Starting an aquarium from A to Z. How to install a filter in a home aquarium Correct installation of an aquarium filter

To purify water in an aquarium, submersible filters are used, which are located in the water column, and external filters, the canister and filter cartridges of which are located outside the aquarium. Before choosing a type, it is recommended to correlate its technical features with the parameters of your reservoir and installation capabilities. To do this, use the recommendations of specialists and experienced consultants; sellers at poultry markets and sellers in pet stores do not always turn out to be good advisers on the correct installation of a filter in an aquarium. But the decisive choice remains yours, because no one knows better than you how and where it is more convenient for you to place the filter.

Which aquariums require an internal filter?

Installing an internal filter is appropriate in small and medium-sized aquariums with a volume of up to 200 liters, in which they usually try to combine the cleaning function with additional aeration of the water.

These devices are quite compact and operate relatively quietly, so beginners tend to purchase them for small bodies of water; many are frightened by the difficulties of installing external models or the risk that the external filter will be dropped by an animal or child. In addition, submersible equipment is chosen by aquarium owners who often suffer from power outages; such equipment will not leak or flood the floor. And it’s easier to clean the internal filter. But if the aquarium is very tiny, and the submersible model takes up the useful space of the reservoir, what should you do then? A corner filter may be a partial solution to the problem.

How to install the internal filter

Installing an internal filter in an aquarium is easy. This device does not require the purchase of additional equipment or upgrades, therefore, regardless of the model, it is assembled in full accordance with the user manual.

1. Familiarization with the device. Correct installation of any filter begins with checking its completeness and reading the instructions. We recommend doing this before purchasing the cleaner. If you doubt your design abilities, it is better to ask a consultant to clearly demonstrate the assembly process to you or carefully describe it.

2. Filter assembly. Almost all internal filters are assembled using the same algorithm. The first step is to place the filter material in the glass of the device. Then, if the design allows for it, insert the rotor into the pump. Attach the pump to the glass and connect the aeration tube. If recognizing parts is difficult for you, check out the video attached to the article.

On some models, the mounting panel is separated from the body. Insert the fasteners on the glass into the grooves provided on it and place the suction cups in the corresponding slots. Everything is ready to install the filter in the aquarium!

3. Securing the device. Almost all aquarium filters are attached to the wall of the container using suction cups. Simply press them against the glass and press well. Submersible filters must be completely under the water surface; under no circumstances turn on the device if it protrudes from the water. The correct depth for placing the filter is 2-5 cm from the surface. One of the ends of the aeration tube must certainly be in the air. If possible, place it outside the aquarium, with access to the room, so oxygen will dissolve in the water more efficiently, because under the lid its content is reduced. If the plastic tube with the factory fastening slips off, it can be attached to the side with a regular office clip.

4. First start. Turning it on after installing the filter in the aquarium essentially involves working in testing mode. For this reason, it is recommended to observe the operation of the filter. Adjust the immersion depth.

5. Power setting. At the time of first switching on or immediately after it, it is recommended to turn the power regulator to medium settings. Further adjustments should be made taking into account the volume of the aquarium, the degree of contamination and, of course, the habits of its inhabitants. Some fish, particularly those with small and weak fins, cannot tolerate too strong a current.

Which aquariums require an external filter?

An external filter contains a larger amount of filtration material, therefore, as a rule, it provides not only mechanical and chemical, but also biological water purification. The larger area of ​​the filter membrane provides housing for more nitrifying bacteria and nitrobacteria, colonies of which decompose dissolved organic matter into less toxic compounds. For this reason and due to the high performance of the devices, the installation of an external filter is recommended for aquariums over 200 liters. Some aquarists equip smaller reservoirs with them, but not less than 100 liters.

However, the only drawback of canister devices is the risk of water leakage from the external tank. This can happen if the gaskets wear out. Some manufacturers have taken care of this problem and developed leakage protection systems.

How to install an external filter

Despite the relative high cost, external filters are simple in design and installation. The myth about the difficulties of installing an external filter in an aquarium should not push you to choose familiar, but less effective submersible models.

1. Choosing a location for the canister. The design of the filter allows for two ways to place the canister: above or below the water level. The first option allows you to hide the device body in an aquarium cabinet and not clutter your apartment with bulky equipment. The second is to save electricity and reduce noise levels. It is believed that for the filter to work effectively, it is necessary that its upper point be no higher than 20 cm from the water level.

2. Filter assembly. The filter is assembled according to the instructions. The process is quite easy. It is necessary to place a filter sponge or other cartridge, as well as a layer of biomaterial, in the flask of the device, in the lower half of the canister. Assembly of the mechanical part of the filter is usually not required - the manufacturer packages it ready-made. Then the suction and exhaust hoses are inserted into the device.

3. Placement of hoses. Hoses for collecting dirty water and supplying filtered water are placed in opposite corners of the aquarium, this increases operating efficiency and creates the necessary circular circulation. Once all the elements are inserted into the device, you need to open the suction hose and wait for the filter to fill. After this, the first hose is closed and the second, outlet hose is inserted into the hole. When the air comes out of the tubes, you can test the equipment.

4. Turn on the device. Before turning on the filter, you must open the valves on both hoses. It is highly desirable, although not essential, to remove the fish before loading the filtration system. After this, the power of the device is precisely adjusted.

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, easy to install yourself, and convenient to use during operation. However, these mechanisms have their drawbacks - they need to be cleaned of dirt almost every day, they are large and noisy. Before purchasing such a water purifier, determine whether it will fit in your aquarium.

Will I be able 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. Before connecting the filter to the network, it should be assembled in parts and secured to the wall or above the aquarium.

Water purification devices such as internal filters must be completely immersed in the aquatic environment. There should be another 3 cm of water above the filter. The apparatus itself should not touch the bottom. If you bought an internal filter, or made it yourself, then it is correct to attach it to the glass wall using suction cups.

Watch how to disassemble, assemble and install the internal filter.

Included with the branded filters is a hose for air supply. It should also be present in a homemade device, however, the mounting principle is the same. Take one end of the tube and attach it to the special hole in the filter, bring the other end above the water and secure it with fastening material to the upper edge of the tank wall. The tube must be above the water level, otherwise air will not be sucked in correctly.

There should be an air supply 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 purification device, set the regulator correctly to the middle position. Then watch the behavior of the fish - some will love the flow of water, other fish will avoid it. Adjust the water flow level 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 device must be disconnected from the power supply. Also, you should not leave the switched-off mechanism in the water, or turn it on after a long period of stagnation (if you have not had time to clean it).

How to install external filters?

Organizing a home aquarium always involves 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 properly install an aquarium filter?

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 to the outside of the aquarium at the other. The end of the air vent hose located outside the aquarium should be located above the one that is 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 at the tip of the air outlet hose or at the filter spout. Place it in the middle position at first. And you can adjust the position you need by looking closely at the fish. There are species of fish that love strong currents, and there are also those that do not tolerate it well. At a low power level of the filter, there may be no bubbles; in this case, a slight ripple of water will indicate its proper operation.

Once the installation of the aquarium filter is completed and all parts are attached, you can connect it to the mains. And for the future, you should remember 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 the filter work in an aquarium:: Equipment and accessories

If you decide to install an aquarium at home, then you cannot do without an aquarium filter. You need to pay special attention to its choice, since the quality of water in your underwater kingdom will depend on this device.

Instructions

1. Today there are many types of aquarium filters: internal, external, bottom, aerator filters, as well as filters that produce mechanical filter tion (as filter filter thread, sponge or crumbs are 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 need to perform. For example, external filters are easy to use, while bottom filters help create more favorable microflora in the aquarium, and they need to be cleaned every two to three years. For small aquariums, the ideal option would be an aerator filter, 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. Before installing the filter, carefully read the instructions. If you purchased a chemical filter, then you need to fill it 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 place pre-prepared soil on the bottom of the aquarium. If you purchased a bottom filter, you must first install it under the ground. Add about one-third of the water and then plant the plants. If you have chosen an internal filter, then it must be installed at this moment. Attach the filter using special Velcro or a holding bracket, 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 reaches equilibrium (about two weeks), the filter must be kept on. As soon as you see that the turbidity has disappeared from the water, you can safely populate your underwater world with fish.

note

When buying an aquarium, do not forget that in addition to the peace it gives you, you will also be caring for its inhabitants and their habitat, that is, the aquarium. Keep it clean regularly.

Filter location in the aquarium

An aquarium is a biological system, 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 is considered to be: compressors that saturate the water with oxygen, filters for water purification, water heaters to maintain the selected temperature mode 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 submerged in water. Only the 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 - a stand. There are 2 tubes in the aquarium for taking water into the filter and supplying clean water. The filter consists of a pump, which 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 ensure that the hoses that connect the tubes and the filter are positioned freely. The intake tube is placed vertically in the aquarium, approximately 5 centimeters from the ground, while the tube 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 to purify water, and a compressor is used to supply oxygen to the water.

How to install a filter in an aquarium:

Open the filter, unfasten the covers, then remove the engine.

Pull out the baskets with filter elements. In the penultimate basket there is activated carbon, remove the packaging from it. Then put the mesh with coal in the basket.

Lower the baskets into the filter.

Reinstall the engine and close the covers.

Install the water intake tube into the aquarium through the technological hole, putting the tip on it in advance. For fastening you need to use suction cups.

Attach a hose of the required diameter to the tube. This hose can be immersed in hot water for a short time to make it easier to put on the tube. No additional fastenings are required here.

Place the “in” tap on the hose. Before installation, soak the end of the hose in hot water.

Install the water supply tube into the 2nd technological hole. Connect a hose with the smallest diameter “out” to it.

Attach the taps to the filter using gray tightening washers.

Place the filter next to the cabinet.

How to install a filter in an 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 observing the behavior of fish swimming there behind glass is calming and relaxing. Thus, the aquarium can act as a stress reliever.
Every aquarium must have filtration, otherwise fish in dirty water will not live long. Filters purify water from inorganic substances, remove organic compounds and other substances dissolved in it, circulate water and enrich it with oxygen.

Instructions

1. The process of installing a filter depends on its purpose and type. And based on their location, filters for aquariums are divided into external and internal.

2. Internal filters:
Aerolifts are the simplest devices that lift water in a tube using bubbles created by a compressor. Such filters are almost completely immersed in the aquarium, almost to the very bottom. Airlifts are installed in small aquariums, spawning and rearing for fry.
Glass filters. A plastic “glass” containing 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 filtration at once. And each section has its own filtering. Such 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 and covered with sand. Bottom filters usually play the role of auxiliary filters.

3. External filters come in multi-section and canister types.
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.

Video on the topic

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 biological filtration of the aquarium

Combination filters and aquarium filtration

photo mechanical aquarium filter

Internal aquarium filters

Perhaps these are the most popular and in-demand filters. Their price is an order of magnitude cheaper than that of external filters, and 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 take up 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.

No matter how clean the water you pour into the aquarium, it will still become dirty over time. This is explained by the appearance of dead particles of algae, waste and other small particles of debris in it. In order to get rid of all this and maintain cleanliness in the aquatic environment, it is necessary to install a water filter in the aquarium.

This mechanism has the following functions:

• purifies water from inorganic particles;
• removes all kinds of dissolved substances from the water (for example, tablets or other medications after treating aquarium residents);
• fills the water with oxygen, without which not a single fish can survive;
• creates water circulation.

Undoubtedly, no fish or other aquatic animals can be introduced into any aquarium without a filter first installed in it. But, given all of the above, it is still worth remembering that even if you know how to install a filter in an aquarium and have already decided which model to buy, it still will not create natural running water for you. After all, each filter pumps the same liquid.

How do filters differ from each other?

Before you need to decide on its type, installation location and functionality. After all, in every specialized store you will come across a large selection of these devices. They all differ in their design features and scope of application.

Some people do not want to face such a choice and prefer to make a filter for the aquarium with their own hands, simply by studying all the features of purchased designs and finding out which model is suitable in a particular situation.

Types of Aquarium Filters

Based on the principle of operation, modern aquarium filters are divided into the following types:

1. Mechanical ones are capable of purifying the water in an aquarium from turbidity and floating particles that were raised from the bottom by the movement of fish and a compressor. You cannot do without installing such a device. After all, dirt gradually accumulates in the aquarium and, as a result, decomposes, making the water cloudy. This filter must be washed when it becomes dirty. The first sign of clogging will be a reduced flow of water passing through this device.
2. Chemical filters purify aquarium water to a greater extent from phosphates and nitrates. For excellent results, such filters must be changed periodically.
3. Absorption-chemical filters help purify water from waste products of fish and other “animals” of the aquarium. Typically, such a device includes a constantly circulating pump, a special sponge and a substrate (usually gravel) located directly next to it. It can be installed both inside and outside the aquarium. It is worth noting that the main components of each biological filter are the vital functions of which must be maintained without fail. This means that such an external aquarium filter should only be washed under running water. And under no circumstances should it be dried.

Types of filters depending on their placement

Each aquarium filter, photos of which demonstrate not only them but also the mounting methods, can be installed in different ways. According to this, the following types of these devices are distinguished based on their location:

1. The bottom filter for an aquarium is placed almost at the bottom of the tank. It has a large number of holes from which air is supplied. Such filters help clean water from small blockages. Manufacturers recommend installing them immediately before introducing fish. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to place and secure this type of filter in the aquarium.
2. The internal filter is installed inside the aquarium (hence its name). As a rule, it consists of a sponge or a pumping device. Such filters become clogged very quickly. This must be constantly monitored, as such devices are decreasing.
3. External aquarium filters are very similar to internal ones. Their only difference is their location.

How to make an aquarium filter yourself?

A good filter device will never be cheap. What to do? How to save money? In this case, we recommend making the simplest filter for an aquarium with your own hands. To make it you will need: a sponge (you choose its size depending on the capacity of the aquarium), a sprayer, a suction cup, a rubber tube, two 20 ml syringes, a small compressor.

Take one syringe. In one part of it, into which the medicine should be collected, make holes with a heated awl. You need to connect the second syringe to the first. This can be done using soldering. To do this, hold the widest ends on a hot plate for a while, quickly connect them and hold for 5-7 seconds. Cut off the part where the needle is to be inserted at both ends. You should now have a long plastic pipe.

Take a sponge, make a not wide but deep cut in one of its sides, insert a part of a syringe with holes into it. Place a rubber tube into the resulting “pipe” and connect it to the compressor. Attach a suction cup to one side of the syringe. This is where your filter will be attached to the wall of the aquarium.

Is it possible to make your own sediment for an aquarium filter?

No filter can fully purify the water in an aquarium without a pump. The simplest such device can also be made by hand. To do this, you need to have on hand: a nozzle, a fitting, a pump core and a tee.

The nozzle can be replaced with a simple pipe. It must be inserted into one of the holes in the tee. After this, take a tap with a thread, screw a fitting onto it, and pull the hose on top. On the opposite side you need to carefully attach a small hose, which will later serve to drain the water. A siphon is attached to the end of this hose. It will help protect the pump itself from soil getting into it, which can cause serious damage to the device.

How to install a filter in an aquarium yourself?

So, you bought or made a filter for your aquarium with your own hands. Now what? How to install it? What rules must be followed?

First of all, everyone should understand that under no circumstances should a filter be installed in an empty aquarium. The container should be at least half filled with water. It is also worth noting that before assembling the filter for the aquarium, all parts of this device must be thoroughly dried. And only after that you can start installing it. The filter is usually attached to the wall using suction cups at a distance of 3 cm from the surface and in such a way that it does not touch the bottom. To begin with, it must be immersed in water and turned off.

The tube that absorbs air must be brought out. It is very convenient if a mount is provided for this tube. In a fixed state, it will not move and fall into the water.

If you understand how to install a filter in an aquarium, and did it correctly, then only now can you plug it into the outlet. If the filter begins to circulate and saturate the water with oxygen, then you should have no doubt that you did something wrong.

How to clean the filter yourself?

In order to clean an aquarium filter, you must first unplug it. The outside of the device is washed to remove mucus and dirt, and the sponges are thoroughly washed in running water. If you have a chemical filter, then its filler must be replaced. When purchasing a biological filter, it is worth remembering that it will be more convenient to have several of these devices at once. This makes it easier to clean each one in turn.

And finally...

It is imperative to monitor the operation of your filter system. It must always work at full capacity. If, for example, the bottom filter for an aquarium is not working at full capacity, then this is the first sign that this device needs to be washed and cleaned.

Remember! Improving your aquarium filter care skills only comes with time. In this case, you only need attention and care for your pets.

One of the irreplaceable parts in an aquarium is a filter, without which the normal life of the inhabitants is impossible.

It performs mechanical and biological purification and saturates the water with oxygen.

The rules for installing this device are of concern to many aquarium owners, let’s look at them. This article will tell you everything about the correct installation of a filter in an aquarium.

Where to place it?

Choosing the right location for the filter depends on the characteristics of the aquarium, its size and shape. Typically, filters are attached to the side wall of the container, next to the back glass, so as not to interfere with the life of the fish. If the filter is internal, then there is a special mark on it indicating that diving to great depths is prohibited.

Is any preparation required before installation?

• Before you begin installing the device, read the instructions and also check that it is complete.
• Assemble the device, making sure all parts are dry.
• Try installing it in the aquarium with the power turned off.
• Install in an aquarium that is free of fish, but at least half filled with water.
• If a “flow” is created, everything is done correctly.
• Make sure that the cord hangs freely from the outlet.

After trial switching on, select the power corresponding to the volume of the aquarium. It is best to choose the middle position, observe the behavior of the fish and adjust to the desired position.

Installation

How to install an external filter?

Step-by-step instructions for correctly installing an external filter in an aquarium:

Watch a video about installing an external filter:

How to install internal?

Installing an internal filter does not take much time and effort; anyone can handle it.

• Read the installation instructions.
• Fill the aquarium with water, remove the fish from it (if it is not turned on correctly, they are in danger of being burned, since their body temperature is lower than that of a human).
• Place the device in water, it should be completely immersed, the layer of water on top is about 20 mm.
• Attach the device to the wall of the tank using the hooks or suction cups included in the kit.
• Make sure that the tube attached to the hose comes to the surface.
• Plug it into the socket, make sure that the “flow” begins.

After this, it is necessary to regularly check the operation of the device and clean it of dirt.

Watch a video about installing the internal filter:

Biofilter

The aquarium biofilter works thanks to special bacteria, which absorb ammonia, which is formed during the life of the inhabitants.

There are different options for making a biofilter yourself. Let's look at the installation of the "bottle" model. Its size depends on the volume of the aquarium.

• Make holes in the bottom of the bottle to allow water to flow inside.
• Wrap this area with foam rubber.
• Secure with plastic clamps to avoid unnecessary contamination of the gravel.
• Fill the bottle with filler to about halfway.
• We pass the compressor spray hose through the neck from above.

Due to the “aerolift”, water will be drawn out of the bottle, and new, unpurified water will flow through the bottom of the bottle.

Donny

• Remove all water and soil.
• Next, the aquarium is rinsed from residual sludge.
• Install a frame that lifts the plate 2 cm above the bottom.
• Secure the plate and place the pump and cartridge on it.
• Install the mesh onto special elements and tubes that ensure water movement through the pump.

When installing this type of device, the water will circulate completely and stagnation will be avoided.

Phytofilter

• Make a hole in the bottom of the plastic container.
• Add a layer of expanded clay and secure the plants by securing them with fine expanded clay for stability.
• Place the device over the aquarium, the lower part should be slightly covered with water.
• Secure the pump in the aquarium by attaching a tube to it, the end of which is placed in a container with flowers.
• Place a layer of foam rubber between the expanded clay and the tube, which acts as a filter.
• Plug it in.

1. Before immersing your hands in water, disconnect the filter from electricity.
2. After installation, many are faced with the fact that water stops flowing. The reason is a plug of air that has formed. The solution is simple: turn the filter on and off several times. If this does not help, drain all the liquid from the hoses.

How to care for the device?

Maintenance of the device depends on the type of filtration: chemical, biological or mechanical.

• You should not wash the filter frequently, this will upset the balance in the aquarium, because for proper functioning and full-fledged operation it is necessary for beneficial bacteria to appear in it.

  Bioceramics and spheres are washed every three months. The substrate requires cleaning with water every 2 months; with more frequent washing, the useful layer is washed off.

• Activated carbon is replaced every 2 months, and ceramic parts every 6. Do not replace it at once, it is better to divide it into 2-3 stages.
• Only the filler needs to be cleaned regularly. The purification process should occur in aquarium water as quickly as possible.
• For cleaning, use only water and a cloth; do not use chemical cleaners.
• Replacing the sponge in the filter is possible only in one case - if it has lost its water filtration properties.
• It is necessary to clean the impeller, where dirt and algae accumulate.

Everyone chooses the type of device that suits them. However, compliance with the general rules for installing and operating the filter guarantees comfortable living conditions for the inhabitants. Such an aquarium will delight everyone around you.

Dear readers, I welcome you to the pages of the site myaquaworld.ru. Today I propose to discuss options for installing an internal filter pump in an aquarium. In this article we will look at mounting methods, flow direction, pros and cons of various assembly options.

It just so happened that, due to their availability, compactness and ease of use, as well as installation in an aquarium, pump filters become the first filters for beginners. There are a huge number of models produced at the moment. But today we will not dwell in detail on the choice of a specific model. We will talk about how to properly install an already selected and purchased filter in an aquarium.

Any internal filter pump consists of two parts: a motor pump and a filter part. The motor pump is the same pump that drives and creates a flow of water through the filter element. And the filter part is a compartment with a filter element located in it. It is he who is responsible for purifying water from turbidity and suspended particles. All internal filters are hermetically sealed, so the only option for using them is to completely immerse them in water.

Mounting methods

Manufacturers call the main methods of attaching filters to glass:

Using suction cups.

Using an additional bracket.

Combined (suction cups + additional bracket).

Suckers

Fastening with suction cups is the simplest and most effective. This option makes it easy to remove the filter from the water. The suction cups are located on the body of the device itself and are removed from the aquarium along with it, or are installed on a separate platform. In this case, the filter is attached to the bracket using grooves or latches and, if necessary, is removed from the water separately.

It is also worth noting that over time, suction cups lose their elasticity and the reliability of the attachment decreases. In this case, they are replaced with new ones. In addition, a filter installed on suction cups not on clean glass, but on a bacterial film, is prone to slipping from its original location. Therefore, the installation site of the filter must be thoroughly cleaned of slippery deposits.

Additional bracket

Fastening with an additional bracket is more reliable, as it allows you to hook onto the edge of the aquarium with a special plastic hook. A filter installed in this way is not in danger of slipping. However, manufacturers often complete their products with a bracket that is designed for installation on thick glass (used either in large aquariums or made of plexiglass). As a result, it is not possible to securely fix the device in the aquarium, which serves as a source of extraneous sounds. Also, the presence of a hook extended outside the container may make it impossible to install the aquarium lid or the need to pass it through one of the specially made windows. These slots are not always well located in terms of the location of the filter, and can also have an unfortunate effect on the design of your aquarium in that they will dictate where the filter is installed in the tank.

Maintenance of filters mounted on a bracket is the most convenient, since you do not need to put your hands in the water to remove the product from the aquarium.

Combined method

The combined mounting method is the option of installing the filter simultaneously using suction cups and a bracket. This type of installation is distinguished by the most reliable fixation of the product in the aquarium, although it combines the disadvantages of both types of fastenings.

Conditions for effective work

For the internal filter to work effectively, a number of conditions are required:

The filter must create sufficient water flow through the filter element, that is, have adequate performance for the aquarium of the size you choose.

The placement of the filter in the aquarium should exclude the presence of stagnant zones.

The filter must be accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

Installing the device in an aquarium should lead to the realization of the pursued goals.

Performance

Filter performance is determined by the amount of water in liters passing through the filter element per unit of time. It is the main unit that determines the filtration rate, and should be selected from the condition that 4-5 volumes of your aquarium should be pumped through the filter per hour.

No dead zones

The placement of the filter in the aquarium should exclude the presence of stagnant zones. This means that the filter must create a flow of water in the aquarium of such strength and direction that there are no areas or zones throughout the entire volume where there is very little or no water flow. This guarantees that the entire volume of the aquarium will be served by the filter. It is unacceptable that only part of the internal space is subject to filtration due to blocking the flow with decorations, directing the flow across the aquarium, etc. In the case of using large volumes or very long containers, it would be reasonable to use several filters installed on opposite sides. Many modern filter models are equipped with a number of devices that help implement this rule. For your convenience and to customize devices for specific conditions, manufacturers equip filters with flow regulators, rotating heads and diffusers to move water in the direction you need.

Accessibility for maintenance and cleaning

The correct selection of a place to install the filter in the aquarium should provide easy access to it for maintenance and cleaning. It is no secret that over time, the filter element, and the pump itself, becomes clogged with particles of dirt, fish waste, etc. This is logical, because this is why we install a filter in the aquarium. Therefore, even the most high-tech and modern device will require maintenance and cleaning after some time. For internal pump filters, this means removing them from the aquarium. Therefore, at the stage of planning the design and choosing the location for installing the product, it is necessary to take care of the convenience of this process. Since disassembling part of your design, moving snags and damaging plants to clean the filter element weekly will only bring negative emotions.

Realization of goals

Installing the device in an aquarium should lead to the realization of the pursued goals. This imposes certain requirements on the functionality of the filter used. If you intend to operate the filter in aeration mode and do not additionally install a compressor, then at a minimum, the device must include a special nozzle. As a rule, additional purchases of accessories not included in the product may bring additional difficulties in finding original accessories or selecting compatible ones.

Operating modes

For the most part, all pump filters, in addition to their main purpose (water filtration), can also perform additional functions. These are aeration, circulation, sprinkling.

Consider these options:

Circulation

The main version of the filter pump operation. To implement it, no devices are required, since this is the main thing for which we use the filter. Without water circulation, there will be no current, which means there will be no filtration. A filter that does not circulate does not perform its main function. Sometimes the product is supplied with an expanding nozzle, which generates a wide flow of water, which reduces eddy currents in the aquarium while maintaining the original performance. In addition, this use case is the most preferable in terms of noise. However, when using the filter in circulation mode, it is worth taking care of organizing aeration (at least at night) using a compressor or an additional aerator pump.

Aeration

The most commonly used function of pump filters. To do this, the manufacturer supplies its products with an additional nozzle, which is a special diffuser with an attached air intake hose. Often a blower intensity regulator is installed at the end of the hose. This use of the device allows you to reduce the amount of equipment used to maintain the aquarium. However, it is worth remembering that the intensity of aeration will greatly depend on the performance of the filter and its installation depth.

With a selected and constant filter performance, as the depth of its installation increases, the intensity of aeration decreases, and when a certain depth is reached, it stops altogether.

Also, the main differences between aeration performed by a filter and aeration performed using a compressor is the inability of the pump to blow air through the bottom layer of water. In addition, there is a potential danger of killing fish at night if the filter is stopped due to severe contamination (if, for example, you went on vacation). In addition, the disadvantages include a decrease in productivity and filtration efficiency in relation to the circulation mode, as well as an increased noise level.

Sprinkling

This mode is performed using a special attachment called a “flute” and additional adapters and fasteners. Sprinkling allows for very intense vertical mixing of water layers without creating strong flows. This solution is most justified for the use of high-performance filters in planted herbal aquariums, where intense currents have a detrimental effect on plants. In this case, the flute is located along the long edge of the aquarium and water is released through small holes along its entire length. The closer the length of the flute is to the length of the aquarium, the more intense the circulation of water and the weaker the flows created in it.

Small flutes are installed directly on the filter body and do not require additional fastening, while long ones are installed using suction cups on the wall of the aquarium and connected to the pump with a plastic tube or flexible hose.

The classic position of the flute involves installation above the water level. This placement ensures the saturation of water with oxygen, due to intensive mixing of its upper layers, and also helps to get rid of bacterial film. Of the minuses, it is worth noting that this solution is the noisiest of all options for using an internal filter pump. The noise level is 8 dB higher than when the product is operating in circulator mode and 2 dB in aerator mode. In addition, there is a noticeable decrease in pump performance due to the need to pump water through narrow holes in the flute.

General background noise

Circulation mode

Aeration mode

Sprinkling mode

If you nevertheless appreciate all the advantages of this installation option and decide to use it, then as measures to reduce the noise level, you can recommend directing the streams of water coming out of the flute onto the glass of the aquarium. Using this method, however, will reduce the efficiency of aeration.

There is an opinion that in herbal aquariums the flute must be placed below the water level to avoid mixing of its upper layers, which leads to loss of dissolved carbon dioxide. With this installation option, the water is not saturated with oxygen and the bacterial film is not broken, but the noise level is comparable to the noise of a pump operating in circulation mode. However, in this case, to carry out aeration at night, it is necessary to raise the flute above the water level (if the noise from the aquarium does not interfere with your sleep or it is installed in non-residential premises) or organize air blowing in other ways.

Video of different filter operating modes

Operating modes of the internal filter

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