Betta FishThe Most Fascinating Fish Of All Tropical Fishes

Aquarium Filters : Power filters is a popular aquarium filter.  An advantage of this type of aquarium filter is that it can be used in any type of system. A power filter provides mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. It runs on electricity and has an internal motor. Power filters come in various sizes and power consumption to meet the different needs of the fish tanks. These filters also come with different built-in flow adjusters and multi-directional outlets to suit specific aquarium needs.

The power filter usually hangs on the back of an aquarium. This fish tank filter sucks up water through an inlet tube which hangs inside the aquarium. The water passes through the filter pads and the filter media. The filter pads contain charcoal which acts as chemical filters to trap the debris. The filter media which contains biological media, provides the required biological filtration. After passing through the filter media, the water returns to the tank.

The power filter is powered by a powerhead which is located inside or at the top of the filter unit. A powerhead is a piece of equipment consisting of an electric motor-driven pump sealed in hard plastic. It helps to draw water up through the tubes. A current is provided in the water by the powerhead which helps to return water to the tank. Powerheads have adjustable valves to regulate the speed of the airflow and thus, the speed and force of the water flow can be adjusted. These small valves are useful in small fish tanks which require less water flow, as the water flow can be adjusted to suit the need. Furthermore, the outflow can be directed to a specific area in your aquarium.

Powerheads can draw water at a faster rate than most air pumps. Hence, by using a powerhead, more water can be filtered within the same period of time. As a result, water can be cleaned at a faster rate and this benefits the fishes in the aquarium. The filter pads in power filters require regular maintenance. You need to clean these pads by rinsing them with dechlorinated water and replace them about once a month.

As described above, a power filter is an effective aquarium filter. One benefit of this type of aquarium filter is that it comes in various sizes and types, and you can choose one that suits your need. Furthermore, with the use of a powerhead, the aquarium water can be filtered at an increased rate. Hence, you can consider using a power filter for your aquarium filtration needs.

Aquarium Filter : An aquarium filter plays an important role in keeping the fishes in your aquarium healthy. It helps to keep your aquarium water free from pollutants which can cause harmful effects to the health of your fishes. Unless you change the water everyday, an aquarium filter is essential in your aquarium. There are several types aquarium filters available in the market. Some of these fish tank filters are described below.

Canister filter
An aquarium canister filter combines mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. It is a unit which contains a filter chamber for filter media and an electric pump for circulating water. The water from the aquarium enters the canister filter, is pumped up through the filter media, and flows back to the aquarium. The filter chamber consists of several filter media such as sponges, carbon (charcoal) and ceramic medium.

There are external and internal aquarium canister filters available. An external aquarium canister filter has inlet and outlet pipes for water to flow from and to the aquarium. Whereas for the internal aquarium canister filter, it has slits for water to flow into the filter and an outlet from the pump. It is commonly placed on the floor beneath the aquarium or attached to the back of the aquarium glass. Aquarium canister filters have the capacity of filtering several hundred gallons of aquarium water per hour. The benefit of this type of aquarium filter is that its output can be adjusted to any part of the tank.

Undergravel filter
An aquarium undergravel filter is a plastic plate placed between the substrate and the aquarium base with uplift pipes. Water is being drawn down, passing through the substrate, and returned through the uplift pipes. The aquarium undergravel filter is considered as an excellent method for biological filtration. The benefit of this filter is that as the inlet is the whole aquarium base area, there is no way that wastes can escape from being processed. There is a large amount of filter medium available for bacterial colonization. The disadvantage of an aquarium undergravel filter is that when the system gets clogged, the cleaning task requires a major upheaval.

Undergravel filters are most suitable to be used in aquariums which do not have big rocks or decorations blocking large sections of the gravel bed. If such big rocks exist, the block plates would create dead spots on the filter. For udergravel filters, it is preferable to use regular gravel substrate as smaller substrates will tend to fall through and larger ones tend to hide huge amounts of debris.

Sponge filter
An aquarium sponge filter provides biological filtration. It consists of a perforated plastic tube fitted with a cylindrical sponge. The tube is attached to an air pump. It draws the aquarium water through the sponge, which acts as a medium for trapping bacteria. As a sponge filter does not have the tendency of having young fishes being sucked up into the filtration unit, it is suitable for use in aquariums with small fishes. Sponge filters are also good to be used in quarantine tanks where fishes are placed for treatment. This is because sponge filters have no chemical filtration which can affect the effectiveness of medications being used for treatment. As sponge filters only provide biological filtration, they are not suitable to be used in large tanks which have higher filtration requirements. This type of fish tank filter is mainly used in aquariums with low filtration needs.

Aquarium filters provides filtration which is essential in all aquariums in order to keep the clean for the fishes to live well. The above are some types filters used for aquarium filtration. These filters provide different level of filtration needs. You can consider using these filters based on the needs of your aquarium.

Live Aquarium Plants : Floating water plants are commonly used in aquariums. Besides adding to the beauty of the aquarium by giving it a “pond” look, these plants provide benefits for the fishes as well. For example, one of the common benefits is that floating water plants provides spawning sites for fishes. Also, for aquariums that require low lighting, floating plants help to block the light coming from above the aquarium. In this way, it helps the inhabitants of the aquarium to survive well. Some common floating water plants used in aquariums are described below.

Duckweed (Lemna minor)
Duckweed has oval green leaves and it grows very fast. As the leaves of this plant spread widely, this aquarium plant can help to block light rays shining on to the water. Too much light can heat up the water in the fish tank causing harm to the fishes. Also, high exposure of light can cause the growth of harmful algae. The leaves of Duckweed provide shelter as well as spawning sites for the fishes. Some fishes like to feed on this plant and it provides good nutrition due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. Duckweed takes in ammonia and hence, helps to reduce its content in the water. This plant only requires moderate lighting. However, as this floating water plant is fast-growing, it requires pruning to keep it in shape.

Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans)
Riccia fluitans is a popular floating water plant used in aquariums. It grows just below the surface of the water. This plant has tiny strands mat together which forms a solid mass. Riccia fluitans provides benefit for bubble-nesters as they use it as a point of attachment for their nests. This aquarium plant is also often used as spawning sites. It grows well in bright lighting and receives plenty of carbon dioxide.

Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
Limnobium laevigatum is beautiful floating water plant with waxy leaves. This plant can produce shoots that will form a small plant at the end. If this end breaks off, it will form a new plant by itself. This floating water plant is a tropical species and if placed in a fish tank, it survives well with moderate lighting.

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Pistia stratiotes has soft, large leaves which are light green in colour. The leaves have a velvety texture and they grouped together to form a beautiful rosette. Pistia stratiotes has fine trailing roots which grow below the surface of the water. Having this plant in the aquarium benefits the fishes as it provides plenty of hiding places for them.

The above are some common floating water plants you can consider using in your aquarium. Besides using these plants to enhance your aquarium décor, having them in your aquarium has benefits for your fishes as well. Fortunately, these plants are not difficult to keep as they thrive well in most conditions.

Live Aquarium Plants : In an aquarium, background plants refer to those plants that are normally placed at the rear of the aquarium. These aquarium plants are usually taller plants with longer stems or leaves. They are placed at the rear of the aquarium for mainly two reasons. Firstly, they enhance the appearance of the aquarium background scene. Secondly, they help to conceal unsightly items such as filter tubes and heaters at the rear of the fish tank. Sometimes, these aquarium plants are placed at the front corners of the fish tank to the further enhance the overall appearance. Some common background plants are described below.

Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)
Cabomba caroliniana is a fine-feathered plant which is light green in colour. This aquarium plant looks stunning when planted in groups of three or more. It grows fast and lives well in bright lighting. It can grow up to a maximum height of about 50cm. Cabomba caroliniana is one of the most common species available and fairly easy to keep. An advantage of having this plant in the fish tank is that it is good for filling up spaces and hiding areas at the background. Another advantage is that it can be used to capture the eggs scattered by fishes. The majority of community fish kept in aquariums uses the egg-scattering method for their reproduction. The disadvantage with this aquarium plant is that fish loves to nibble on it and its leaves come of very easily. Thus, you will often find many leaves floating around in your planted aquarium.

Elodea (Egeria densa)
Elodea is a popular aquatic plant. It is fast-growing and can grow to a height of about 50cm. It is a suitable plant for beginners. Growing the Elodea has many benefits. Firstly, it is easy to keep as it survives well in a wide range of conditions. Secondly, it grows very thick if kept in bright lighting and thus, is an excellent plant for filling up spaces. Thirdly, it secretes substances that help to prevent algae growth. Fourthly, Elodea is known to remove great amounts of nitrates. Hence, it helps to purify the water. Lastly, a small piece of the plant can actually regenerate to become a new plant within a short period of time.

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)
The plant derives its name ‘Amazon Sword’ from the fact that it grows in Amazon and the shape of its leaves is similar to that of the blade of a sword. This beautiful plant can greatly enhance your aquarium decor, especially when it blooms. Echinodorus bleheri lives well in moderate lighting. However, a point you need to note is that Echinodorus bleheri has large roots and thus, it needs additional fertilizers for it to grow well. Also, if you placed this plant in your aquarium, you need to ensure that the large roots of the plant do not choke out other plants.

The above are some common live aquarium background plants you can consider placing in your aquarium. These plants can certainly help to make your aquarium decor more stunning. They can help to conceal unsightly items at the rear of the fish tank and fill up the spaces. As described above, each plant has its own benefits as well.

Live aquarium plants help to enhance the beauty of your aquarium. However, you need to place the right type of plants at the foreground and the background of the aquarium to achieve better aquarium decor. Aquarium foreground plants are smaller plants that are placed toward the front and centre of your aquarium. The taller plants should be placed at the rear of the aquarium. In this way, there is no blocking of view of any plant in the aquarium and a better aquarium decor is attained. Below are some common foreground plants you can consider using for your aquarium.

Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendtii)
Cryptocoryne wendtii has long leaves which are green in colour with red-tinted areas. This aquarium plant is short and grows slowly. As it stays short over time, it can be placed in the foreground of fish tanks. It will certainly not block the view of the plants at the rear of the fish tank. Due to its low height, Cryptocoryne wedtii can also be placed in small fish tanks. It is suitable for aquariums with low lighting. With its red tints, Cryptocoryne wedtii looks attractive. When placed in the aquarium, it helps to add more colour to the aquarium decor. 

Pearl Grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides)
Hemianthus micranthemoides is a very common plant used for the foreground of an aquarium. It is light green in colour and survives well in medium lighting. A bushy plant with small fine leaves, it tends to develop side shoots in all directions after some time. Hence, pruning needs to be carried out to maintain its shape. Hemianthus micranthemoides is usually planted in small groups. The plant will grow to about 15cm tall.

Dwarf Anubias (Anubias nana)
Anubias nana has broad green leaves. When added to an aquarium, it makes the aquarium look more colourful and stunning. This plant species is easy to maintain and hence, it is suitable for use by beginners. With low lighting and average water conditions, this aquarium plant will still survive well. Anubias nana does not need to be embedded in the aquarium gravel. It can be attached to driftwood, rocks or tree roots. Anubias nana grows very slowly and can be planted in all kinds of freshwater fish tanks.

The above are some common aquarium plants that can be used as foreground plants in an aquarium. These aquarium plants are short and grow slowly. Hence, it is best to be placed them in the foreground of the fish tank. Besides, they are not difficult to maintain. You can choose these plants to enhance your aquarium decor. Good selection of plants for your aquarium makes a great difference to your aquarium decoration.