![]() ![]() Mechanical filters function by pushing the water from the tank into a “filter media,” which essentially sieves out large, free-floating particles. As such, some aquarists would add “filter media” inside the tank to encourage bacterial growth. The bacteria find the physical spaces within the tank to be an excellent place to settle and colonize. An aquarium or tank is said to be cycled when it has been allowed to sit and cultivate a population of living nitrifying bacteria, such as the Nitrosomonas species and Nitrobacter species. The biological filtration kicks in once a fish tank has successfully been cycled. These bacteria and microorganisms hence live in a symbiotic relationship with the fish. The bacteria species primarily responsible for this type of filtration are the Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter species, both of which are critical parts of the nitrogen cycle. Even small amounts can cause significant problems for the fish, such as damaged fins, inflamed gills, swollen eyes, appetite loss, lethargy, algae blooms, and eventually death.īiological filters (mainly bacteria and microorganisms) can perform tasks such as converting the harmful ammonia into less harmful nitrates and further into even less toxic nitrites. They’re considered the most important type of filtration in an aquarium.Īmmonia, commonly found in aquariums, is a very toxic and dangerous chemical to bettas. There are three types of filters based on their mode of operation: BiologicalĪs the name suggests, these filters are living organisms that actively process and convert the fish’s waste into less dangerous or toxic substances. It also ensures proper water oxygenation to extend the fish’s life span. It filters and removes harmful substances, waste, and chemicals from the fish tank. This is why a filter is the best option as opposed to a tank with no filter, or worse, a bowl.Ī fish tank filter does just what it sounds like. So without filters, a regular change of water is mandatory however, changing the water, again and again can stress out your betta as well, and inhibit the growth of good bacteria in the tank. It’s important to note that the smaller the volume of your tank, the faster the water quality will decline and the more difficult it will be to maintain. After this process, the tank water becomes safe and clean for your betta. The accumulated debris also causes a build-up of nitrate, nitrites, and ammonia, which in concentrated amounts can stress your fish out, weakening its immune system and making it more vulnerable to diseases such as fin and tail rot, which is the most common ailments in small unfiltered tanks.Ī filter eliminates these harmful substances by sucking the water and passing it through a rigorous filtration process. This dirty water results from the accumulation of debris from various sources like decaying matter, harmful bacteria, rotten food, chemicals, and feces, which are detrimental to the fish’s health. This, coupled with the stress and weakened immune system due to living in dirty and contaminated water, can hamper the betta’s and shorten its life. Filters bacteria and harmful substancesīesides suffocating the betta and creating a foul odor, the lack of filtration means harmful bacteria can harm the betta. This situation reduces the fish’s lifespan while simultaneously creating a foul odor in your house. In the case of tanks or bowls without filters, the water becomes stale and no longer oxygenated. Like most living organisms, bettas depend on oxygen to survive, which they either get from the surface of the water or the conventional way, which is when oxygen is diffused into the water through oxygenation and taken into the fish through its gills. ![]() This ability comes from their labyrinth organ, classifying them as Anabantoidei or labyrinth fish. ![]() This is because bettas have an evolutionary trait that allows them to gulp air from the surface of the water when they find themselves in shallow waters with low oxygen levels. It wouldn’t be entirely inaccurate to say the betta fish breathes air. What Are The Different Types of Filters? Oxygenation
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |