Ornamental Fish Production and Management

4.2.6 Submersible power filter (box filter / corner filter)

It is a very compact filter that works under submerged condition at any depth of water. The plastic box sits at the gravel bottom in a corner. It is very suitable for small aquarium in which metabolic loading is less. A flow of water is continually maintained in and out of the filter unit. The flow is driven by a powerhead. The aquarium water is drawn in through a slit in an outer chamber and then passed through a sponge / foam, held against a sieve, and finally driven out of the unit to be returned to the aquarium. The box filter silently works to carry out mechanical and biological filtration. It will need to be supplemented with chemical filtration, if necessary. The outer chamber is so designed as to trap detritus “dirt” in a partitioned portion from where it can not escape. Filter, however, needs periodical cleaning. The powerhead also needs maintenance; the impeller attached to the pump shaft needs periodical cleaning.

 

It is generally used for freshwater aquarium only.

Submersible power filter

(a) position in the aquarium, (b) filter box assembly, (c) filter cartridge assembly