Using an aquarium air pump in your aquarium will increase your water circulation and the surface area for proper gas exchange. Aquarium air pumps are used to power other aquarium filter, such as undergravel filters, corner (box) filters, sponge filters and protein skimmers to name a few. They will also create a dynamic look when used with such items as a bubbling air stone or an action ornaments. Always choose a fish tank air pump that's a bit more powerful than you think you need as in future you can add additional tank accessories later.

Choosing the Right Air Pump

There is no fixed rules to selecting an aquarium air pump. Some air pumps are rated for different sizes of tanks, but these ratings are quite irrelevant for choosing the correct air pump for your fish tank.

If you are using the air pump only to operate an under gravel filter, and your tank is a standard size, then the tank size ratings on an air pump are probably relevant. However, if you are doing anything else with the air pump the rating is irrelevant.

Here are a few guidelines for choosing an air pump for your aquarium:

1. Choosing one rated for your aquarium size.
2. The more things you are running from your air pump, the larger air pump.
3. If you tank is more than 18-20" (46-51cm) tall, you should look for a special deep water air pump designed to push air that far below the water surface.
4. The more resistance the things you are pushing air through the larger an air pump you will need

Best aquarium air pump for your fish tank

Tetra Whisper air pumps: there are various sizes for different aquarium sizes up to 100 gallons. These air pump the best and cheapest one on the market today.

If you have many filter to run with an air pump, you may need one with many outlet like the previous.

If you have a large fish tank, the Fluval air pumps may be the best ones for your choice. They are designed to perform best on large aquariums.

Fluval 06 series filters are the best canister filters on the market today. While Eheim filters operate very quiet, the Fluval 06 series canister filters own a high flow rate and smart design to keep your aquarium clean for a long time.

Fluval 06 series canister filter features

The Fluval 06 Series filters offer several state-of-the-art features to ensure reliable operation and trouble-free maintenance for you aquarium. The Fluval canister filters provides 35-55% more volume than would be possible with round canisters of the same outer dimensions by the increased volume resulting in a greater mass of filter material and a larger filtration area.

The Fluval motor is hermetically sealed to ensure reliable operation and it does not require coolant. Besides the impeller, there are no moving parts.

• Advanced filtration system providing maximum versatility and premium performance for aquariums up to 100 gallons
• Instant priming for convenient, simple and quick filter start up; No manual siphoning
• High output motor is sealed in epoxy to resist high temperatures for performance and safety
• AquaStop Valve offers an air- and water-tight seal permitting hosing to be disconnected without breaking the vacuum
• High pump output
• 3-year warranty

There are four models for aquariums from medium to large, up to 100 gallons.

Fluval

Fluval 06 series setup and maintenance

Pre-assembled components and pre-packed media for easy set up. Twin foam prefilters efficiently trap waste and debris. Increase flow and reduce maintenance. The chemical and biological media are housed in different modules, allowing maximum versatility. Use different filter media and media configurations. Change just what you want when you want to change it.

Quick and trouble-free maintenance. Fulval's Aqua-Stop feature stops the water flow without the need to disconnect the hoses, which means no mess. The ribbed, opaque hosing bends and turns easily without kinking and makes installation and removal easier while supporting better water flow. New hose rim connector and clog-free intake strainers. Lift-lock clamps securely lock the cover in place and are easy-one-motion connections.

All you need for setup and maintenance are included, easy-to-follow DVD instructions also come with the product ensuring even a beginner can install their filter easily.

Whether you have a 20 gallon aquarium (Fluval 106) or up to a 100 gallon one (Fluval 406), these filters are going to really satisfy your needs with the easy to clean filters and quiet operation. They are easy to assemble and install as well as allow for easy cleaning.

Fish tank filters are the most important equipment for any aquarium. Along with aquarium heaters, the fish tank filters form a system that ensure the living conditions in a tank is just right for healthy and vibrant fish. Choosing the right fish tank filters for you is also a matter of personal choice. Even though different fish tank filters work differently, they all have the same basic purpose which is to filter out debris and externals from the water which would otherwise contaminate it.

Fish tank filters generally perform one or more of the following filtration tasks: chemical, mechanical and biological.

• Mechanical filtration removes large waste and sediments from the aquarium. All fish tank filters perform this basic but important function.
• Chemical filtration involves the removal of toxins and dissolved matter usually through activated carbon. The porous carbon filter traps phosphates and waste in its pore. It is also able to remove ammonia and odor from the water. While it really isn’t all that important to perform chemical filtration, it can be useful especially in a tank meant for quarantine to filter out the excess chemicals used for treatment.
• Biological filtration utilize a colony of beneficial bacteria to filter out toxins and decay from the tank. If you wish to have healthy and thriving fish, then biological filtration is an absolute must. Biological filtration is a very important filtration task.

Different Types Of Fish Tank Filters

The main filtration function performed by almost all fish tank filters are biological and mechanical. The more expensive ones add on chemical filtration as well. Your choice of aquarium filters to use should depend on the size of the tank, the quantity of fish, how sensitive the fish are, the budget you are willing to spend on the fish tank filters and finally how much time you are willing to set aside to clean it.

Here is a general look at the various types of fish tank filters being sold today:

Box Filters: Also known as Corner Filters, this is usually a clear box that contains filter floss and other media. Air is push through an air stone that in turn pumps water into the filter, through the floss and filter media which performs mechanical filtration. Over time, there will be a build up of bacterial colony providing biological filtration . Box filters are inexpensive but you should only consider them for small tanks as they are generally not that efficient. Most fish enthusiasts today also do not favor them because the box which is placed inside the tank tends does not compliment the decoration. They require weekly cleaning but are easily to clean.

Undergravel Filters: A layer of gravel sits on top of a plastic platform. By utilizing a pump, water is suck from under the gravel, forcing it to flow through the gravel which performs mechanical and eventually biological filtration . Undergravel filters usually comes together with a beginners tank that you buy in a complete set. During the weekly cleaning session, you would have to vacuum the layer of sediments that will accumulate just above the gravel.

Sponge Filter: These fairly efficient filters are usually used as a secondary filter attached to a main filter to further increase the filtration process. Sponge filters are cheap but the maintenance can be a bit messy because you’d need to remove the sponge from the tank and clean it before replacing it back again.

Power Filter (Hang-On-Back): Most fish enthusiasts use this type of filter. They are very efficient and provides a complete filtration process. Some the reasons why they are so famous is because of the mid range price, efficient filtering and simple maintenance. Just right for a mid size tank.

Canister Filter: Meant mainly for larger thanks that need a powerful filter. Though they are expensive, they do perform the best filtration process than any other filters. They require very little maintenance usually just a couple of times in a year. Also, the filter is totally out of the water so maintenance does not involve the water in the tank at all.

Conclusion

Think carefully about the fish tank filter that you wish to purchase because it should be an investment that is supposed to last you for many years. Selecting the right fish tank filters for you will ensure not only healthy and vibrant fish but a hobby that will be totally satisfying.