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When placed in the aquarium, the holiday block gradually dissolves, releasing food particles (typically small pellets) into the water over a set period, typically ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. If you're planning to use a holiday block or an automated feeder it's a good idea to test it in advance to ensure it suits your aquarium's needs.

A pond vacuum will help keep your pond clean, and ease the pressure on your pond filter. Pond vacuums are also handy for removing built-up sludge from non-filtered and wildlife ponds.

Above are listed the top 5 best pond vacuums and hoovers for 2025, based on Real Aquatics 2024 sales and reliability data from Real Aquatics outlets on eBay, Amazon and official websites.

Herein are listed the top 5 best aquarium external filters for 2025, based on Real Aquatics 2024 sales and reliability data from Real Aquatics outlets on eBay, Amazon and official websites.

The list consists of both external and hang-on filters only, and does not include variations such as internal filters and sponge filters - these are featured in separate awards.

The numerous tiny pores in ceramic media provide an ideal surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. These bacteria play a key role in the nitrogen cycle by converting harmful ammonia and nitrite into less toxic nitrate. This process helps to keep the aquarium's water chemistry balanced and safe for fish and other aquatic life.

Oyster shells provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria help in breaking down harmful ammonia and nitrite into less toxic nitrate, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquarium environment.

The beginner stage, where you do not know much about fishkeeping but are eager to learn. From a supplier's point of view it is here where the most careful management must apply, and for the buyer the realisation that being a serious fishkeeper means you need to be responsible.

Healthy aquarium water should be well oxygenated, and the easiest way to achieve this is by adding an aerator to your fish tank, usually in the form of an airpump and air stone or by venturi pipe on your internal or external filter outlet pipework.