Aggressive filtration is a must for healthy Mbuna. African Cichlids are ferocious eater's and produce an enormous amount of waste, Mbuna are no exception to this rule. Add an over-stocked aquarium to the mix and your filtration could easily become over-taxed.

There are several factors that can contribute to potential filtration problems. Stress can be a problem, when fish are under stress, sick, or dying they produce extra waste. Another factor could be over-stocking, you may simply have too many fish in your aquarium. The food you given them, the amount that you give them, or the frequency in which you feed them can also become a problem.

While all of these issues should be taken seriously and dealt with systematically, aggressive filtration is a must. Adequate filtration should prevent or eliminate any serious problems from developing in your aquarium. Below are a few hang-on-back power filters that I highly recommend.

Aqua Clear 300 - Pumps 300 gph and is recommended for aquariums up to 100 gallons by the manufacturer. Aqua Clear Filters are designed to provide excellent mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. A large capacity for filtration media allows efficient waste capture. Aqua Clear stands alone as the only aquarium power filter that offers the largest volume of efficient filter media in individual inserts with the powerful water flows from the free floating impeller. Aqua Clear Aquarium Power Filters are quiet, efficient, reliable, simple to set up, and easy to maintain. (Cost about 25.00 online at Petco or Petsmart)

Aqua Clear 500 - Pumps 500 gph and is recommended for aquariums up to 150 gallons by the manufacturer. Aqua Clear Filters are designed to provide excellent mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. A large capacity for filtration media allows efficient waste capture. Aqua Clear stands alone as the only aquarium power filter that offers the largest volume of efficient filter media in individual inserts with the powerful water flows from the free floating impeller. Aqua Clear Aquarium Power Filters are quiet, efficient, reliable, simple to set up, and easy to maintain. (Cost about 35.00 online at Petco or Petsmart)

Marineland Hot Magnum - Pumps 250 gph and hangs directly on the back of the aquarium just like the Aqua Clear filters. Adjustable split flow diffuser allows bi-directional circulation. Snap-lock inlet and outlet eliminates the need for tubing. Quick release cover latch provides fast access to filtration media, handy on/off switch eliminates unplugging for service. Includes: micron cartridge, carbon/media container and filter sleeve. Marineland Hot Magnum Aquarium Power Filters are quiet, efficient, reliable, simple to set up, and easy to maintain. (Cost about 50.00 online at Petco or Petsmart)

When the manufacturer suggests that the filter is recommended for aquariums up to a certain size, you need to consider those key words "up to" and realize, that is if you only had a few guppies in your tank. the manufacturer will always rate their product higher than reality demands. Below are some examples of what reality demands.

Example - If you have a 60 gallon aquarium and want to use only one filter, I highly recommend going with the Aqua Clear 500 Aquarium Power Filter.

Example - If you want much better biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration, then I highly recommend going with the Aqua Clear 300 and the Marineland HOT Magnum Aquarium Power Filters.

Example - If you have anything over 100 gallon aquarium then I highly recommend going with the Aqua Clear 500 and the Hot Magnum Aquarium Power Filters.

The benefit of running the Aqua Clear and the Hot Magnum together is unreal! By running the two filters you can leave all the chemical filtration (activated carbon or charcoal) to the Hot Magnum and free up enough space for three foam blocks in your Aqua Clear which triples your biological filtration capacity.

Another benefit of running the Aqua Clear and the Hot Magnum together is it doubles your chemical filtration capacity. Besides all of this, you can polish your water after cleaning your tank and it will filter out any particles down to 10 microns by running your micron cartridge in your Hot Magnum. After a day you pull it out and put your activated carbon or charcoal back in to filter out any impurities and toxins in the water.

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