Pros and Cons of Aquarium Internal / Submersible Filters

Pros and Cons of Aquarium Internal Filters | Uses of Submersible Filters:

Aquarium filters are used for trapping solid impurities from the water. They are also used for wiping out dangerous chemicals that release from fish poop or other decaying matter. Many types of filters are available but, in this article, I am going to discuss internal filters. Aquarium internal filters are located inside the aquarium water, & they are pretty basic & beginners friendly. Check out pros and cons of using submersible filters below:

Pros and Cons of Aquarium Internal Filters

Pros of Aquarium Internal Filters:

Have a look at advantages of internal filters:

• If your aquarium requires an 800 GPH filter, then you can use 2 400 GPH filters as its replacement. It’s unlikely that both filters will stop working at the same time so if one filter fails, then at least you have a backup filter. So, I would advise you to use two 500 or 600 GPH filters instead of one 800 GPH filter because added water current will help in quick filtration, & in case if one of your filters breaks, then your back up filter is still efficient for cleaning.
• Internal filters can aerate water by causing disturbance at the water surface, that releases CO2 & adds oxygen in the water.
• Internal filters are available at low cost & they consume less power than external filters.
• Internal sponge filter operated by an air pump provides very good biological filtration.
• Internal filters come pre-installed with foams & bio media so they do not need any setup. Also, it is easy to install an internal filter inside your aquarium by attaching the suction cups (located at the back of the filter) against the aquarium glass.
• Internal filters are very efficient in cleaning because they have high quality sponges & some internal filters can hold bio media too. Sponges hold heaps of good bacteria, & more useful bacteria grow on the bio media. So, internal filters can be used as secondary filters if your main filter is not performing well in a high stocked aquarium.

 

Cons of Aquarium Internal Filters:

Have a look at disadvantages of internal filters:

• Internal filters consume space inside the aquarium water so fish have less room for swimming.
• Powerhead in the internal filter could be dangerous if not handled correctly. If the powerhead is running above water level, then it could heat up & break.
• Internal filter can be used as a secondary filter because it is not as efficient in cleaning as an external canister filter.
• Strong water current released from the powerhead could blow away your fish so it is very important to adjust the flow rate. Especially fish fries & small fish are affected more by the strong water current from the internal filter that could stress them.
• Aquarists do not like the appearance of internal filters, especially sponge filters, & they usually hide them behind structures, decorations or aquatic plants.

Enjoyed Reading? Read Similar Article: How to Setup an Aquarium Internal Filter