Videos & Tutorials

🧼 Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your
Aquarium

The Fish Kingdom’s Beginner-Friendly Guide

When it comes to setting up a healthy and successful aquarium, few things are more important than your filter. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, this guide will help you choose the best filter for your fish and your tank.

🧠 Why Filtration Matters

Your filter is the heart of your tank’s ecosystem. It removes debris, converts harmful waste, and keeps the water clean and breathable for your fish. Simply put:
👉 Good filtration = Healthy fish + Clear water + Fewer headaches for you.

🔘 Filter Types Explained

Let’s break down the four most common types of filters and who they’re best for:

Sponge Filters

Best for: Small tanks, shrimp tanks, fry tanks

✅Pros: Cheap, gentle flow, easy to clean
⚠️Cons: Not strong enough for larger tanks

Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filters

Best for: Beginner tanks up to 55 gallons

✅Pros: Simple setup, decent filtration, easy to maintain
⚠️Cons: Can be noisy, needs routine cleaning

Internal Filters

Best for: 10–40 gallon tanks

✅Pros: Quiet, compact
⚠️Cons: Takes up space inside the tank

Canister Filters

Best for: 40+ gallon tanks or heavily stocked systems

✅Pros: Powerful, customizable, handles heavy bioload
⚠️Cons: Higher cost, more maintenance, bulkier design

🗂 Quick Filter Match Guide

Tank Size	Filter Type	Recommended Use
Under 10 gal	Sponge	Fry, shrimp, hospital tanks
10–30 gal	Internal / HOB	Beginner tanks, low to medium stock
30–55 gal	HOB / Small Canister	Community tanks, planted setups
55 gal +	Canister	Large or heavily stocked tanks

💡 Final Tips from The Fish Kingdom

🧼Clean your filter regularly to prevent clogs and loss of flow.
🔄Never clean all filter media at once—preserve beneficial bacteria.
🎯Pick the right size filter for your tank, or one rated slightly larger for added performance.
🛍Visit The Fish Kingdom to explore trusted brands and get personalized recommendations.

How to Safely Add a New Fish to Your Aquarium

A Step-by-Step Guide by The Fish Kingdom

Adding a new fish to your aquarium is exciting—but it must be done carefully to avoid stress, disease, or aggression in your tank. Whether you’re adding one fish or several, this guide will help you introduce them the right way.

Why It Matters

New fish can bring parasites, bacteria, or shock into your established aquarium if not introduced properly. A smart introduction process helps:
– Protect your existing fish
– Reduce stress for the new arrival
– Minimize health risks and aggression

Supplies You’ll Need

– A clean container or acclimation box
– Thermometer
– Net
– Water conditioner
– (Optional) Quarantine tank

Step-by-Step: How to Add a New Fish

Quarantine (Optional but Recommended)

Set up a separate 5–10 gallon quarantine tank for observation. Keep the new fish in quarantine for 2–4 weeks to watch for signs of illness. Treat proactively for common issues like ich or parasites if needed. If you skip quarantine, be extra cautious during acclimation and monitor the tank closely.

Float the Bag

Turn off tank lights to reduce stress. Float the unopened bag in your tank for 15–20 minutes to match temperature. This helps prevent shock from sudden temperature changes.

Drip or Gradual Acclimation

Open the bag and roll down the top edge so it floats, or pour fish and water into a container. Every 5 minutes, add a small amount (1/4 cup) of tank water to the bag/container. Continue for 20–30 minutes to let the fish adjust to the tank’s pH and water chemistry.

Transfer the Fish (Not the Water)

Use a net to gently move the fish into the aquarium. Avoid adding the store water to your tank—it may contain waste or pathogens.

Lights Off, Observe Closely

Keep the lights off for a few hours to help the fish adjust. Monitor behavior for the first 24–48 hours:
– Are they eating?
– Swimming normally?
– Being bullied?

Feed Sparingly the First Day

Offer a small amount of food once the fish has settled. Don’t overfeed—your new fish may need time to adjust before eating.

Tips for Success

– Research fish compatibility before buying.
– Avoid adding more than 2–3 fish at once in small tanks.
– Test your water before adding new fish—ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate should be stable.
– Keep a log of when and what you add to your tank.

The Fish Kingdom Recommends

– API Master Test Kit
– Seachem Prime Conditioner
– Clear plastic acclimation box
– Basic sponge filter for quarantine setups
– Net and thermometer kit

Still unsure? Visit The Fish Kingdom and let our experts help you pick the perfect tank mates and guide you through a smooth transition.