media filter

Filter media are essential for maintaining good water quality in a freshwater aquarium. Here are common types of filter media used:

  1. Filter Sponge:

    • Excellent for mechanical filtration by capturing debris and suspended particles.
    • Available in various densities for fine to coarse filtration.

  2. Activated Carbon:

    • Used for adsorbing toxins, organic substances, and odors from the water.
    • Needs regular replacement to maintain effectiveness.

  3. Ceramic Rings or Bio Balls:

    • Provide a porous surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize, breaking down toxic waste products (like nitrites and nitrates) into less harmful substances.
    • Ideal for biological filtration and bacterial colonization.

  4. Zeolite:

    • Absorbs ammonia and heavy metals from the water, helping to maintain low ammonia levels in the aquarium.

  5. Polyester Floss (Filter Wool):

    • Used as a pre-filtering media to capture larger particles before they reach other filter media.

  6. Plastic Bio-media:

    • Provides additional surface area for the growth of nitrifying bacteria, enhancing biological filtration.

  7. Nitrate-specific Filter Media:

    • Designed to reduce nitrate levels in the water, beneficial for planted aquariums and sensitive fish.

Each type of filter media serves a specific role in keeping the aquarium water clean and healthy. The choice of media depends on your aquarium's specific needs, the type of fish and plants you have, and the type of filtration (mechanical, biological, chemical) you intend to implement.

Active filters