AQUARIUMS

How Different Filter Media Work

For an aquarium filter to work properly, water needs to be sucked into a tube inlet which is then pumped through filter media and finally poured back into The Aquarium.  When the water flows through the filter media, it goes through one or more filtration methods namely mechanical, biological and chemical.  This ensures that when the water is pumped back into the tank it is pure enough for the fish to survive and breed healthily.

But these days, fish breeders are presented with a host of different filter media that it can be very overwelming to a beginner.  Even though these different filter media were made with one purpose in mind, that is to filter the water, they all have different functions that they provide.  Below are some of the most common filter media and what type of filtration function they perform.

Mechanical Filter Media

An example of these are sponge, foam blocks, floss, fibers and scour pads.  Mechanical filtration is a basic yet very important type of filtration.  These filter media are created for one main function, to filter out large waste and debris from the aquarium.  The porous nature of the filter media allows water to pass through them easily.  However their pores are small enough to trap larger matter such as fish waste, excess food and particles.  Mechanical filters are graded by the size of their pores and generally the tinier the pores the better the filtration they provide.  But then again, if the pores are too fine they will clog up too easily which is also the downside of mechanical filtration, having to clean the filter media at least once a week if you expect it to perform at optimum.  The major benefit of Mechanical Filter Media is that they do not need to be changed too often and the only time you would need to think of changing them is if they are considerably worn out.

Biological Filter Media

These include bio-balls, ceramic rings and canister media.  Biological filter media functions by providing a perfect environment for the growth and spread of beneficial bacteria.    Beneficial bacteria reduces waste that would otherwise be toxic to the fish into substances that are less dangerous.  Biological filter media should never be changed because it takes time for a colony of beneficial bacteria to populate its surface and changing the media would only mean that you would have to go through the process of re-population all over again.  Not only is this a waste of time but it would greatly reduce the biological filtration in your aquarium.  You should also not wash biological filter media in tap water because the chlorine in tap water will kill off the colonies of bacteria.  If you need to clean it, siphon a little of the fish tank water and wash the filter media in it.

Chemical Filter Media

Examples of these are carbon pouches, chemical gels and phosphate pads.  Chemical filter media is generally more expensive and not really necessary except in tanks where you have performed some kind of chemical treatment such as quarantine tanks for sick fish.  Their basic function is to remove chemical residue from the water which is not really at critical levels in a normal fish tank.  Furthermore, if they are not used correctly they can alter the chemical and pH balance of your aquarium which eventually will affect the health of your fish.

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That is some of the most common types of aquarium filter media which you could buy today. For more information on the various aquarium filter media, visit Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org today.

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