May. 3, 2006 - Biological, Mechanical & Chemical Filtration Choices

Biological, Mechanical & Chemical Filtration Choices

For a basic fish-only tank, keep it simple. Use non-living sand or gravel media for the bottom of the tank, which will eventually become the living biological media base, or start out with live sand or another form of live substrate to reduce the cycling time. Then, combine this with a nice arrangement of non-living rocks, dried or synthetic corals, decorative shells, and a few select fish. It is important to be sure and supply ample cover for all of your fish so they are comfortable, and don't have to compete for territory because of a housing shortage.

That being said, what choices for filtration are there? There are three basic forms of filtration; biological (B) (view poll results), mechanical (M), and chemical (C).

When it comes to choosing a filtration system, there are no "set rules" on how one can use a particular filter type, or that you can't mix them in combinations. Research and explore all the possibilities and choose one that suits your fancy. Every aquarist has their favorite. Only you can decide for yourself which one(s) you want to use.

Canister Filters (M, C, B)

Wet-Dry Trickle Filters (M, C, B)

Using Live Sand / Live Sand & Jaubert/Plenums (B, NNR)

Protein Skimmers (M)

Undergravel Filters (M, B)

Mangrove Plants (NNR - Natural Nitrate Reduction method)

For more insight on the many ways filtration systems are utilized, browse our Tank Photo Resources. These are links to personal saltwater Web sites where aquarists' provide all kinds of detailed information about their aquariums, including their filtration set ups.