Why Fish Tanks Need Filtration

As an aquarium owner, it’s your responsibility to properly set up your tank with whatever fish tank supplies are needed by the fish that inhabit them, which may include substrate, a purifier, and even hiding places to make them feel comfortable. But what about filters? Do fish need them, or is this just a suggestion? To answer this question, we must look at the uses of a tank filter and what exactly makes them beneficial.

What Is the Purpose of a Filter?

The reason filters are used in aquariums is to remove things from the water that could potentially harm the fish. The First Tank Guide states that these items include uneaten food, decaying organic matter, floating particles, harmful chemicals, and the excrement produced by the fish. When too many of these particulates remain in the tank for a long period, the water can become toxic. In fact, if fish excrement isn’t removed through a filter, the animals in the aquarium could become poisoned.

Are Some Filters More Necessary Than Others?

As you might know, there are different types of filters. The most important filtration is biological, as this is the function that keeps your fish alive. We all know aquariums require this form of filtration because of the amount of toxins that can quickly build up in the tank.

Do Any Fish Not Require the Use of a Filter?

Using a filter is essential for 99 percent of fish species, while a couple can survive without one. The Seattle Times labels bettas and danios as fish that can live in a bowl rather than a filtrated tank. However, just because these fish don’t require a filter doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from one, as all fish can potentially live longer with the help of a filtration system. Whenever there’s no biological filtration, an aquarium has more potential to allow unwanted bacteria and pathogens to get your fish sick.

Why Should I Use a Filter Instead of Replacing the Water?

You can opt to change the tank water more often than you normally would instead of investing in a filter, but that’s a very poor method of taking care of your tank pets. Without the use of a filtration system, you need to put your fish in a different tank, possibly giving them anxiety while emptying the original bowl or tank. Then you must proceed to clean and refill the aquarium before placing them back in. 

Filters take all of the work out of the equation, keeping your tank cleaner for longer. We’d like to highlight that you must still take care of the filter, which requires you to check for clogs to make sure it’s running adequately. Overall, this is much easier than putting your fish through the process of changing tanks. Also—and this is very important—make sure to rinse your filter cartridges out in the discarded aquarium water (or RO if you have it). This process keeps the all-important bacteria alive, whereas the chlorine would kill it.

The use of mechanical and chemical filters is also very important to remove particles and keep the water clear. Just remember, your fish will love you all the more when you equip your tank with a high-quality filter.

If you have additional questions about what kind of filtration set up you need for your tank, contact the aquarium experts at Aquatic Warehouse. In addition to a wide array of filters for aquariums, we also carry plenty of high-quality koi pond filters. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call today at 858-467-9297.