Filter For Small Fish Bowl | What Should You Use? 

A fishbowl is what almost every aquarium owner has started the hobby. As enthusiasm usually begins when one is a kid, a fishbowl is the first thing that comes to mind. If one owns a fishbowl, there is usually the bowl, water, décor, and the fish. You might think that this is fine, it is giving an aesthetic look to the room and changing the water is the only thing required. Well, keeping a fish in such an environment is wrong. One must have to have an installed filter in it. If there is no filter, the fish will have a miserable and unhealthy life.  

A filter is a must in all aquariums, and the same goes for a fishbowl as well. Without the filter, the water won’t remain clean and unclean water is the root of problems in an aquarium. It is not ideal to keep fish in such an environment. In this article, we will take you through the best filters that you can install in your fishbowl.  

Is a filter required in a fish bowl?  

There is an obvious answer to this, yes fishbowl requires a filter. If you don’t install a filter on your fishbowl, there is nothing that can clean or filter the water. The water can become filthy in a variety of ways and such water is not ideal for the fish to survive in. They will become prone to diseases and a downcast life is a given. Not only the fish but your life will become hard as well. A dirty fishbowl is sure to give out rancid and murky smells. If you have the fishbowl in your room, then imagine smelling it 24 hours a day. You can’t live with such a smell going around in your room. 

So if you are thinking of keeping a fishbowl, get a filter along with it. Don’t go along with the idea of not installing a filter. It is not ideal. To anyone you know who is going over the idea of getting a fishbowl, tell them to get a filter. 

What kind of filters you can use in your aquarium? 

External filter 

First, let us begin with an external filter. Installing a tiny external filter for ideal filtration in a fishbowl might be the perfect solution for your household. These filters employ three distinct types of filtration that are mechanical, biological, and chemical.  

Installing and operating such a filter is incredibly straightforward. It also doesn’t make much noise and is extremely quiet. So you can keep your fishbowl anywhere you like. The filter will not disturb you and will do its job perfectly. The filter absorbs the water from the bowl and then filters it. There it will be cleaned of any dirt and impurity and again clean and clear water will return to your tank. These filters can create water flow as well, which helps with the oxygen for the fish. 

You can get one for yourself which is suitable for the size of your fishbowl.  

Internal filter 

This is similar to the external filter but works within the water column of your fishbowl. This filter contains a sponge. The filter takes in the water within the fishbowl and runs it through the sponge where every impurity and dirt is gotten rid of. Similar to the external filter, the internal makes nary a sound, hence doesn’t disturb you. The sponge is an ideal home for nitrifying bacteria as well. 

Sponge filter  

Lastly, the sponge filter. It is an effective type of filter for a fishbowl. It is the best type of filter for beginners as well. It is easy to set up as well. All you need is a quiet air pump, and all is set. The water will flow through the sponge where it is cleaned, and clean water is released. As everyone knows the sponge becomes a great place for the nitrifying bacteria to thrive. 

Which is the best filter for a fishbowl? 

As you know fishbowls are small and not all filter can be used on it. But you have to add filter to your fish bowl. It is absolutely necessary. So which is the best type of filter for your aquarium, lets dive on that.  

Among all type of filters, sponge filters are the most ideal for a fishbowl. Sponge filters provide a gentle filtering system for a fishbowl. As in a fishbowl, you are bound to keep small species of fish. Sponge filters prove to be ideal with small fishes as well. Using high-power pumped filters can draw smaller fish and young fry into the filter, therefore harming them. These filters can also take up a lot of the fishbowl’s space, leaving a small area for your fish and decor.  

All the reasons add up to sponge filters being the best for an aquarium. They are affordable to purchase and operate, and they are excellent for bedrooms and peaceful locations if you get a quiet air pump to power them. Most importantly the sponge can house nitrifying bacteria, which is very essential in the fishbowl. Also remember to get a quiet air-pump for your filter if you don’t want to live with the sound always ringing in your ear.  

Cleaning the sponge 

You will have to clean the sponge if it becomes filled with dirt. A dirt-filled sponge cannot work well. Cleaning the sponge once a month will be enough. But remember to clean it with the aquarium water and not tap water. Cleaning it with tap water will remove all the nitrifying bacteria living on it.  

First off, you will have to remove the sponge from the filter. Then scoop up some amount of water from the fishbowl or an aquarium. Soak the sponge in the aquarium water and squeeze it until all the dirt comes out. Change the water again and squeeze it again until the water starts to become clear. Then just put back the sponge in the aquarium. Don’t ever wash the sponge with tap water. 

Fishbowls do require a filter. Without a filter, it is not a perfect ecosystem at all. The water will remain dirty, and fish will remain unhealthy. The filter is a must. You must not keep your fish in a miserable environment. Get yourself a sponge filter ideal for the size of your fishbowl and install it. Then watch the magic happen. Clean it if it becomes too dirty but remember to do it with the aquarium water.