Aquarium Box Filter

This is the type of filter that often comes with small aquarium "kits", but they are not really adequate to support the cycle of fish and bacteria life, needed for a healthy aquarium.

The box filter is usually a small plastic box, often shaped for fitting into the corner of a tank, under the water. There is no way to fasten them to the glass, so they often have to be anchored by some means to the bottom, or pinned in a corner with rocks.

In the bottom of the box is loose charcoal, with a filter floss on top. There is usually a level mark to show you how much charcoal is required, and the floss can be bought in large bags and torn off by the handful to replenish when needed.

Box filters are driven by a pump outside the tank. Water is taken into the box, forced up through the charcoal and floss, and back into the aquarium. While you will achieve a certain amount of bacteria growth in these filters, they are really not enough to either keep the bacteria levels stable, nor to keep the tank mechanically cleaned of debris. The charcoal needs to be rinsed before putting a fresh supply in the filter, and although it can be washed in between changes, the floss dirties quickly, and will have to be thrown out at each cleaning.

While not recommended for serious hobbyists, don't throw that box filter out that came with your kit. Keep it for use in a small tank used for young fry, or as a hospital tank. You may even dispense with the charcoal and floss, and simply use aquarium gravel for mechanical filtration of debris.

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