All aquariums need an aquarium filter, and you have 3 options:
An electric filter with filter media.
You can buy an aquarium at your local pet store, a facility that sells pet supplies like Walmart, or online. Do not follow the filter media's box instructions as they want you to frequently buy media so they can make money. Only change your media when it is literally falling apart as it holds a great amount of the beneficial bacteria that makes up your cycle. Read my cycling article to find out more about beneficial bacteria and the nitrogen cycle. If your filter media gets filthy to the point that it it dirtying up the water, you can very carfuly rinse it with some of your aquariums water. Pick out a filter that is is appropriate for you aquariums size. It will be labeled on the box with something like "5-15 gallon filter". Fish like betta fish and freshwater snails will need a sponge filter. Electric filters have to string of a flow (water movement) for bettas but sponge filters have very little flow. Sponge filters are put on the end of an airline tubing that is attached to an air pump. You can buy airline tubing and a sponge filter aquarium at your local pet store, a facility that sells pet supplies like Walmart, or online. The filter works by taking the nitrate out of the water.
Live aquatic plants.
There are plenty of low tech live plants for beginners you can get to clean your water. That take the nitrate out of the water just like your filter does, plus they look great and save electricity. You will need a heavily live planted tank for this to work affectively such as this tank:
Live plants and an electric filter with filter media.
This option is for those who don't have enough live plants to properly filter the tank and/or have to small of a filter for the aquariums size. It combines both above methods.
There is no wrong option. I personally went with the second option but have tried all 3.
Great article!! I want to talk a little more in depth about some of your mechanical filter options.
1. Hang On Back Hangs on the back of the tank. Extremely convenient and easy to operate. However, some models are loud and these leak more frequently than others.
2. Undergravel Filter The Filter goes beneath your substrate. It is a well designed Filter, but due to the fact it is under your substrate, it clogs easily, is hard to clean, and has a fast flow.
3. Canister Filter The strongest and most efficient Filter. It is extremely well made. However, it is also very expensive.
4. Matten Filter Similar to the sponge filter, although it has more surface area. Great for…