Analysis of the characteristics of aquarium top filters

The water pump that drives the tank top filter can be a "dry" water pump or a "submersible" water pump. So what are the characteristics of these two types of filters?

1. A tank-top filter powered by a "dry" pump. This type of tank-top filter is typically sold with a filter cartridge. The pump is placed above the water surface, pumping water through a trough containing filter material. The trough has an opening below, allowing the filtered water to flow back into the aquarium. The trough is equipped with a retractable support plate for accommodating equipment such as heating rods. The inlet pipe is extended by connecting small sections of approximately 20 cm of tubing. A mesh water inlet is located below. The motor must be exposed to the water and cannot be submerged.

Dry pumps on the market are typically sold as a set with a tank-top filter. Advantages: Safe, durable, energy-efficient, with a separate filter unit and a sectioned water inlet connection for easy cleaning. Suitable for aquariums of various sizes. Disadvantages: This type of filter has low horsepower and limited effectiveness.

2. A tank-top filter powered by a "submersible" pump. As the name suggests, a water pump is located underwater, with an upper filter cartridge or container for various filter media and biochemical materials. Advantages: safe, durable, energy-efficient, and quiet. Disadvantages: It takes up space at the bottom of the aquarium, and the included outlet hose is a spiral hose, which detracts from the aesthetics. The hose's interior can be difficult to clean if dirty. However, the hose can be replaced with a rigid hose and an elbow to create a right angle in the aquarium.

Some people think "upper filtration" is just a submersible pump with an upper filter cartridge. In fact, both "submersible" and "dry" pumps combined with an upper filter cartridge and other filter materials are called "upper filtration."