A filter that does not need filter media replaced every month
Many filters contain a pad that is filled with activated carbon and made of floss or some other filter material. However, most of these pads must be changed every month or two because of build-up and aquarium waste. These are not the best for providing high quality aquarium water. Instead you want to obtain a filter that has a sponge type media for the filter that can be washed off with aquarium water and returned to use. The reason behind this is that the filter media is the primary place where good bacteria live that break down poisonous waste products like ammonia and nitrites into the less harmful nitrates. This is known as the bio-filter and a healthy thriving colony of this bacteria is important in aquariums.
If you have a filter in which you must throw away your filtration media every month or two you are in essence throwing away the majority of bacteria that are keeping your aquarium water free of harmful chemicals. These colonies of bacteria can take several days to weeks to return to their previous numbers leaving your fish open to ammonia and nitrite poisoning.
A filter that contains biological filter media
The second essential component of a great goldfish filter is that it contains some biological filter media. This is similar to the sponge component listed above however, it is very different. The bio-filter component is an additional component, normally made of ceramic, that provides additional surface area for the good bacteria in your filter to work and grow. It is different because it is almost a permanent fixture in your filter.
It is this permanence that provides the benefit for your and aquarium. At some point in time your filter media will wear out and need to be replaced. This is will drastically reduce the amount of bacteria available for breaking down goldfish waste products. However, the existence of the bio-filter component in your filter will reduce the effects of this by maintaining a thriving colony of bacteria that will also assist in building a new colony of bacteria on the newly inserted filter media.
Buying a filter for your goldfish tank that has these two components will greatly increase the water quality for your fish. If you currently have a filter that does not have these two components I recommend that you return your filter and exchange it for one that does. Many of the large pet stores will accept a return of a filter even if you have already been using it. You will need to call ahead to the store from which you bought your filter to verify that they will exchange it. If not I would recommend that you buy a new filter. You will be happier and so will your goldfish.
Additionally, you can find easy to use, helpful information about goldfish care at http://www.smartgoldfishcare.com. Smart Goldfish Care is a site dedicated to helping everyone begin and enjoy the hobby of goldfish keeping. Goldfish Care the smart way!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Duncombe 
My cousin had lots of fish, and than he decide to give up on them.
ReplyDeleteCleaning of the tank and troubles with filters were reason why he decided to do so.
Happily all fish survived. :)