External filters for aquariums: purpose, structure, operating principle

In order to keep an aquarium’s environment clean and healthy, external filters are necessary. These items are external to the tank, giving your fish and plants more room to grow than internal filters do.

Water is drawn out of the aquarium, filtered through a variety of media, and then put back into the tank to continue the process. This procedure helps to oxygenate the water and maintain a balanced ecosystem in addition to eliminating trash and dangerous materials.

You can choose the best external filter for your aquarium and keep your aquatic life vibrant and healthy by being aware of how they work and how they are constructed.

Filter Type Description
Mechanical Filtration Removes debris and particles from the water through a sponge or floss material.
Biological Filtration Utilizes beneficial bacteria to break down harmful substances like ammonia and nitrites.
Chemical Filtration Uses activated carbon or other materials to remove toxins, odors, and discoloration from the water.
Water Circulation Ensures even distribution of filtered water throughout the aquarium, preventing dead spots.
Filter Media Different types of media are used for various filtration tasks, such as sponges for mechanical and bio-balls for biological filtration.

Device, operating principle, advantages and disadvantages

Canister is a common term for external or external filters. Most frequently, they are positioned close to the aquarium. Two hoses are inserted into them, and they are positioned below the water’s surface. Water must be collected with one and returned to the aquarium with the other. The external filter’s primary function is to clean the water in big aquariums with lots of inhabitants.

The filters are designed with multiple cleaning compartments:

The upper portion of the filters have a pump, and beneath it is a reservoir holding filter materials for biological, mechanical, and chemical cleaning.

Cleaning external filters is far less frequent than cleaning internal ones. It is done once every two to three months.

External filters are more sophisticatedly designed than internal ones. They strive to maintain the aquarium’s water as pure as possible. Water from the aquarium is pumped into the mechanical cleaning compartment via the intake hose, where it is cleaned chemically before being returned to the aquarium. The direction of water flow can vary depending on the model’s design, from top to bottom or vice versa.

Benefits of adding external filters:

  • no noise during operation;
  • good quality of water purification;
  • combined filtration;
  • long service life (more than 8 years);
  • can be used for aquariums with sea and fresh water.

Drawbacks:

  • high cost;
  • possibility of leaks;
  • large overall dimensions.

The best external filters for aquariums

Aquarists’ popularity determines the rating.

Hydor Professional

Origin country: Italy. Five filters with varying canister volumes present an inexpensive, yet dependable, operating model. The apparatus filters water both biologically and mechanically. Sponges and activated carbon fillers are kept in two designated baskets.

Freshwater and marine aquariums are intended for the use of the filter. Special gaskets built into the design ensure that there is no chance of water seeping out of the filter while it is being cleaned.

Benefits

  • there is an easy start function;
  • easy maintenance;
  • silent operation;
  • affordable cost;
  • thoughtful design.

No drawbacks were found.

Eheim eXperience

Germany is the origin country. In the "professional" generation, the model is simplistic. It is intended for use in freshwater and marine aquariums and has a square-shaped plastic case. The rotor, pump, and sophisticated fillers are all part of the design. Baskets can be used for full or partial cleaning. A safety adapter makes sure the filter operates safely. At the structure’s water inlet, a prefilter is installed.

Chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration are offered by Eheim eXperience.

Benefits

  • silent operation;
  • economical power consumption;
  • high quality filtration;
  • presence of a prefilter.

No drawbacks were found.

Hagen Fluval

Italy is the origin country. Freshwater and marine aquariums are intended for use with this model. Superior mechanical, biological, and chemical water purification is offered by it. Hagen Fluval uses little power even with its high power. There is a practical start mechanism on the filter. The ease of assembly and disassembly of the structure makes maintenance easier. There are four kinds of fillers in the filter.

Benefits

  • quiet operation;
  • reliability of the structure;
  • high productivity;
  • optimal value for money.

Drawbacks:

  • faucets may leak;
  • imperfect filler kit.

Tetra EX

Germany is the origin country. The model is intended to filter aquarium water. Five filter elements make up the design. They are found in designated baskets. Tetra EX offers crystal-clear water filtration that is safe for fish. The model has a pre-filtration feature and valves to change the liquid pressure.

Benefits

  • adjustable hose and tube;
  • reliability;
  • high performance;
  • fast and high-quality cleaning;
  • easy maintenance.

No drawbacks were found.

Aquael Maxi Kani

Poland is the origin country. a recently developed canister filter model that can be used in freshwater and marine aquariums as both an internal and external filter. It’s a gadget that has an external pump. A more potent pump from a different manufacturer can be used in place of the standard one to connect hoses with a diameter of 16 or 22 mm. It is possible to install Aquael Maxi Kani above the aquarium.

Benefits

  • well-thought-out design solution;
  • high performance;
  • no leakage;
  • reliability in operation;
  • easy maintenance.

Drawbacks:

  • hoses cut at 1.5 m;
  • may cause problems when starting the filter installed above the aquarium.

Sera Fil Bioactive

Chinese-made German brand. Multifunctional filters that, after filtering the water, irradiate it thanks to an integrated UV sterilizer. This aids in eliminating algae and pathogens in the aquarium before they have a chance to reproduce. intended only to filter fresh water. A biological activator and sera siporax filter material, which stands out for its high efficiency, are included with every filter.

The water is made more aerated by the filter’s unique "flute"-style nozzle. The device’s body is supported by sturdy rubber feet.

Benefits

  • low power consumption;
  • silent operation;
  • reliability in operation and long service life;
  • convenient filter start;
  • easy maintenance.

No drawbacks were found.

JBL CristalProfi

Germany is the origin country. The model is intended for use in freshwater and marine aquariums for both mechanical and biological water filtration. There is a quick start button on the design. distinguished by a low power consumption. possesses a lovely design. The filter does not leak because it has a safety valve in it.

Benefits

  • low power consumption;
  • easy maintenance;
  • reliability of design;
  • high performance.

Drawbacks:

  • there is no filter protection against clogging with pieces of algae;
  • frequent filter replacement.

SICCE WHALE

Origin country: Italy. a recently released model that is still relatively unknown in the Russian market. The shiny plastic filter has no handles to carry it around. They are swapped out for unique, grippy holes.

A 3 m long hose and a bag containing parts for attaching the filter are included in the kit. The filter head has a hose adapter that is recessed. On the hoses’ inlet elbow is where the start system is situated. The filter body is filled with four baskets containing fillers. The ceramic rings that break up water are positioned above everything else.

Benefits

  • problem-free start;
  • the pump produces good water pressure;
  • high-quality assembly;
  • high performance.

Drawbacks:

  • there is no sprinkler in the kit;
  • there is noise during operation.

ATMAN DF

China is the origin country. Simple to put together model. The apparatus is capable of pumping water. It starts up fast and without any issues. There are three baskets with different fillers inside the body. Water is aerated during filtration. On the same panel as the inlet and outlet taps are located. This is a characteristic of the DF cleaner line. A unique lever holds them firmly in place on the filter cover.

Benefits

  • high performance;
  • silent operation;
  • absolutely sealed;
  • easy maintenance;
  • reliability in operation.

No drawbacks were found.

Eheim Professional 4

Germany is the origin country. Freshwater and marine aquarium water can be purified using this model. It has a high-performing filter thanks to a new generation suction adapter. Low power consumption is a feature of the strong engine. The pump features a strong impeller and is positioned on a ceramic axis.

The model’s enhanced strength and wear resistance make it unique. The sturdy plastic used to make the filter body is complemented by additional stiffening ribs on the head. Grease is included in the kit to prolong the life of the profile rubber gasket. Fillers for filter substrates are inserted into cassettes.

Benefits

  • low power consumption;
  • high performance;
  • good filtration quality;
  • reliability and quiet operation;
  • easy maintenance.

No drawbacks were found.

AQUAEL Ultramax

Poland is the origin country. A model similar to a canister is intended for filtering and aerating aquarium water. Chemical, biological, and mechanical techniques are used in cleaning. A ceramic rotor axis ensures the filter operates quietly.

Benefits

  • quiet operation;
  • good quality of water purification and aeration;
  • economical power consumption;
  • reliability in operation;
  • easy maintenance.

No drawbacks were found.

Question and answer

Is it feasible to replace some of the sponges in an aquarium’s external filter with ceramics to improve its performance?

Such a replacement won’t have a significant impact on the performance. Water purification by biological means will advance while mechanical filtration will deteriorate.

The entryway’s sponges are frequently clogged. How can the filter be made better so that cleaning doesn’t require disassembling it as frequently?

Instead of using sponges on the intake pipe, try placing a mesh.

The ratio of the canister to pump sizes is an important consideration when purchasing external water purifiers. In failed designs, a big pump and small canister are paired together.

Purchasing external container-style filters is preferable for this kind of cleaning. External filters without containers are installed in areas where mechanical water purification is deemed more significant.

In order to keep your aquarium clean and healthy, external filters are necessary. They effectively remove dirt and dangerous materials, keeping the water clear and your fish content.

Making an informed decision is made possible by being aware of the construction and working principle of these filters. You can make sure that the ecosystem in your aquarium is healthy by choosing the appropriate external filter.

Purchasing a high-quality external filter is an easy step that can have a significant impact on your aquarium’s long-term success. It’s a dependable method for maintaining the color and purity of your water and aquatic life.

Aquarium external filters are vital equipment that effectively remove waste and toxins from the water, maintaining clean, healthy water. Water is drawn out of the tank, passed through a variety of filter media that captures particles and dangerous materials, and then the cleaned water is put back into the aquarium. This is how these filters operate. For fish and plants to thrive, they must be able to provide efficient mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Typically, their structure consists of a motor, hoses, and compartments for various types of filter media.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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