Filters are essential for the health of your aquarium. They keep the nitrogen cycle going and help keep your tank inhabitants healthy.
Filter media is anything placed in a filter that changes the quality of water flowing through it. With the variety of medias available, specific types can be chosen to create the optimum environment in your aquarium.
The three types of filter media are:
- Mechanical
- Biological
- Chemical
All three types are recommended, but an aquarium needs to have biological and mechanical filters at minimum. Components of these media types can be incorporated in the same filter. The three types of filtration utilize three different types of media to perform their functions. This article will help you weave through the maze of terminology and differences between the media that filters use.
Mechanical media
The components of mechanical media are inert — this means they will do nothing to interfere with your water chemistry. This media mechanically or physically strains solids from water passing through it, which is vital for the efficiency of your biological media. Mechanical filtration removes unsightly particles including fish excrement, sludge, uneaten food, or dust. To prevent build-up, the filter media must be cleaned regularly. Replacement is only required when the media can no longer release all the dirt that it holds.
Mechanical media is available in many different porosities, which limit the size of the particulate they can extract. The larger the pores in the mechanical media, the larger the particulate matter must be in order for the filter to extract it. Coarse media is easier to clean and reuse than finer media. The pores in the finest mechanical media strain out particles as tiny as one micron, which is 1/90 the diameter of a human hair! The finest media will clarify the tank, but will clog very quickly, and may not be reusable.
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Filter Media Type: Ehfimech or Fluval prefilter media
Grade Type: Very coarse
Usage: Catches large debris so that small media does not need to be cleaned as often.
Filter Media Type: Ehfifix, Blue Bonded filter pads, foam blocks
Grade Type: Coarse to medium
Usage: Cleans most visible debris.
Filter Media Type: Filter floss and Ehfisynth
Grade Type: Fine
Usage: Filters out fine particles providing crystal clear water.
Filter Media Type: Micron filter pads or filters utilizing diatomaceous earth
Grade Type: Extra fine
Usage: Removes extra small particulate, even parasites and bacteria.
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