Goldfish Station

There are three basic types of filters: box filters, which go inside the tank; power filters, which go outside the tank; and under gravel filters. The first two have a series of layers of wadding and charcoal to remove debris and chemicals from the water, while the under gravel filter uses the gravel and creates a natural filter.

Let's discuss first what the filter does. The filter has two or three ostensible purposes, depending on what kind you use. First, it cleanses and purifies the water. Second, it circulates the water. Third, in most cases, it aerates the water.

I would recommend a power filter for most beginner aquariums. They are easy to clean and change, and they clean more water faster than any of the other filters. This is important with goldfish, as goldfish are not the neatest of fish. A strong filter is needed to take care of them.

If your tank is on the scale of ten gallons or larger and you want goldfish, set up aquarium power filters. Goldfish are too messy and too active for a box filter, which will not provide enough air, or an under gravel filter, which will not be strong enough to sift out all the debris, which goldfish seem to create in an endless supply.