A filter is considered essential hardware for all aquariums, as they are life support systems for fish. No aquarium should be set up without one, they are needed to operate 24 hours per day, from day one.
Before adding fish the tank must be cycled. Cycling is a process that allows the development of good bacteria and can take up to 6 weeks. Adding a filter starts to develop this faster.
You will now need to start monitoring the condition of the water with test strips or a test kit
Simple video guides on Filters and how to clean and maintain them.
Fluval U3 Aquarium Filter Maintenance
Fluval 206 / 306 / 406 Canister Filter Foams
- Flow rate: 206 US Gal/h (780 L/h)
- Pump power: 10W
- 3 media Trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media
- Media Capacity: (4.6 L)
JUWEL BIOFLOW internal filter
Supplied with Poly Pad M, Carbon Sponge M, Nitrax M Sponge, and Fine M foams. See our video on the best positioning of the filtration media.
SunSun HW-302 / APS 1000EF Aquarium Filter Maintenance
- Flow rate: 264 gph (1000 L/hr)
- Pump power: 18W
- 3 media Trays capable of handling your choice of filtration media
- Media Capacity: (8 L)
HOW TO BOOST FLUVAL CANISTER FILTER
The foam screen frame is vertically oriented containing two thick layers of replaceable foam blocks.
Replacements you are likely to need:
MECHANICAL Filtration removes particles Course PRE-Filter Foams (side) https://amzn.to/2Kljv3P
(Bottom tray) MECHANICAL removes debris particles
BioFoam https://amzn.to/34WQyEU
Medium Filter Foam https://amzn.to/2Kljv3P *Original Fluval BioFoam is around £11 but I made more for less. watch the video to find out.
(Middle tray) BIOLOGICAL Promotes beneficial bacteria
Fluval Biomax Bio Rings https://amzn.to/34R46BJ
or an alternative Biohome Ultimate filter media https://amzn.to/2RZpO13
(TopTray) CHEMICAL removes Toxins but established tanks can use BIOmedia
CHEMICAL removes Toxins Also a good location for the fine filter https://amzn.to/34TUTZn
Fluval Activated Carbon Bag https://amzn.to/3cHII4F
Optional Fluval Ammonia Remover – https://amzn.to/2RTqDbS
Fluval Clearmax – https://amzn.to/2XRHDTy