An Overview Of Fish Tank Filters by Chloe Heini Taylor
Fish tank filters are a vitally important element of your aquarium for the reason that they give the most basic life saving function. They remove the fish waste together with other chemical pollutants from the water, thereby optimizing its quality and promoting aquatic life. The aquarium is different from the natural environment that your forms your fishes normal habitat and what the filter does is to help match that habitat as near as is possible. Whilst the ecosystem that people create in a tropical fish tank won’t be quite as good or efficient as what can be found in nature, with a clever array of aquarium filters and other aquarium supplies, you should have one that will sustain healthy fish for many years to come.
There are plenty of models and makes of fish tank filters already in the market today and many people specifically those new to fishkeeping will probably feel overwhelmed by the plethora of choice available. Whilst the designs and costs could differ greatly, there are a number of common features shared by every one of them and we’ll examine these in this posting.
The numerous types of aquarium filter available include the following:-
1) Canister FiltersThese are typically among some of the better made filters available for sale and my personal favourites. Canister filters work by continually filtering the fish tank water. As it passes through the canister, which is partitioned into a number of chambers, the water undergoes cleaning/filtering as it passes throughout the mechanical, biological and chemical filtration sections before it’s pumped back into the fish tank. Canister filters are fantastic for all those who have limited time for fish tank maintenance – they only require maintenance about once every 2-3 months (if you get a good one) while keeping the aquarium water purified. As the canister will likely be positioned outside of the aquarium, they have a tendency to be very simple to access therefore the cleaning process is easy and mess free. Prices do tend to be quite high but, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. However these are quite powerful and although some models have adjustable power settings they normally are not suitable for very small aquariums and tropical fish tanks.
2) Diatom Filters
This type of filter provides one of the best levels of filtration. Diatom filters use microscopic size earth particles as their filter media and these do an excellent job of cleaning the water. They are able to effectively clean even the most minute waste material so are good for busy aquariums with messy fish. Like the Canister Filter, Diatom filters also come at a price. Also, they require special care and. The diatom media is so minute that it can have a detrimental effect on your lungs if breathed in so care must be taken. These tend to be used by experienced aquarists.
3) Sponge Filters
These are more affordable filters, but can perform pretty good filtration. They work by sucking the water through a sponge (normally attached to the end of a pump suction pipe). The sponge usually performs mechanical as well as biological filtration. It is cleaned by removing the sponge head and washing it thoroughly in dechlorinated water. It can be quite a messy process but, for those willing to get their hands dirty, it can be a cheap and effective way of keeping your aquarium water clean and healthy.
4) Undergravel Filters
These filters are very common and often come as part of a starter kit. They consist of a raised base on top of which gravel is layered which acts as a filter media. Water is sucked through the gravel and the gravel traps any waste material. They usually provide mechanical and biological filtration. Though they have received some bad press, they do operate fairly well although they are fiddly and a bit of a pain to maintain. The gravel should be vacuumed regularly to prevent clogging and the risk of spreading disease to your fish from any decaying waste.
5) Corner Filters
These are generally the cheapest filters available and I must say that I really don’t like these but this is my opinion and you are, of course, free to disagree. The filter media, which is usually a sponge, is in a box which is sat soaking in the aquarium water – not the most hygenic! Maintenance is very messy and involves reaching into the tank to remove the box and then taking out and cleaning the sponge. Not the most effective but as mentioned above they tend to be cheap.
If you’re interested in fish tank filters or aquarium supplies have a look at Aquarium House (http://www.aquariumhouse.co.uk). They are a price and specification comparison website for all things aquatic including tropical fish tanks, marine fish tanks, aquarium supplies, fishkeeping books and fish food. They have many special offers and a lot of the products come with price match guarantees so it’s hard to go wrong with them! I have used them for some time now and they are very good.
About the Author
Compare and buy Aquarium Supplies, Fish Tank Filters, Aquarium Filters, Tropical Fish Tank Filters, Fluval 205 External Filters, Fluval 305 External Filters, Tropical Fish Tanks, Marine Fish Tanks and quality other Aquatic Supplies from http://www.aquariumhouse.co.uk
BiOrb P60 Unboxing – All in One fish tank kit
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GREAT FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $54.00 |
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GREAT AQUARIUM FISH TANK POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT 160 GPH $25.99 |
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3 PACK AQUARIUM FISH TANK FILTER BRUSH KIT CLEANING SET $15.69 |
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GREAT 215 GPH FISH TANK AQUARIUM POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT $28.99 |
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Aqueon Betta Kit 2.5 gal Bow Black Trim With Divider $33.99 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 2.5 GALLON – BLACK. LIGHTLY USED $4.99 |
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BEST FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $54.00 |
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BEST AQUARIUM FISH TANK POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT 160 GPH $25.99 |
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Hagen 5 gallons Marina Style 5 Aquarium Tank Kits $69.99 |
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Hagen Marina Betta Aquarium Kit with Wind Theme 13431 $16.99 |
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Current USA Solana Wood Frame Kit – Black $59.99 |
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AquaView 360 Aquarium Kit with LED Light – 3-Gallon $45.00 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 2.5 GALLON – BLUE. NEW! $34.55 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 2.5 GALLON – BLACK. NEW! $34.55 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 5 GALLON BLACK. NEW! $49.95 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 5 GALLON – BLUE. NEW! $49.95 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 5 GALLON – RED. NEW! $49.95 |
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AQUEON MINI BOW AQUARIUM KIT. 2.5 GALLON – RED. NEW! $34.55 |
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Saltwater Master Test Kit $10.51 |
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5/8 GALLON BETTA FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT WITH ART EASEL STAND & ACCESSORIES 1186 $27.95 |
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BEST 215 GPH FISH TANK AQUARIUM POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT $28.99 |
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Marina Pirates Goldfish Fish Starter Kit Tank Aquarium Small Easter GIFT gold $43.00 |
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Marina Betta Kit Fish Tank Bowl – 2 Liter – 1/2 Gallon Aquarium – New in Box $1.00 |
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Penn Plax GOLDFISH NEW WORLD 2.5 KIT Desktop $17.99 |
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1 GALLON BETTA FISH TANK BOWL KIT W/ HOOD FILTER PUMP TUBING STAND & PLANT 1150 $33.95 |
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10 Gallon Aquarium Kit $58.00 |
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NEW 2 GALLON HEX SHAPED FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ HOOD LIGHT FILTER PUMP 02BLK $44.95 |
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2 GALLON CYLINDER SHAPED FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ MULTI-COLORED LED LIGHTING -2 $48.95 |
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The Mini Bow Aquarium Kit – Aqueon Complete Desktop Aquarium Kit 1G BLUE / BLACK $22.99 |
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The Mini Bow Aquarium Kit – Aqueon Complete Desktop Aquarium Kit 1G BLUE / BLACK $22.99 |
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3 GALLON CYLINDER SHAPED FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ MULTI-COLORED LED LIGHTING -3 $57.95 |
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KollerCraft AQUARIUS New AquaView 360 Aquarium Kit with LED Light – 3-Gallon $57.92 |
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HEXAFUN HEXAGONAL 1 GALLON MINI FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT $27.98 |
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1 GALLON DECO NANO REEF MARINE FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ FLOURESCENT LIGHTING 53 $49.95 |
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2 GALLON DECO NANO REEF MARINE FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT W/ FLOURESCENT LIGHTING 66 $66.95 |
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NICE 215 GPH FISH TANK AQUARIUM POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT $28.99 |
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NEW 5 GALLON BETTA OR FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT WITH HOOD FILTER LIGHT 5002BLK $74.95 |
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NEW 6 GALLON SPONGEBOB NUWAVE BETTA OR FISH TANK AQUARIUM KIT SBK2 $104.95 |
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TURTLE MAGIC GLOBE FISH TANK AQUARIUM COMPLETE KIT W/ WATER FALL & ACCESSORIES $159.95 |
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KOI MAGIC GLOBE FISH TANK AQUARIUM COMPLETE KIT W/ WATER FALL & ACCESSORIES $159.95 |
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FOUNTAIN WELL MAGIC GLOBE FISH AQUARIUM COMPLETE KIT W/ WATER FALL & ACCESS. $159.95 |
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FOREST TREE MAGIC GLOBE FISH AQUARIUM COMPLETE KIT W/ WATER FALL & ACCESSORIES $159.95 |
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HONEY ROSE MAGIC GLOBE FISH AQUARIUM COMPLETE KIT W/ WATER FALL & ACCESSORIES $159.95 |
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Marina Betta Kit Wind $8.95 |
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New Tetra Waterfall Globe Fish Aquarium Kit 1.8 Gallon Tank Clear Glass w Light $63.99 |
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NICE AQUARIUM FISH TANK POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT 160 GPH $25.99 |
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Aqueon 17755 10 Deluxe Kit Aquarium $92.62 |
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NICE FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $54.00 |
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Desk Top Fish Tank Small Aquarium Starter Kit, LED Lighting 3-Modes, EZ Set-Up $29.99 |
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Desk Top Fish Tank, 3-Modes LED Lightings, Small Aquarium Starter Kit, EZ Set-Up $29.99 |
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API PH Test Kit for water Fresh Aquarium FISH TANK 6.0-7.6 pH 250 test $8.46 |
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Lees Aquarium & Pet 407962 Oval Betta Kit $30.64 |
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Tom Aquarium Mini Hex 1 Gallon Beta Fish Tank Kit – NEW $34.50 |
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Fish Tank Nitrate Test Kit NEW BARGAIN!!!!! $1.63 |
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Aquarium Fish School Complete Aquatic Pet Training Supply Accessory Kit NEW $43.69 |
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TETRA 3 GALLON AQUARIUM KIT W/ INTERNAL FILTER & LIGHT – NEW $24.99 |
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New Hagen Fluval EDGE 6 Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit Upgraded 21 LED Burnt Orange $147.50 |
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New Aqueon MiniBow 1 Desktop Aquarium Kit Black $10.00 |
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SAVE FRESH WATER SALTWATER FISH TANK FILTER KIT 75 GALLONS $54.00 |
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Marineland Eclipse System 6 Fully Integrated Aquarium Kit $20.99 |
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Fish Tank & Accessories, Tank, Food, Ammonia Kit, 11 pc Treatment Kit, Unused $10.00 |
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SAVE FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $54.00 |
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FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER KIT 530 GPH $89.99 |
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FRESH WATER SALTWATER FISH TANK FILTER FILTRATION KIT 200 GALLONS $89.99 |
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FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 375 GPH 100 GALLON HW-303A $69.99 |
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FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER KIT 530 GPH W/ MEDIA HW-304 $89.99 |
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Betta Bow Front Kit little fish tank. Special Sale. Christmas Gift. Ez Clean. $7.78 |
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Nautilis I 49 Gallon Rectangular Aquarium $640.05 |
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Nautilis I 49 Gallon Rectangular Aquarium $780.05 |
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SAVE AQUARIUM FISH TANK POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT 160 GPH $25.99 |
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SUNSUN AQUARIUM FISH TANK FAN COOLER COOLING SYSTEM KIT $19.95 |
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72 LED MOONLIGHT STRIP KIT 4 MARINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK $23.99 |
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24 LED MOONLIGHT STRIP kit MARINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK $13.99 |
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48 LED MOONLIGHT STRIP KIT 4 MARINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK $20.99 |
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Fluvial Chi Aquarium Kit w/ Filter Led Light System Feng Shui Asian Decor NEW $99.99 |
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kollercraft aquarius aquaview 360 aquarium kit with led light 3 Gallon PARTS ONL $5.99 |
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Products Ultimate Gravel Vac 50 Ft Kit 50 Feet-11571 $57.85 |
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Fluval Edge Aquarium Kit – White color – EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL $95.50 |
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API NITRATE TEST KIT FOR FISH TANK / AQUARIUM $12.34 |
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API Nitrite Test Kit ~ For Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums & Fish Tanks $9.26 |
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API PH Test Kit For Freshwater ~ For Fish Tank $6.47 |
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API Deluxe Ph Test Kit (Freshwater) ~ For Aquariums & Fish Tanks $12.52 |
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API Freshwater 5 in 1 Aquarium Test Kit ~ For Fish Tank $12.05 |
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FINE 215 GPH FISH TANK AQUARIUM POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT $28.99 |
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Aquarium 5 Gallon Globe Colorful LED Nightlight Waterfall Kit Fish Fountain Well $139.00 |
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API Ammonia Test Kit ~ For Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums & Fish Tanks $10.19 |
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API Phosphate Test Kit ~ For Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums & Fish Tanks $12.05 |
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API Reef Master Test Kit ~ for saltwater marine aquariums & fish tanks $32.51 |
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FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER KIT 265 GPH W/ MEDIA $56.99 |
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Aqua Culture Betta Wave 2.5 Gallon Aquarium Kit w/Full LED Light w/Betta Divider $44.44 |
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Lifegard Customflo Water System Starter Kit New Kits Starter Aquarium Pets $40.37 |
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FINE FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $54.00 |
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FINE AQUARIUM FISH TANK POND WATER PUMP & FILTER KIT 160 GPH $25.99 |
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PEN PLAXX BETTA BOW FRONT KIT $12.95 |
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CO2 Kit – 3.1 Ounces for freshwater fish tank $30.00 |
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FINE SALTWATER & REEF AQUARIUM SYSTEM CANOPY TANK 2 GAL KIT $50.00 |
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Tetra 1.8 gallon Waterfall Globe Desktop Aquarium Kit $42.99 |
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FRESH/SALT WATER FISH TANK EXTERNAL FILTER KIT 265 GPH $56.99 |
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AQUARIUS One Gallon Aquarium Kit $10.00 |
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Aqueon Evolve™8 gallon LED All-inclusive Desktop Aquarium Kit $99.99 |