Air lift filter in aquarium

Sep 25, 2024

Introduction: air lift filters in aquariums

Air lift filters are a simple but effective method of filtering water in aquariums, and are particularly common in freshwater aquariums. They are characterised by their uncomplicated handling and gentle cleaning effect, which makes them ideal for many applications, especially in breeding and rearing aquariums. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about air lift filters, from their history and how they work to their advantages and disadvantages compared to other filter systems. We also provide practical tips for cleaning and building your own, as well as recommendations for purchasing them from the AQUATANA aquarium shop.

The history of the air lift filter

The history of the air lift filter goes back to the early days of modern aquaristics. The first air lift filters were developed in the early 1900s to effectively clean and aerate the water in aquariums. These early models often consisted of simple designs that introduced air into the aquarium through a porous stone. These air bubbles transported water through a system of pipes, creating continuous water circulation that removed suspended matter and other impurities from the aquarium water.

Over the decades, designs have been further refined to improve efficiency and ease of use. Today, there are a variety of air lift filter models that are suitable for different aquarium sizes and types. Despite technological advances in aquarium filtration, such as internal and external filters, air lift filters are still very popular due to their simplicity and reliability.

What exactly is an air lift filter?

An air lift filter is a simple yet effective filtration system used in aquariums. It typically consists of an air lift pump, a sponge filter and an air hose connected to an air pump. The way it works is based on the principle of buoyancy: air is pumped through the air hose into the air lift pump, creating small bubbles that rise up the tube. This buoyancy causes water to be sucked out of the aquarium, passed through the filter medium (usually a sponge) and returned to the aquarium in a cleaned state.

This mechanism not only ensures mechanical cleaning of the water by trapping dirt particles in the sponge filter, but also biological filtration. Beneficial bacteria colonise the sponge and break down harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrite. This relieves the water chemically and improves water quality.

Advantages of an air lift filter

Air lift filters offer numerous advantages that make them particularly attractive for certain applications:

Gentle water movement

Air lift filters generate a gentle water flow, which is particularly important for sensitive fish species and young fish that could be stressed by strong currents.

Biological filtration

The sponge provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria that improve water quality and break down harmful substances.

Low energy consumption

Since the filter only requires a small air pump, energy consumption is very low, which results in lower operating costs.

Inexpensive and easy to maintain

Air lift filters are inexpensive and easy to clean. The sponge filter can be easily removed and washed without affecting the filter performance.

Additional aeration

The air bubbles rising through the filter provide improved oxygenation of the water, which is beneficial for the health of fish and plants.

Disadvantages of an air lift filter

Despite their many advantages, air lift filters also have some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing the right filter system:

Limited capacity

Air lift filters are not suitable for very large aquariums because they can only circulate a limited amount of water.

No chemical filtration

Unlike some other filtration systems, air lift filters do not provide chemical filtration (e.g. through activated carbon), which means that certain contaminants cannot be removed.

Noise from air bubbles

The rising air bubbles can be disturbing in quiet environments, especially if the air pump makes noise.

Less aesthetic

The design of an air lift filter can be disturbing in a decorative aquarium, as the sponge filter must be placed visibly in the aquarium.

Difference between an air lift filter and a typical aquarium filter

Typical aquarium filters, such as internal and external filters, usually work with an electric water pump that pushes water through various filter materials. These filters often provide mechanical, biological and chemical filtration in a single system and have a higher flow rate, making them more suitable for larger aquariums.

In contrast, air lift filters do not use an electric drive to circulate the water, but instead rely on the principle of air bubbles. This makes them quieter to operate and they consume less energy. Although their filtration performance is lower in terms of flow rate, they provide effective biological filtration that is sufficient for small to medium-sized aquariums.

What is an air lift filter used for?

Air lift filters are particularly suitable for:

Breeding and rearing tanks.

Due to the gentle water movement and high biological filter performance, they are ideal for tanks in which young fish are reared.

Quarantine tanks

Quarantine tanks require a stable biological cycle to support fish during recovery. Air-lift filters provide reliable filtration here.

Small aquariums

In smaller tanks, up to about 100 litres, the performance of an air lift filter is often sufficient to ensure good water quality.

Cleaning air lift filters

Cleaning an air lift filter is straightforward and should be done regularly to maintain filter performance. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Switch off the air pump and remove the sponge filter from the aquarium.
2. Carefully rinse the sponge in a bucket of aquarium water to remove dirt particles without destroying the beneficial bacteria.
3. Check the air lift pump for blockages and clean it if necessary with a small brush.
4. After cleaning, put the filter back in the aquarium and start the air pump.

Never use tap water for cleaning, as the chlorine it contains can kill the beneficial bacteria in the filter.

Build your own air lift filter

Building your own air lift filter is relatively easy and can be a cost-effective alternative to buying one. Here are some simple instructions:

Material

- A piece of PVC pipe (approx. 15 cm)
- A piece of sponge (suitable for aquariums)
- An air hose
- An air pump
- A porous air stone

Instructions

1. Cut the sponge so that it fits around the PVC pipe. The sponge should completely enclose the pipe.
2. Drill small holes at the bottom of the PVC pipe so that water can be sucked in.
3. Insert the air hose through the PVC pipe until it extends just beyond the holes.
5. Connect the other end of the air hose to the air pump.
6. Place the homemade filter in the aquarium and start the air pump.

Order air lift filters from the AQUATANA aquarium shop with no shipping costs

AQUATANA offers a wide range of air lift filters for different aquarium sizes and types. Whether you are looking for filters for breeding or community aquariums, at AQUATANA you will find high-quality air lift filters that are specially designed to meet the needs of aquarists. What's more, you benefit from free shipping when you place your order directly in the AQUATANA online shop. So not only do you get the right products, you also save on shipping costs.

Discover our air lift filters now.