polish production cannot but inspire confidence.
Its advantages:
- Noiselessness. Even the most powerful models will not disturb your hearing.
- Contains all modern options for external filters.
- Canisters are equipped with wheels (filled with water, they are by no means light).
The disadvantages of this brand include perhaps the volume of the canister. Perhaps there is not enough space for it in the cabinet and you will have to install equipment next to the aquarium.
If everything is already clear with you, you should think about a water filter. For fish in an aquarium, the purity of the water is very important, so it is necessary to regularly clean the water from dirt and food residues. Aquarium professionals can perfectly match the flora and fauna so that an aquarium filter is not needed. But this is rather an exception, besides, fish also need special food.
So let's talk about special filters. My aquarium has a filter as shown in the picture. Simple and clear with two sponges. Bought on the market for 100 UAH with a question to the seller: “Give me a filter for a 100 liter aquarium” If you can’t approach the seller with such a question, then read on the text 😉
Buying an aquarium filter is necessary for several functions:
- purification of water from various organic and inorganic particles;
- removal of soluble drugs after treatment of fish and other substances;
- ensuring good water circulation;
- enrichment of water with oxygen.
Aquarium filters are divided into two categories: external and internal. As is logically clear from the names, the internal one is when the filter element is located in the aquarium, and the external one is outside it. There are no particular advantages or disadvantages from choosing one or another type of cleaning - it's just a matter of the comfort of caring for the device. Remember that periodic cleaning of the filter is a guarantee that it will not become a source of harm to fish.
There are several types of aquarium filters:
- bottom, which is located under the pebbles. When working, it creates soil movement, which only benefits the water microflora;
- boxes through which water passes. There are internal and external, and the work uses electricity or air;
- aerators. The principle of operation is that water is directed by a jet of air and passes through a layer of a sponge. Attaches to the wall of the aquarium, and to clean the filter - you just need to wash the sponge;
- type "gas mask". The water is passed through a container with one or more filter media.
The location of the filter in the aquarium: it can be external and internal, and the power comes from the mains.
The aquarium filter may have different kinds cleaning:
- you can buy a filter for an aquarium of a mechanical type. The main function is to remove various debris from the water. But there are devices that enrich the water with oxygen and circulate it. Foam, crumbs, sponge can be used as a cleaning agent;
- chemical type of filtration using activated carbon, zeolite or other substances. Used to rid water of ammonia and other toxic substances;
- biofiltration. Used in aquariums large quantity fish, which are very polluting water. After passing mechanical cleaning and enrichment with oxygen, the water enters the biofilter. Removal of soluble waste occurs with the help of bacteria.
When choosing an aquarium filter, it is worth considering the speed of its operation. Recommendations are very different, but the best option there will be a cleaning rate from one volume per hour. It is important that the water stays clear.
A good video review of a typical aquarium filter:
How to install an internal filter in an aquarium?
How to install an internal filter in an aquarium? This question often perplexes beginner aquarists. It seems that everything is clear in appearance, but how to do it correctly, so that God forbid something does not happen, is not clear. Is the filter itself completely immersed in water or not? And why, I wonder, such a transparent tube? The instructions for the filters are not always detailed and understandable, and in the photo on the box it is not clear whether the filter is immersed in water or not. The internal filter is called so because it is located inside the aquarium. The external filter is bulkier and designed to be placed outside the aquarium. The internal filter is completely submerged under water so that 2-4 cm of water remains above it. It is attached to the wall of the aquarium with suction cups included in the filter package. Small flexible hose, attached to the kit, is needed for air supply, so one end of it is attached to the corresponding hole on the filter spout, and the other is brought out, you can fix it on the upper edge of the aquarium wall (often there is a mount for this). In any case, the air intake should be above the water level in the aquarium. Most often, there is an air supply regulator on the nose of the internal filter (some at the end of the air hose), you can first put it in the middle position. In the future, adjust as you need. Some aquarium fish love the strong current created by the filter, and some can't stand it at all. Only after installing the filter and attaching all its parts, you can turn it on to the network. In the future, all manipulations in aquarium water must be carried out with the filter turned off, since no device is immune from malfunctions, and they, in turn, can lead to damage. electric shock. Sometimes beginners ask: - Why are there no bubbles from the filter? - In principle, when setting to a weak flow of water, there may not be any bubbles. If you see a wave of the water surface in the aquarium, then the filter is working properly and this is quite enough. Water is saturated with oxygen from the surface due to waves, as in nature, because there are no devices there.
On aquatek.com.ua, it is very well written about the problems with the external filter and its advantages compared to the internal filter for the aquarium.
| Old-school aquarists have come up with a tricky device for a very long time, which they called an external filter for an aquarium. They were made from anything and filled with anything, as long as it was the most porous substrate. Most likely, looking at all their efforts, foreign experts and their technologies went ahead and released the most popular canister-type aquarium filter to date, which is installed outside the aquarium. Such a filter was called biological. This means that beneficial bacteria, having settled on the porous surfaces of the substrate, will happily catch organic matter dissolved in water and turn it into substances that are safer for fish. Today, the very concept of an external filter is associated as a filter for the lazy. I would not like to call all aquarists lazy in a row, because there is still such a thing as employment or lack of opportunity for service. I consider myself to be extremely lazy. |
| From this we can draw one relevant conclusion - an external filter is convenient for any aquarium. First of all, due to the large time intervals between its maintenance (or, in other words, cleaning and flushing). Another big plus external filter this is that the filter materials can be different, separated from each other with the help of special containers for these fillers (or, as they say, baskets). As an example, the following can be cited: in one of these containers, a rather large-pore material can be placed, for example, a large-pore sponge or ceramic rings, which will serve to retain large suspensions from flowing water and to distribute water flows in the filter itself. It is worth mentioning the following here: the slower the water flows through the filter material, the more efficient the filtration. When using an external filter, due to large area filter media and uniform distribution water through the filter material, the filtration in the aquarium is much more efficient than in any internal filter. And of course, the filtration efficiency exponentially increases due to the number of filter materials. Further, for example, we can give activated carbon, which can also be placed in one of the containers of the external filter in sufficient in large numbers, which is almost impossible to do when using a system that has an internal filter. The benefit of activated charcoal is that, due to its properties, it makes the water absolutely colorless. This is true, for example, after the use of drugs, many of which color the water very strongly or with the active use of dry food containing various dyes that change the color of the water. That is, the use of coal in a canister filter is very effective. Again, by using a slow flow of water. |
|
| The next fairly weighty argument that encourages the use of an external filter, in addition to rare maintenance, is that it does not spoil general form aquarium as an internal filter, which occupies a certain space in the aquarium and is clearly visible, no matter how hard they try to hide it. For its maintenance, there is absolutely no need to even lift the lid of the aquarium, not to mention disturbing the peace of the inhabitants of the aquarium. Each external aquarium filter has taps in its aquarium connection system that shut off the flow of water into and out of the filter. To service the canister filter, it is enough to turn off the taps and disconnect the filter from the hoses. |
|
|
|
View of an aquarium with an internal filter |
|
|
|
|
|
View of an aquarium with an external filter |
Installing an external filter for an aquarium:
External filter. Common Problems and Solutions
|
|
So you have already bought or just decided to buy an external filter. However, this device is not familiar to you, and it scares you to some extent. You ask yourself the question - what will happen if I have difficulties with it and how to deal with it? In this article, I will try to help those who have problems with an external filter, or who are afraid of them, hesitate before buying an external filter or better to stop at other filtration devices. In fact, there are no unsolvable problems. This is the first. The second is that the circle possible problems with an external filter is quite limited, and for all of them there is a real and practical solution. That's exactly what I will try in this article to outline the range of problems that arise when working with an external filter and outline how they can be solved without much effort. |
| Let's start with the simplest. At first sight. But, as it is not strange, a common case. Having bought an external filter, you opened it, removed the technological lubricant (in those models where it is necessary to do this), pulled out the filter materials from plastic bags (in those models where the filter materials are packed in plastic bags) or just wondered what is inside. But it's not possible to put it back together. The filter head does not fit properly. I note that the head should clearly stand on the filter housing and close with latches without any additional effort. If this does not happen, then this is precisely the problem that is now being discussed. |
|
|
| Violation of tightness between the head and the body of the external filter. In other words, a filter leak. This is the most painful and often raised problem in various specialized forums. And this is no accident - after all, in the event of its occurrence, there is a threat of flooding of the room in which the aquarium is located, and if it is an apartment in high-rise building, then the apartments are one floor below. These concerns, according to our observations, are the main reason that pushes the aquarist to still choose an internal filter, if such a choice is worth it. Is this problem so terrible, and what is behind it? So, possible reasons the occurrence of a problem. The first reason is that the clamps that fix the head on the filter housing are not closed tightly or not closed at all, in other words - ordinary ... .. negligence (carelessness and haste). This is rare, but it does happen. elimination– Carefully close all clamps. As mentioned above, the clamps should close without additional effort. Next reason– contamination of the profile seal (or gasket) between the head and the filter housing. Often between the filter head and the housing, where the gasket is located behind long time dirt deposits accumulate, which in their density do not correspond to the sealed gasket, and as a result, the water that is under pressure in the filter can find a weak point and begin to come out of the filter. elimination- clean the profile seal (gasket), the very surfaces of the head and body that are in contact with it, lubricate with a special lubricant or vaseline. |
The profile seal or gasket in the external filter is an object of close attention |
|
| The third and most common reason– the profile seal (gasket) is inserted incorrectly, misaligned, damaged or missing. Some models of external filters are designed in such a way that the gasket can be easily removed or moved. In such filters, it is highly likely that when the head is installed on the body, the gasket may move slightly to the side in some place, which will lead to uneven tightness of the connection, and therefore leakage (this is especially true when the gasket is already worn out by repeated assemblies and disassemblies of the filter) . Exit to this case there will be accuracy in the filter assembly process, as well as the use of only branded seals, preventing their wear and tear. In some models of canister filters, damage to the profile seal occurs due to several reasons. One of them is the sharp edges of the canister or filter head. This leads to the fact that each time the filter is assembled and disassembled, sharp edges injure the rubber seal, as a result of which microcracks form on it. At some point, pressurized water will be able to seep out and the filter will leak. In order to avoid this problem, I recommend paying attention to the head and canister when choosing a filter, avoiding a model with sharp edges. In the process of using such filters, at each assembly of the filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with a special lubricant or petroleum jelly to mitigate the mechanical impact on the gasket. |
The sharp edge of the canister of one of the external filters |
|
| I note that today there are already models of external filters on the market that have already got rid of the gasket disease. Their design eliminates the possibility of both shifting the gasket and its mechanical damage during assembly and disassembly of the filter. As a rule, in these filters, the gasket is located inside a special groove on the filter head, which prevents any of its shifts. Therefore, such a gasket is pressed evenly over its entire area. The edge of the canister in these models of filters is also processed in such a way that it is rolled, eliminating the possibility of causing “injuries” to the rubber seal of the filter. One of these filters is shown in the photo with an emphasis on the location of the rubber seal inside the groove on the filter head. Summing up the above, I will say that to avoid problems with leakage of the external filter from under the gasket, the accuracy of working with the filter, caring for rubber seals, their obligatory timely replacement if microcracks are suspected, as well as the choice of a filter with the least safe gasket installation design when buying it .. As you can see, with proper handling of the filter, it is quite possible to avoid such a widespread problem as external filter leakage. |
|
|
| The filter is not working or is not pumping water. We approach the aquarium, but the filter does not work. what happened? Possible reasons. No matter how trite, the first reason is the lack of power supply to the filter. Check if someone at home has unplugged the plug from the socket. Sometimes it helps to get the filter back to work. If this does not help, there is a chance that the filter rotor is blocked by fragments of pebbles or a snail shell. In addition, mechanical damage or destruction of the rotor is possible. For solutions to this problem it is necessary to disconnect the filter from the network, remove the head from it and examine the rotor, and if necessary, replace it. If the filter does not work after washing and reassembling it, the reasons are as follows. The filter has nothing to download, because it has no water. It should be remembered that before turning on the filter in the network, it must be filled with water. The filter itself is not filled with water, therefore, depending on the filter model, after connecting it to the hoses, you must either use a quick start pump or fill the filter with water through a special filling hole, and only after it is filled with water, turn it on to the network. Another reason may be errors in the installation of the rotor after washing - the rotor and / or the axis are inserted crookedly, or the rotor axis is broken, there are no axial rubber bearings (see photo), or the bayonet lock on the housing is incorrectly installed. To eliminate it, you need to remove the head and check the assembly of the rotor compartment, carefully installing the components in their places. If missing or damaged, replace. |
Rubber axial rotor bearing |
|
| The next problem that aquarists often face when working with an external filter is that the filter power has been greatly reduced. There can be quite a few reasons for this. So, I will try to indicate them all along with the solutions. Let's take a look at the filter taps or locking levers, depending on the model. It is possible that the valves are not fully open, or the shut-off levers are not set to the OPEN end position. It is possible that the taps themselves or the tap connection block are very dirty. If this is the case, then it is necessary to clean the taps or the tap connection block using a special brush. In this case, the tap must be open, and the levers in the tap connection block are set in the open position to avoid damage to the block device. The next step is to take a look at the hoses. Perhaps one or both are broken at the bends or twisted. It is also possible that the hoses become contaminated with dirt deposits. In this case, it is necessary to clean the hoses with a long flexible brush. In addition, there are cases of contamination of the nozzle on the intake pipe with dirt, snails or plant particles. Also common cause decrease in filter capacity is a strong contamination of the filter media inside the filter. As a rule, this occurs when the external filter is rarely serviced, when the aquarium is heavily loaded with fish, or when keeping those fish species that put a significant load on the aquarium (large carnivorous fish, American cichlids, large goldfish, tri-hybrid parrots, etc.). In this case, it is necessary to reduce the time interval between washing the filter. It should also be remembered that some long-lasting filter materials are not recommended for bagging because dirt deposits accumulate on these bags much faster, as a result of which, in addition to reducing the power of the external filter, the efficiency of these filter media is minimized. Another reason for a drop in external filter performance could be a clogged filter pump. In this case, it is necessary to clean the rotor chamber, the rotor itself and the cover from dirt deposits. Another common reason for a canister filter to drop in power is the connection of additional devices on the hose system - for example, an ultraviolet sterilizer. It should be noted that these devices in some cases, as well as with incorrect installation can significantly reduce water flow. However, it should not be assumed that the installation of a sterilizer is definitely impossible on an external filter hose. You just need to do it correctly, but more on that in another material. The last group of problems that I would like to talk about in this material is the presence of air in the filter. It is also a fairly common problem, which, as a rule, results in increased filter noise, and in the future can lead to damage to some components. The appearance of air in the filter can be caused by the fact that the junction of the telescopic filter tube is above the water level. As a result, air is drawn in through the junction. Often this problem occurs during water changes, when the aquarist does not monitor how much the water level has dropped. If for some reason it is necessary to significantly reduce the water level, in order to avoid this problem, simply disconnect the filter from the network. |
Blocks for connecting taps of various filters |
|
| A similar cause may be a leak in the connection of hoses with nozzles or taps (cock block), as well as damage to the hoses themselves, as a result of which air is also sucked in during operation of the external filter. In some cases, the appearance of excess air inside the filter may be due to the fact that the external filter itself is installed too high in relation to the water level. Remember that the filter should be located well below the water level, but not less than 20 cm, taking the top edge of the filter pump head as a level. The most common reason for air to enter the external filter is proximity air nozzle to the intake pipe. The problem is solved by increasing the distance between the intake tube and the atomizer. I recommend that this distance be at least 10-15 cm. Another reason for the appearance of air in the filter may be a high resistance to water flow due to severe contamination of the filter materials inside the filter or excessively dense stuffing of individual baskets with coarse-pored or fine-pored aquarium synthetic winterizers. The solution to the problem would be to clean the filter media and fill the baskets less densely if the cause was due to excessive density of the media. It should be borne in mind that in any aquarium water contains dissolved air, which over time can accumulate in small quantities in the filter head. This air can be removed by rocking the working filter from side to side several times until air bubbles escape. The same procedure should sometimes be performed when restarting the filter or when starting the filter for the first time, because there is residual air in the pores in the filter materials even after the filter is filled and for several minutes, and sometimes even an hour, it rises to the filter head, which can cause increased noise background his works |
|
| Summing up all the above, we can say the following. There are no super-serious problems when working with external filters. Do not be afraid of them or do not trust the reliability of the filters themselves. As a rule, all the problems that arise are the result of the actions or inactions of the aquarists themselves. Of course, technical defects occur due to the fault of the manufacturers, but in this case, you always have the right to apply for a warranty appeal to the seller of this equipment. When writing this article, I deliberately avoided mentioning the manufacturers of external filters, as well as their specific models in order to avoid advertising or anti-advertising of a particular device, so that this article would be as informative as possible. |
Thus we have considered all possible options filtration of water in the aquarium. It is up to you to decide which filter is better and which filter is better to choose. I took a hinged inner with aeration with two sponges. See you on our pages! Subscribe to the blog to receive interesting and useful information!
