series to filter the aquarium. The efficiency of the filters is high, but the setup and maintenance of media can become difficult. Wet/Dry filters are the main form for biological filtration. These filters are very effective for larger aquariums that are demanding of biological filtration. These filters are made up of both aquarium water and a significant amount of air. This creates an ideal environment for large numbers of bacteria to actively produce waste materials [8]. The filters are generally used for the more advanced aquarium user. They need to be plumbed into the system and can be very elaborate when setting up. Most wet/dry filters include a sump/reservoir that holds auxiliary equipment along with required water return pumps [8]. Cost Setup Skill Effectiveness: Effectiveness: Effectiveness: Filter Type Range Level Mechanical Chemical Biological Air-driven Internal Low Basic Low Low Low Filters Undergravel Low- Basic Low Low Medium Filters Medium Low- Power Basic Medium Medium Medium Medium Filters Internal Low- Medium Medium Medium Filters Medium Canister Medium- Intermediate High High Medium Filters High Wet/Dry High Advanced Medium Medium High Filters Figure 11. Overview of Filtration Systems and Benefits [8] Lighting Aquarium lighting a vital role in aquariums. Lighting provides vital energy to photosynthetic plants and animals. Proper aquarium lighting is essential for any system that contains any plants, anemones, or corals that requires photosynthesis to produce food. Lighting is also essential to the overall health of the fish and well-being of the entire system. Aquarium
series to filter the aquarium. The efficiency of the filters is high, but the setup and maintenance of media can become difficult. Wet/Dry filters are the main form for biological filtration. These filters are very effective for larger aquariums that are demanding of biological filtration. These filters are made up of both aquarium water and a significant amount of air. This creates an ideal environment for large numbers of bacteria to actively produce waste materials [8]. The filters are generally used for the more advanced aquarium user. They need to be plumbed into the system and can be very elaborate when setting up. Most wet/dry filters include a sump/reservoir that holds auxiliary equipment along with required water return pumps [8]. Filter Type Cost Range Setup Skill Level Effectiveness: Mechanical Effectiveness: Chemical Effectiveness: Biological Air-driven Internal Filters Low Basic Low Low Low Undergravel Filters Low- Medium Basic Low Low Medium Power Filters Low- Medium Basic Medium Medium Medium Internal Filters Low- Medium Medium Medium Medium Canister Filters Medium- High Intermediate High High Medium Wet/Dry Filters High Advanced Medium Medium High Figure 11. Overview of Filtration Systems and Benefits [8] Lighting Aquarium lighting a vital role in aquariums. Lighting provides vital energy to photosynthetic plants and animals. Proper aquarium lighting is essential for any system that contains any plants, anemones, or corals that requires photosynthesis to produce food. Lighting is also essential to the overall health of the fish and well-being of the entire system. Aquarium