subject: How Different Filter Media Work [print this page] 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 will guarantee that when the water flows back into the aquarium, it is good enough for the fish to live and breed successfully.
But these days, fish breeders are presented with a host of different filter media that it can be very overwhelming to a beginner. While they are all created to provide the same end product which is clean water, they all function differently and provide different levels of support. Here are some of the most common filter media types and the functions they provide to your fish tank.
Mechanical Filter Media
An example of these are sponge, foam blocks, floss, fibers and scour pads. Mechanical filters are the most basic form of filtration but they are a crucial method. 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. But the pores are also tiny enough to trap bigger debris like fish waste, excess food and particles. The size of these pores determine how effective the filtration will be. Smaller pores provide better filtration. 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. It takes time for bacterial colonies to grow so never change a biological filter media because you would only be discarding those useful colonies that took so hard to cultivate. 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
These include carbon pouches, chemical gels and phosphate pads. Chemical filter media can be costly and honestly is not really needed in a normal aquarium except in quarantine tanks in which you had done chemical treatment to heal a 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. Also, used wrongly they can alter the chemical and pH balance of the fish tank and may even be detrimental to the health of the fish.
