Ferplast

There isn't the absolute best filter, but clearly the combination of the various filtrations is the best choice. The biological filter degrades toxic organic substances, transforming them into compounds used by aquatic plants. It is a process very similar to what happen in nature: in a lake fish produce their organic materials, that together with death leaves and animals fragments are situated in the bottom. Bacterias transform this substance in non-toxic composes, that are assimilated by plants. In order to obtain this kind of filtration is it generally used short ceramic cylinder, synthetic spheres, basalt granules and carbon. Particularly, it is very important that the process of ammonia transformation happens because it is a dangerous toxic substance for the life in the aquarium. The nitrites transform the ammonia in nitrates, a less toxic substance for fish.

The mechanical filter, instead, only physically blocks solid fragments suspended in the water, without cleaning it. Working as a sieve, this filtering material frequently gets clogged; therefore it is useful to rinse it periodically even if this means eliminating a large part of the organic substances that the bacteria present in the aquarium have transformed. Perlon wool and synthetic foam are among the most common mechanical filters. Perlon wool is similar to animal wool but it is made of synthetic fibres, which will not decompose in the water, and does not liberate any residue in the liquid environment. Foam is often used in industrial filters, being easily adapted to complex spaces. It is less efficient on very small particles but more durable.