The aquarium is the small reservoir occupied by water inhabitants. To maintain biological balance in it, use various means and methods. One of methods - water purification in an aquarium.
To purify water, use the special aquarian filters working by means of electric pumps or air flow. There are universal filters in which it is possible to adjust the speed of a current of water. They are used in the aquariums inhabited by different types of fishes.
Classification of filtersThe external suspended filter – is the plastic box consisting of several sections. This filter is outside of an aquarium. Its principle of action is very simple: water gets from an aquarium, filtered and comes back. Visually this process reminds falls. The air-lift filter – the small plastic container having various forms: cylinder, cube or pyramid. Water gets to the filter through the punched cover, goes under a pressure from top to down through the filtering material, then climbs an air lift and comes to light. Such type of filters is suitable for small aquariums as additional filtration. The filter canister – is a vertical cylinder above which there is an electric pump. Water from an aquarium goes on plastic tubes and passes through the filtering material. This filter is very good for aquariums, big by the size. The spongy filter is the most primitive and at the same time the most popular type of filters consisting of the punched tube with the cartridges attached to it with sponges. The polluted water gets to the filter sponge, is purified, and comes out through a tube.
Types of the filtering materials
The calcium carbonate – increases rigidity and acidity of water. It is visually similar to calcareous crushed stone, sand or a coral crumb. It is used as the mechanical or biological filter. Activated carbon – fixes all unnecessary substances on the surface and utilizes the medicines and heavy metals dissolved in water. Gravel – the filter which can be used infinitely. The aquarium is filled with water, as a rule, by means of a pomp which represents the pump. Very many a pomp are intended both for fresh, and for sea water. They are submersible and external. Depending on type and a type of the filtering material, the corresponding care for an aquarium is carried out. Means of mechanical cleaning (various scrapers and sponges) need to be cleaned constantly. The chemical filtering materials demand periodic updating. Biological filters partially are subject to replacement. Besides use of filters it is necessary to purge once a month of an aquarian bottom. The procedure is carried out by means of a rubber tubule with a tip from plastic or glass. Diameter of an opening of a tube should not interfere with passing of water through it with garbage. It is twice a week recommended to change from 15 to 30% of the total amount of water of an aquarium. Water is previously settled for this purpose by one-two days. Also the special chemical means absolutely harmless to inhabitants of an aquarium will help to normalize a condition of water. The choice of such chemistry is rather various and is present practically at all pet-shops.