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Fish Tank Filters – Do Fish Tanks Need Filters?

Fish Tank Filters

Fish Tank Filters

 

Have you ever kept pet fish in a fish bowl for them to die within the first month or two? This is due to a lack of oxygen in the water and a build-up of ammonia and toxic waste, eventually killing the fish. If you are thinking about getting a fish tank to keep fish, filters and air pumps are accessories that are essential for your fish’s survival.

All fish-related equipment and general pet supplies are easily available at our online pet supply stores, Goyo Pets. So, visit our website and order whatever you need or consult with one of our helpful team members who can recommend what you should get for your pet.

Why Is Aeration Important In An Aquarium?

This is because while fish don’t breathe air with their lungs, they still do need a constant supply of oxygen which they absorb through their gills. For that, the water needs to be constantly aerated.

Aeration means to allow oxygen molecules to be absorbed in the water so that fish can take it in. all living things need oxygen for survival. Once all the oxygen is used in the water, it starts to fill up with carbon dioxide, which the fish excrete. This water needs to be aerated to allow more oxygen in and for carbon dioxide to go out.

This can be achieved by the following methods:

  • Stirring the water with a stirrer to create ripples and allow air to enter the water
  • Installing an air pump that makes bubbles inside the tank
  • Pouring water gently into the aquarium from a height
  • Replacing the water in the tank often
  • Installing a filter into the tank
  • Placing a fan near the tank. This cools the water down as well as creates ripples on the surface of the water, allowing aeration to take place. Cooler water retains more oxygen compared to warmer water. A zip lock bag with ice cubes can also be placed in the water to bring its temperature down on a scorching day.

While all these methods can be done, it can get exhausting for you as well as traumatizing for the fish if you have many to be scooped out of the tank gasping for air every week and then placed back into the tank

Why Is Filtration Important In An Aquarium?

Fish tanks tend to become filthy and filled with fish faeces, leftover food debris, and the ammonia released from fish waste. All of this accumulates if not cleaned out and can harm the fish.

While removing the fish from the tank and cleaning it out can also solve the problem, it is not a long-term solution as it can get exhausting and puts fish through unnecessary trauma. By installing a filter in the aquarium, all of this waste can be filtered and taken care of.

Why are Fish Tank Filters needed?

Here are the following reasons why fish tanks need filters:

  • If you have a large tank with many different kinds of fish, you cannot possibly empty it out and change the water every week. Not only is this a long and tedious process, but it is also risky as it can harm the fish and frighten them at every water change.
  • Filters are very efficient and can effectively clean out the tank of all toxic waste products and aerate the water as well. There is no need for an air pump if you have a good filter in the tank that has a large surface area
  • A filter prevents your fish from overfeeding. Overfeeding a fish is common with first-time fish owners, and this causes the fish to die from digestive disorders and fatty liver disease. A filter removes excess food that is in the tank which your fish doesn’t eat right away
  • A filter makes the water look clearer and the aquarium look cleaner. Water with food debris and excreted waste floating around is not pleasant to look at.
  • Prevents the fish from suffering from ammonia stress. This happens when the fish ingest their own waste, which accumulates in the bodies to release ammonia, causing ammonia stress. This can be fatal for the fish. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented by using a filter that removes the waste in a timely manner.
  • Using a filter saves you from day-to-day maintenance. The filter does most of the job, but that does not mean that you don’t have to do any work with a filter installed. The tank and the filter need to be cleaned out once every few weeks to make sure the filter doesn’t get clogged up and that the water is changed.

Do Fish Tanks Need Fish Tank Filters and Air Pumps?

Unless your fish tank is huge, you don’t need both. Your fish can live without the air pump but the filter is more important. A filter does the job of an air pump, so a filter is definitely a must-buy if you are getting a fish tank.

The Bottom Line

If you have a fish bowl, you don’t need a filter; instead, you can use simple techniques to aerate the water while being regular with water changes. But in the case of a large fish tank or an aquarium, getting a good quality filter is recommended to maintain the cleanliness of your aquarium and the health of your fish.

If you are looking for a fish tank or a filter for your fish tank, contact Goyo Pets on their website and order online. We supply all sorts of pet equipment and have been around for decades. Delivering worldwide and happy to assist you with anything you need.