So.... i have been looking at internal filters for my 100 litre tank for the last 2 days and still cant find one ...

I am not sure which one is right , the ones that looked big enough seem only have sponge/foam filters , but no carbon . Filter i got for my 54 litre tank (elite stingray 15) has got 2 foams and 2 zeo carb catridges .

Is this zeo carb important ? or foam/sponge will be enough ?

I dont understand much anout filters,but want to make sure i get what i need.

The 2 i looked at were :

1) Interpet PF4 Internal Filter Aquariums > Internal Filters > Pumps and Filter Media > Aquatics > Main Section > UKPetSupplies

2) Tetratec IN 1000 plus internal filter for aquariums up to 200 litres

Anyone owns any of these ? I just cant seem to find any catridges for these filters ... so makes me think they only run on sponges .

Any recommendations ?

Thank you

I think the TetraTec looks better, in my opinion.

There's three types of filtration associated with most mechanical filters, be they HOB, in-tank, canister, etc. They are:

1. Mechanical filtration - filter foam that strains crud like dead plant leaves and stuff out of the water.

2. Particulate filtration - activated carbon. Removes things like medications and particles that cause your tank to smell (I call it the "pond smell").

3. Biological filtration - the most important. Everything in the filter becomes a surface to host nitrifying bacteria and aerate them so they can get busy turning ammonia into nitrite and thus into nitrate. Many different filters market "bio media", which is just material designed to provide more surface area for the bacteria to set up shop on. The entire filter, after enough time, will become host to the bacteria as well.

Foam and bio media both offer lots of surface area for bacteria, and carbon isn't really necessary unless your tank gets smelly or you've just finished a medication regimen.

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