How to Use a Filter for a Fish Tank

Hang-On Filters

• 1). Hook the filter to the back of the aquarium using the curving spillway as a hook. The spillway should be pointing into the aquarium. The long end of the suction tube should be submerged in the aquarium water.
  
  
• 2). Place the filter cartridge into the large chamber of the filter. Typically there are slits that allow you to slide the filter into place as long as the cartridge manufacturer is the same as the filter manufacturer.
  
  
• 3). Fill the chamber of the filter with water from your aquarium. This is called priming and will jumpstart the filtration process.
  
  
• 4). Plug the filter into a power outlet to turn it on. Water should begin moving up the suction tube, through the filter cartridge, and then back out through the spillway into the tank.
  
  

Undergravel Filter

• 1). Lay the undergravel filter tray, which is plastic with various slits, at the bottom of your bare aquarium.
  
  
• 2). Attach a plastic suction tube to one of the circular holes in the undergravel filter tray. The undergravel filter kit should come with appropriate tubing.
  
  
• 3). Place a powerhead at the top of the suction tube. This powerhead should sit securely within the top of the tube. This device is essentially a strong water pump and will suck water down through the undergravel filter and spit it out the top of the suction tube.
  
  
• 4). Layer your gravel over the undergravel filter tray and fill the tank with water.
  
  
• 5). Plug the powerhead into a power outlet to turn it on. Water should begin moving down through the gravel, up the suction tube, then out through the powerhead.
  
  

Canister Filter

• 1). Hook the input and output tubes of the canister filter to the inside of the tank so they can suck up and expel water. The kits usually come with tubes attached to suction cups for easy attachment.
  
  
• 2). Hook the other ends of the tubes to the appropriate ports on the canister filter. These will be clearly labeled and must match up. One port will suck in dirty water, the other will expel the cleaned water.
  
  
• 3). Place the filter medium within the canister filter. The medium and the method for installation will vary according to model, so consult the owner's manual. Usually the filter opens up from the top and uses conical filters.
  
  
• 4). Place the canister filter outside your aquarium. Many keepers like to put them underneath the tank, usually on a rack on the aquarium stand.
  
  
• 5). Plug the filter into a power outlet and power it on. It will begin sucking in aquarium water, filtering it within the main body of the filter, and then expelling the clean water back into the tank.