Choosing between all the various saltwater fish tank filtration systems can be confusing to say the least. But, before you choose your specific system, there are a few points you must know regardless of which system you choose. Keep in mind filtration is a very important part of your tank, so do not rush through this step. In natural habitats, the fish have ample areas in which to live. In your tank, they are confined to a rather small quantity of water. In your saltwater fish tank, waste products can quickly build up and spell disaster and that's where the filter comes in. Four factors have a huge impact on the success of your saltwater fish tank, and your filtration system.
You must have an adequate biological base, the appropriate choice of animals, not over-populate, and not over feed. Get one of these factors wrong, and you most likely will have problems with your saltwater fish tank. Biological filtration is the most important sector of all salt water fish tank filter systems. The biological filters are actually living organisms within your tank. They naturally consume oxygen and waste material within your tank and they are not something you can add. Instead, they will occur naturally within your saltwater fish tank. The second type of filtration in your tank is mechanical filtration and this is where you choose the type of salt water filter system you will use in your new tank. Mechanical filtration strains the solid particles from your saltwater fish tank water. It will not remove solids trapped by gravel, or other such items within your tank. Keep in mind that a good mechanical filter traps enough solids to keep your water clear. Also, smaller openings catch finer particles and are clogged faster than a larger opening.
