The filter is the most important accessory for any modern aquarium. The quality of water and the well-being of the inhabitants depend to a large extent on it. Each species has a number of characteristics, such as productivity and biological power. Types vary depending on the installation site, there are external, internal and hinged filters for the aquarium, also called "backpacks".
Description
The hinged filter for the aquarium is a cross between internal and external. The filter element and pump are in the same housing. Which with the help of special hooks is installed on the wall of the aquarium.
Water is drawn using a special tube that can reach the bottom or be equipped with a special net to prevent small fish and other inhabitants from getting into the device. Some models are equipped with a second tube pointing up. With its help, water is collected from the surface to remove the bacterial film.
Advantages of Hinged Filters
The main advantage of this type is the ability to use several filter materials. The hinged filter housing consists of several compartments. Their number may vary depending on the manufacturer. As a rule, only a sponge is included in the standard package, with the help of which mechanical filtration is carried out. The aquarist can fill the compartments with any materials of his choice.
This possibility makes the device under study more convenient than the internal one, because the necessary volume of filtering materials is placed outside the aquarium. Mounted filters are widely used to organize high-quality biological treatment. In this case, they are used in conjunction with internal, which are necessary for the implementation of mechanical filtration.
An important quality of this type of filter is its compactness. They are made in the form of a flat box attached on the outside. When using an opaque background, such a filter is completely invisible. Another advantage follows from the placement method - ease of cleaning. To remove the filter element, there is no need to remove the entire housing. In general, it can be noted that the so-called "backpacks" are easy to operate and require minimal maintenance.
Disadvantages of mounted filters
The disadvantages include, first of all, the difficulty of placing the filter on the aquarium with a standard cover. To lower the tube into the water, it is necessary to modify the design. The best solution would be to use an external hinged filter for the aquarium in case the composition assumes the absence of a cover.
An important disadvantage is the increased noise level compared to other types. This is due to the fact that water flows over the edge of the aquarium with a characteristic gurgling.
Popular brands
The best aquarium filters from three major manufacturers are presented on the market:
- Eheim. This brand produces four modifications of hinged filters, which differ in performance and volume of the aquarium for which they are intended.
- Aquael. The company also produces four models of mounted filters. The main advantage is the low noise level compared to peers. The disadvantages experienced aquarists include not too high quality fillers.
- Tetra. The most famous and popular brand in the domestic market. It attracts many buyers at an affordable price and reliability. In addition, Tetra appliances are easy to use.
Mounted filters are not in vain popular with aquarists. They help save aquarium space and allow you to choose the optimal set of filter elements. However, it is worth considering the design features of the mounted filter so that there are no problems during installation.