Filters. What type?

[will.pointon]

So guys I've got this tiny little tank at the moment and one day I wouldn't mind going way bigger. But I was just wondering what you think is the best type of filter to use. Like is a top filter good(like the aqua one tanks e.g AR-650), or a filter under the rocks or an external filter or a sump filter? Also I've heard some people saying they only have to clean out their tanks three times a year! How can they do this I have to clean mine throughly every week. I get algae and stuff on the rocks and glass

[Zayne]

depends what size tank.

[suphew]

There isn't a 'best' type of filter, it depends on what suits you, what your tank is like, and what you plan on keeping. On a little tank IMHO your best to just go for a small powered internal filter, ideally one with a spray bar so you don't too much current. Should only cost you $30 or so and is also ways useful to have round in the future.

[Sophia]

I have a 33L with Eheim pickup 2006 and am about to get the same for my 22L. Powerful filters and you can direct the water flow for more or less current.

[burrowssj]

eheim have really good filters, I've used those halia/blue planet ones an eheim is definitely the way to go. sponge filters are better for small fry mainly in the early stages. Sumps are wicked but a hassle to setup an for a smaller tank id just go with an external.It also depends on what fish you keep an how stocked the tank is.....

[ryanjury]

For a smaller tank there is no reason why you couldn't use a bubble or sponge filter on it, people have been doing it for years and it is all most breeders do..

[blueether]

How can they do this I have to clean mine throughly every week. I get algae and stuff on the rocks and glass

This in its self could be the (a) problem. when you clean do you clean the current filter as well?

Too much of a clean will mean that the tank never cycles thus never gets into a balanced state. There is a really good stickied post about cycling tanks, could be worth a read.

What sort of filter do you have at the moment?

Any real plants?

What fish are in the tank?

What size is it?

Etc...

[will.pointon]

Oh thanks for this help. I have a top filter with wool, thick sponge, carbon and ceramic noodles in it (AR-126 22L tank set up) I keep a bristlenose catfish, 4 platy and 5 neons. I have a few real plants and a small log.

[henward]

depends on tank volume and stocking and type of fish.

generally i reckon canisters are great.

but if its small - lightly stocked, nothign wrong with a hang on filter

[suphew]

You filter doesn't need to be clean, a bit of dirt is a good thing. Those on top filters work pretty well and are difficult to block up, with the small fish load you have I think you might be doing something wrong, maybe trying to keep it far to clean, over feeding, maybe your plants are dieing and getting into it? Do you siphon the gravel and get rid of dirt that way?

HTH

[will.pointon]

Yea I do siphon the gravel. So when I clean my fish tank should I not rinse out the parts to the filter?

[Caryl]

You should only need to clean your filter out when it gets clogged enough to impede the return flow of water. Once that shows signs of slowing down, a clean is required. You just need to give it a good rinse in used tank water though, you do not want it looking pristine white again. All the good bacteria live in the gunk that builds up in the filter and you want that!

I clean my filter once a year, at most. It is usually longer than that though. A lot depends on what sort of fish, plants, and stocking levels are used.