Equipment guide11 min
Aquarium filter types compared
Compare sponge, hang-on-back, internal and canister filters by job, risk and maintenance.
filtersponge filtercanister
AquaNexus knowledge library
Equipment
Heaters, filters and equipment choices explained by function, risk and maintenance.
18 complete guidesOriginal AquaNexus writingReviewed 2026-07-20
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Equipment guide10 min
Aquarium heater sizing and safety
Choose heater capacity, placement and redundancy from room conditions—not tank volume alone.
heatertemperaturesafety
Practical guide9 min
Does my aquarium need a UV steriliser?
Most aquariums can run without UV; it is a targeted tool for waterborne organisms and clarity, not a replacement for quarantine or maintenance.
UV steriliserwater claritybiosecurity
Does my aquarium need an air pump?
Decide from gas exchange, stocking, temperature and equipment failure risk.
Read guide →Practical guide8 min
How accurate is my aquarium thermometer?
Verify aquarium thermometers against another reliable instrument and focus on repeatable trends as well as the displayed number.
thermometertemperaturecalibration
Practical guide8 min
How can I safely reduce aquarium filter flow?
Diffuse and redirect the current before restricting the pump, while preserving oxygenation and complete tank circulation.
reduce flowspray barbaffle
How can I tell if my aquarium heater is working properly?
Verify heater performance safely using an independent thermometer and observed cycling.
Read guide →Practical guide9 min
How do I clear an air lock in a canister filter?
Stop the filter, confirm water level and hose position, prime it according to the manufacturer and remove trapped air without running the motor dry.
canister filterair lockpriming
Practical guide6 min
How do I reduce electrical hazards around an aquarium?
A practical Australian-focused checklist for reducing shock and fire risk around aquariums without giving DIY mains-wiring instructions.
electrical safetyRCDaquarium equipmentdrip loop
Practical guide6 min
How do I size and use an aquarium chiller safely?
How to choose and install an aquarium chiller using real heat load, ambient temperature, flow requirements, ventilation and failure planning.
aquarium chillertemperatureequipment sizingcooling
Practical guide6 min
How do I stop aquarium water siphoning into an air pump?
A simple installation standard for air pumps: position, check-valve direction, drip loops and testing after a power outage.
air pumpcheck valveback siphonelectrical safety
Practical guide9 min
How long can beneficial bacteria survive without filter flow?
Survival depends on oxygen, temperature, moisture, waste load and time; there is no single safe countdown for every filter.
beneficial bacteriafilter flowoxygen
How often should an aquarium filter be cleaned?
Service filters from declining flow and trapped waste while preserving biological media.
Read guide →Practical guide8 min
Is my aquarium filter flow too strong?
Flow is too strong when livestock cannot rest, feed or maintain normal position, even if the filter rating looks appropriate.
strong flowfilter outletfish behaviour
Should an aquarium have a lid or be open-top?
Balance jumping risk, evaporation, gas exchange, lighting and access.
Read guide →Practical guide9 min
What should I do if an aquarium heater is stuck on?
Disconnect the faulty heater safely, cool the aquarium gradually, increase aeration and monitor temperature and livestock closely.
heater failureoverheatingaeration
Practical guide10 min
What should I do if my aquarium filter stopped overnight?
Restore oxygen and flow, protect livestock, and treat stagnant filter water as a possible waste source.
filter stoppedpower outagebiofilter
What size filter does my aquarium need?
Choose filtration from livestock waste, oxygen and media capacity—not advertised tank volume alone.
Read guide →No match found
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