Freshwater

water that creates what is known as a fluidized bed. Sand grains move with
the water flow to create a high-quality transfer between the water and the
bacteria present.
Another important feature of fluidized bed filters is that they respond quickly
to any rise in the aquarium water’s ammonia levels.
A fluidized bed filter really only covers biological filtration, so if you use one
you must also have mechanical and chemical filters working in conjunction
with it in order to balance your overall cleaning system.
Fluidized bed filters are great for planted tanks because they do not remove
as much CO2 (carbon dioxide) from tanks as many other filters do.
Diatom filters
This type of filter uses diatomaceous earth to filter aquarium water to a very
clean and “polished” state. It can capture even the smallest of dirt particles.
Due to the super clean water this equipment produces, it will help to lower
diseases such as fin rot, velvet, ich, and other problems caused by microorganisms.
This type of filter can be hung on the tank or placed on the floor.
The only drawback to diatom filters is that they are expensive compared to
many other filters made for the same size aquarium. But if you can afford
them, they are well worth the money.
Wet/dry filters
As the name suggests, wet/dry filters use a mixture of water and air to clean
the water. In the first step, waste is removed from the water after it is passed
through an initial filter. On the second step, a filtering chamber aerates the
water and passes it through another filter.
Most pond filters are just glorified canister filters
in box form. Some pond filters are even disguised
as flowerpots. Some models go directly in the
pond, whereas others rest on dry land. These filters
turn over massive amounts of water, which
is essential for a healthy, well-planned pond
system. The only problem with a pond filter is that
Chapter 6: Equipment and Other Technical Stuff
Pond filters
you have to have a pond to put it in. (Putting a
good pond in your backyard will probably be on
the same wish list as the swimming pool you
always wanted.) You can, however, buy a small
pond kit that fits into a barrel, which can be
placed in your home or on a porch.
67