How to Install Filter Systems for an Aquarium

Aquarium filters are a necessary component for enclosed aquatic environments. Filter systems protect aquarium plants and fish by cleaning the water of waste, chemicals and debris. Three basic types of filtration comprise an aquarium filtration system. Mechanical filtration removes particles that cloud the tank and can make it difficult for fish to breathe. Biological filtration removes ammonia waste that is produced by the fish. And chemical filters via activated carbon help to maintain water quality by removing certain trace elements and minerals that collect in the water when fish are fed. You'll need an incoming water line and an outgoing drainage line for the filter system.

Things You'll Need

  • Multi-stage aquarium filtration kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the complete installation instructions before attempting to install the filtration system. Make sure to have all filter system parts and any component parts that are recommended for your system but not included in the kit.

    • 2

      Insert filters into filtration cartridges per packaging instructions. Add the maximum number of media containers into the appropriate slots. Additional mechanical carbon filters can keep the tank clean longer so you don't spend so much time moving fish, replacing water and physically cleaning the tank.

    • 3

      Attach or hang the body of the filtration kit to the back of the tank. Alternatively, attach it to a side panel on the glass aquarium. Position the filter body for easy access when it's time to clean or replace filters.

    • 4

      Set the internal under gravel filter (UGF) tubing underneath the gravel on the bottom of the tank. UGF filtration systems don't filter out all debris, so slightly slope the gravel to the front or to the back for better visibility when detritus builds up so you'll know when to clean the tank. Use a long-handled screen scoop between cleanings to remove larger particles.

    • 5

      Hook up internal tubing to the water pumps on the filtration unit. Make sure to properly fasten tubes onto the threaded connectors to avoid leaks that can reduce the water pressure.

    • 6

      Connect the incoming water line to the appropriate tubing on the filtration unit. Make sure to have watertight connections to avoid leaks. Attach the outgoing drain line in the same manner.

    • 7

      Fill the aquarium tank with water as usual.

    • 8

      Connect the filtration system to an electrical outlet and turn it on to test. Make any adjustments as needed per manufacturer instructions.