by Timothy A. Hovanec
Intro:
Any discussion among hobbyists about their prized fish and their aquariums will, at some point, turn to filtration and water chemistry. Understanding these two subjects is key to long-term success in fishkeeping. You do not have to be an expert in either field to have a successful aquarium but one must learn to avoid dangerously incorrect information about the hobby. Most hobbyists get their 'education' about filtration and water chemistry from their local fish store personnel, product packaging or magazines. Most are, generally, reliable sources. Unfortunately, not all of what is written or passed along by word-of-mouth is based on scientific fact or experimental data. Most people passing along erroneous information do so unknowingly. They are usually repeating what they have either read from an earlier (and incorrect source) or, what they were told when they first began in the hobby. This is how myths relating to filtration and water chemistry develop in our hobby.
