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Filters

There are many choices when it comes to aquarium filtration. The basic types of filters are canister filters, power (hang-on tank) filters, wet-dry and reef sumps. Each of these types is capable of providing mechanical, chemical and biological filtration.

Choosing Aquarium Filtration
Here is our quick-start guide on aquarium filters and filter media. This chart is a general guideline (not rules) for choosing aquarium filtration. For specific recommendations please refer to our tank setup guides in the articles section.

Filter Recommendations
	Tank Size	Freshwater	Freshwater Planted	Saltwater Fish Only	Saltwater Reef
Canister Filter	30g and up	Y	Y	Y	N
Power Filter	Up to 75g	Y	N	Y	N
Wet-dry or Sump	55 and up	Y	N	Y	Y

Filter Media Recommendations
	Freshwater	Freshwater Planted	Saltwater Fish Only	Saltwater Reef
Mechanical	Y	Y	Optional, Must be cleaned every 3 days	Optional, Must be cleaned every 3 days and changed weekly
Chemical	Y	Optional	Y	Optional, can be used for occasional polishing
Biological	Y	Optional with well planted tanks	Optional when live rock is used	Not recommended when live rock is used