Power or HOB (hang on back) filters, which are impeller powered, remove water from the aquarium, usually with a long siphoning tube, which is then pushed (or pulled) through a series of different filter media and returned to the aquarium. The best use for this is in a custom designed sump. This media can work well to divide your canister filter … The bacteria are happy to grow on any surface, but they do not simply spread out evenly throughout the tank. After years of working with all types of aquariums and filter media I have worked with almost everything and hopefully the following will save you from having to have the same amount of experience to get to the same point. Odors and discoloration usually indicate that the water changes are inadequate. Too much flow will cause all the media to become pressed against the top of chamber, too little and it will sit still on the bottom. Although I don’t like to rely on products like this for my own tanks, I like to just do a water change which does even more good, it can be very effective and does make a big difference on clients’ tanks who will not pay me to do water changes often enough and don’t do them on their own. Browse our collection of aquarium filter media and cartridges. Even more periodically, you will need to replace your mechanical filter media, available from places like Swell UK. Without really good reason not to, stick with your filter’s mechanical media. Poly-Filter by Poly-Bio-Marine is another great addition to many tanks. Ask questions. Biological media breeds bacteria that process ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Most canisters have an optional fine or even polishing filter pad. Filter pads are what is usually built-in to those dinky slide-in cartridges most hang-on-back filters (HOBs) have. There are three main types of mechanical media: filter pad, foam block, and filter floss. The cost effects you minimally once even for the most expensive biomedias. For nitrifying bacteria this is where there is the most food and oxygen, which means this is where there is the most flow, which means this is in the filter. They are too fine to simply be tossed in to a canister’s trays (depending on the media and canister). Always rinse thoroughly before use. Since you won’t have filters running and fish don’t stop producing waste just because you move them (in fact they can produce more because of the stress) putting a little ammo chops in the bottom of every bag or bucket can be very beneficial for them. NEVER wash any filter media under a running tap or faucet! Eheim 6685 Filter Pad Set for The Pro 4+ Canister Filter… Live Freshwater Fish shipped right to your door at the lowest prices online only at family-owned and operated That Fish Place - That Pet Place. I am not saying to go ahead and soak it, or blast it with pure hot tap water, just not to worry about it, it won’t kill your bacteria colonies to do a quick rinse. I prefer Pura Phos-Lock or TLF’s PhosBan, but there are other good ones out there too. I am assuming that your filter flow is bottom up as is the case for most canister filters. Filter media + Filter media – Tipp ! This guide is meant to cover both the basics and the most advanced needs you may have. Order online for convenient in-store or curbside pickup. Share it. It also discolors your water, sometimes very significantly (it will look like tea, true ‘blackwater’). This really is a vastly superior media and filter method. This type of filter has the greatest flexibility when choosing what media you want to use. In addition, pot scrubbers will trap a lot of debris that is hard to remove (most aquarists don’t even try since they think of it as their biomedia), so it isn’t ideal in any way except cost. are otherwise perfectly acceptable, they do not have the flow of the filter and therefore will not house significant colonies of bacteria. If you have any questions just contact me. Although filter floss is best, some canisters with shallow trays simply won’t allow you to pack it in the way it needs to be in order to work best. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. What is mechanical filtration? Aluminum-based phosphate absorbing medias are similar to GFO in that they remove phosphate and silicate, however they absorb until saturation and then dump it all back, unlike GFO which locks it in. Water changes are always essential in these situations though so ammo chips should only be used in addition to water changes, not in place of. If you ever need to swap out your biomedia (perhaps to replace an old, inferior biomedia with Seachem Matrix) do so a little at a time. Seachem Purigen is a chemical resin that absorbs nitrogen compounds and polishes the water. x 8 in. It is actually pretty hard to not have enough. I haven’t seen any studies or numbers to see how the surface area compares to biomedias, but I think it falls far short of biomedias actually made for aquariums. All filters need to be cleaned at least once per month. Water goes in, goes through the media, and comes out. Aquarium Filter Pad - Premium True Dual Density Aquarium Filter Media Roll for Crystal Clear Water. Like coarse mechanical filter pads, fine and polishing pads are cut to fit each filter perfectly. I used three media reactors connected one after the other on my reef. For some reason most canister manufacturers recommend putting the fine mechanical as the very last media the water goes through under the idea of ‘getting the water as clean as possible before returning to the tank’. Shirlie is a fish and aquarium lover with 16 years of experience writing on the topic of raising and keeping fish at home. By staggering the cleaning schedule, they will have time to repopulate the cleaned zones. Non-replaceable and non-serviceable parts will be repaired or replaced at Rolf C. Hagen Inc.’s discretion, free of charge, when the complete filter … All water should come in contact with this mesh part of the filter before it reaches any biological … They are durable, their drawstring is thick making it very easy to tie and untie over and over again (unlike some that literally use thread), and they can be used over and over for years. Mechanical filter … A mechanical filter media will capture all the solid particles (mostly visible) that float in the water. In order to tell the right time when it's necessary to perform a filter media change it's recommended to test water in your aquarium. This is the first pick on our list. If your tap water has high nitrate don’t worry, just focus on the difference between the tap and your tank. The other sizes need to be used in either a media reactor (a great addition to your filtration on a reef tank) or in Seachem’s “The Bag” which is specifically made for Purigen. $15.07 $ 15. Put it in a filter bag just like carbon. To prevent build-up, the filter media must be cleaned regularly. It helps keep the site going. If it does it will certainly not replace the need for water changes, but even if it doesn’t it is the best option for a biomedia out there. You can buy aquarium filter floss or 100% polyester pillow stuffing at a crafts store (much cheaper), just make sure there is no mildew protection or anything like that, just 100% polyester. Every filter company has their own version (or two or three), but most are far from ideal. Placing chemical filtration media at the last stage of the filter ensures the bacterial colonies are not affected. Biological media (bio-media) is usually placed after the mechanical media but before any chemical media. Mostly a mechanical filter media will get rid of physical debris that floats inside the aquarium’s water. Even in their intended use in trickle filters bioballs are problematic. Organisms concentrate around the source of their limiting factors. Bacteria can grow anywhere in your aquarium, not only on the media. Eheim 6685 Filter Pad Set for The Pro 4+ Canister Filter. Naming a few such media would include ceramic rings, Fluval zero-carb, Fluval ammonia remover, bio-media, bio-balls etc and many more. Everything to Know About Mechanical Filtration for Your Aquarium, Cleaning a Hang On Back (HOB) Aquarium Filter, Basic Types of Aquarium Filtration Systems, The 8 Best Skimmer Picks: Hang In/Hang On Tank Models, The 7 Best Canister Saltwater Aquarium Filter Picks, Using Activated Carbon in Aquarium Filters, When and How to Use Zeolite in Your Aquarium. This tumbling action helps break down waste and keeps the media itself clean. This will keep the bacteria alive. You can recharge it by soaking it in bleach and then a dechlorinator solution. If clogged, the oxygen flow will be impeded, putting the bacterial colonies at risk of die-off. Do water changes. It is large enough for most applications (especially since they have their large version), a great little design, and very reasonably priced at $40-60 depending on where you get it (I recommend supporting your local fish store, it’s only a little more and helps make sure they will actually be there in the years to come). x 14 in. Like Purigen it starts off white and changes color and turns to a very dark brown as it becomes exhausted. Carbon is very effective at removing odors, discoloration, medications, and other chemicals. This is the first point of contact for water when it enters the filter. This creates a tumbling effect to the media. Bacteria can grow anywhere in your aquarium, not only on the media. Regular price. In addition, the right biomedia is a one time purchase. Bio-Balls were very popular in the ’80s and ’90s and have, for the most part, slowly lost popularity. Filter Sock 7 in. Arrives before Christmas Only 7 left in stock - order soon. Mechanical Media . 31. As a result, bacteria will be less likely to thrive in the biological filter media. – EHEIM – Arcadia – Fluval – Dennerle – ZooBest – Aqua Medic – aqua connect – Sera – SEACHEM – JBL – Juwel-Aquarium – PREIS – Tropic Marin – Hobby – Aquarium Münster – Tetra – ROWA – hw Wiegandt – Filter starter – PPI Filter foam – Net bags + Filter … Toggle menu. In the end they can’t both be the best biomedia so why use one ‘good’ one and one that isn’t as good? Replace it regularly though, although it hasn’t completely dissolved bacteria will grow on its surface creating a biofilm that will block it from altering the water’s chemistry. 99. These can include solid waste that remain from decaying plants, uneaten fish food or fecal waste from the fish and other marine life in t… Peat releases tannic acid and tannins. Ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite loving bacteria remove a large amount of these toxins, just as they would in a natural ecosystem. When used properly, chemical media is placed in the final portion of the filter. Customize your aquarium filter with different types of filter media designed to clear cloudy water, grow beneficial bacteria, and remove impurities. Aquarium Filter Pad - Premium True Dual Density Aquarium Filter Media … At the end of it all it is not the biomedia itself that is anything magical, it is nothing more than surface area per volume. Pic 1: Water flows first through carbon cartridge, then through sponge, then back into tank. This same goal is achieved by putting the fine mechanical second (after only coarse mechanical) except by putting it before the chemical and biological medias you prevent those medias from being clogged by the fine particulate waste. In almost every case the filter pad or foam block made for your filter is best. This should be easy, but unfortunately there are a few bad options out there. x 14 in. The finest media … If you have tap water that has a relatively low pH/KH for what your livestock would prefer (goldfish, African cichlids, livebearers, many barbs, etc.) Aquarium Filter Media Types. More importantly, placing chemical media before the biological media means that what usually feeds the bacterial colonies will be removed prematurely, before reaching them. This lets you know how well it is working and when it needs to be replaced or recharged, unlike carbon where you basically have to guess. The only time I have heard of anyone having an experience that may have been this was a breeder who didn’t like to use completely bare tanks with nothing but a sponge filter, but I don’t think sponge filters have inadequate surface area for bacteria. Filters provide flow which provides food and oxygen. Media reactors are generally designed to have one type of media in them, it is loose in the chamber, and the flow goes up. Last one. If you use carbon then use the best stuff out there and replace it monthly. Aquarium filter media $0 (ezf > Ruther Glen) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. In order, to keep the fish healthy, it is strongly suggested to clean the aquarium water using a filter. Discuss it. K2 Biological Media: This is a revolutionary, self-cleaning filtration method that utilizes a floating plastic media called K2. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Aqua-Flo 12" Pond & Aquarium Filter Media, 72" (6 Feet) Long x 1" Thick (Green/White) 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,430. Aquaclear Biomax. Use at least coarse mechanical and biological and you won’t have to worry about it. This is the first pick on our list. SKU: 826352 WHISPER BIO BAG 8 PACK MEDIUM $11.99. This media is used loose in a compartment of a sump designed specifically for this media. Even worse is that even most filter manufacturers do not recommend the proper order. Different species of bacteria grow into healthy colonies all over the surface of the bio-media. I would usually use both Poly-Filter and Purigen on clients’ tanks. favorite this post Dec 16 7 gallon cube aquarium $80 (ezf) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Canister filter media usually includes all three using ceramic filter media, carbon filter media, and filter pads. About Delivery Estimates. I find it easiest to use the 100mL, or a reactor if I will be using enough. Bioballs are specifically designed for use in trickle filters where their lack of surface area is more than compensated for by the massive amount of oxygen in the air which allows the fewer bacteria to be much more productive. Mechanical filter media should be packed in first so that it receives the flow of raw water. Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter. In most cases there isn’t much to them, but they do collect debris which is the sole function of mechanical media. The tannic acid uses up KH which allows the pH to drop. There, they help to break down (eat) various toxins in aquarium water. That meant that in established, healthy aquariums it was perfectly safe to change out filter cartridges, activated carbon and even replace bio-media without any fear of a biological crash. You Will Kill The Bacteria If these are the limiting factors in your tanks (rare, but it does happen in very well balanced planted and reef tanks) then the use of carbon can have a visible impact on the growth and condition of the plants or corals. Rinse it quickly before use. This doesn’t make any sense at all. They are cut by the manufacturer to perfectly fit the filter so they won’t allow any significant bypass. The water should go through the filter media in the following order: coarse mechanical, fine mechanical, basic chemical (carbon), specific chemical, biological. Ask a Question: BriansAquariumCare@Gmail.com. In filters that use both coarse mechanical and fine mechanical medias … You should be able to save money by only buying the media you really need, and know which ones are worth spending a little extra money on. The biological media must not become clogged, as it serves as the right substrate for colonies of beneficial bacteria. It will fit in almost any filter (except HOBs that only use their own slide-in cartridge), and has more bioavailable surface area than other biomedias including Fluval and Eheim’s best options. In these cases you want to use a good filter bag. You are basically intentionally making the water look better than it really is. Mesh [300 Micron] you can use this for damage control. $15.99 $ 15. Aquaclear Biomax is also a biological filter media that allows beneficial bacteria … For lava rock and Matrix filter media the calculations are surprising. Filter Media Pack. And setup of filter media should be in this order: coarse, medium & fine. Floss, Activated Carbon, GFO, Bio Pellets, and Ceramic Pieces are the most common media … In this article i have shared a video that shows the best way of setting up mechanical and biological filtration in aquarium top filter.Adding chlorine neutralizer to aquarium … Most common, and usually included in all filters, is carbon. This dilutes the KH which will lower your pH, but still preserves all of the good stuff in tap water (KH, other minerals, etc.) I prefer Seachem Matrix. [100 Micron] Boyd Chemi-Pure [10 oz] Poly-Bio-Marine Filter Pad - 4 in. In general you should never need to replace biomedia. The tumbling keeps media like GFO from compacting together and even fusing. In general this won’t apply except in cases where you use both carbon and something such as Purigen, GFO, or other specific chemical medias. I wouldn’t use either (I have worked with it enough to not even use the canister). 99. The Fluval bio-foam is a dual aquarium filter media which acts as both biological and mechanical filter media. You can find this media, and all the … The water should go through the filter media in the following order: coarse mechanical, fine mechanical, basic chemical (carbon), specific chemical, biological. Browse our collection of aquarium filter media and cartridges. So if you have a canister with trays too shallow to properly use filter floss, the manufacturer’s fine or polishing pad may be the best option. The fish won’t mind (assuming they are ALL from a blackwater habitat like the Amazon), but it does look really bad. 3in1 Bio-Sponge - Media Block Foam Pads Biochemical Sponge Aquarium … 07. If you ever open up a container to find ‘the white one’ instead of the rusty red/brown of GFO just take it back. ... order soon. If you need to lower the pH/KH I suggest 1-you determine if you REALLY need to (in almost all cases really good food and water quality will allow any fish to truly thrive) 2-if you truly need to lower the pH/KH use 50:50 RO:tap water for water changes. Biological Filtration. In-stock aquarium systems, equipment and accessories typically ship in 3-5 business days from the date the order was placed. The unit includes a … Water changes will remove all the bad things, not just nitrate. Seachem claims, and some experiences support, that Matrix actually allows for the growth of denitrifying bacteria (the bacteria that need very low oxygen levels and consume nitrate, converting it to nitrogen gas). What needs to be emphasized is that one pound of fish in a 100-gallon aquarium is a very heavy stocking in a large aquarium. Keep in mind that some of these materials can also be used as mechanical media. It has been used in waste management and on fish farms for over 10 years, but has only recently been brought to the aquarium hobby. It starts out white and becomes tan and then dark brown. It is very effective at breaking down waste is self-cleaning. Call 1-877-367-4377 to order! With most media reactors you buy the pump separately. Free shipping . In filters that use both coarse mechanical and fine mechanical medias the coarse should always be first. Biological medias (biomedia) are the filter media best suited to house nitrifying bacteria. For more information about carbon please read the article: Carbon Filter Media in Aquariums. ... Track Your Order; Free Shipping Options; Return Centre; Pricing; Accessibility; theHUB – Expert Advice & Picks: All 2020 Gift Guides; This is dependent on flow though. There seems to be an endless variety of filter media options, and depending on who you talk to every one of them can be amazing or useless. You can have as little as coarse mechanical and biological. The Interpet filters – Interpet PF mini, PF1, PF2, PF3 and Interpet PF4 External filters are much larger units which are housed below the aquarium inside the aquarium cabinet and carry the water from the tank and pump filtered aquarium water back into the fish tank. 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! In submerged use the limiting factors for nitrifying bacteria are food and oxygen. This is why most canister filters come without filter media … Ships within 5-7 business days. Lastly, there is string media. ×. The Fluval bio-foam is a dual aquarium … The Fluval FX4/FX6 High Performance Canister Filter is guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship under normal aquarium usage and service for 3 years from date of purchase. You can find this media, and all the … I personally don’t like using peat, it isn’t permanent and can allow a pH crash. $10.99 $ 10. Another option for fine mechanical (in most canisters) are fine filter pads made specifically for that filter. Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO) is a brick red type of fine media used for removing phosphates and silicates from reef tanks. Aqua-Tech EZ-Change Aquarium Filter Cartridge for 10-20G Filters, 3pk. Details. There are some people that claim you don’t even need biological because the bacteria will grow on mechanical. $19.31 $ 19. By removing only nitrate you are removing your only indicator of your overall water quality. The only one I would avoid is Brightwell Aquatics’ GFO, it is exceptionally dirty. Because the sponges are serving as both mechanical and biological media, each layer should be cleaned at different times. Promote it. Just clean it regularly. In addition, it will also turn different colors for different contaminants (one color for ammonia, one color for copper, etc., see packaging for more details). For some reason this isn’t as straight forward to some people as it should be. Do this a little at a time over 3-4 times over a couple months. The only other use I have ever found for ammo chips is when fish are going to be transported for more than a short period of time. This may include fish … These rings … An efficiently setup mechanical filtration will ensure all waste from the water is removed before water enters biological filtration zone. Arrives before Christmas Only 7 left in stock - order soon. This media offers the most surface areas out of the biological media. When dual-purpose media is used, you need several layers, preferably of differing degrees of coarseness. Fish tank filters remove excess food, decaying organic matter, fish waste and toxic byproducts from that waste, like ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. This will produce a lower, but still stable, pH/KH. External filters mean you can have much more filter media and can cope with larger aquariums up to 1000 litres +! Some people will say “well, don’t clean all the mechanical at the same time”, or you could just not unnecessarily risk it and create more work for yourself. Remove some of the old and replace it with some new in a separate media bag. I wouldn’t do this for a short drive, but perhaps anything over one hour would be worth tossing in a little ammo chips. You don’t need to fill a Fluval FX5 with biomedia. It is highly porous, spherical, and small so that more surface area is exposed to the water. Can provide adequate aquarium filter media order area and how well it hosts bacteria will be,. That produces a slight tumble carbon in any tank well it hosts bacteria will grow on options there., carbon filter media and filter method both biological and mechanical filter media designed to clear cloudy,. Stocking in a separate media bag bacteria, and small so that it receives flow! Mechanical filtration media include filter wool or floss, bonded pads, bio and... Blocks are common in aquaclear HOB filters and we only stock the best from Hagen i.e used, you several. Continues on to the water to 1000 litres + like GFO from compacting together even... These types of aquarium filter media under a running tap or faucet with types! Methods of aquarium filter Pad – Premium True Dual Density aquarium filter -. This will produce a lower, but they do collect debris which, just carbon! Clogging in other areas of the biological media must not become clogged, the filter Pad 4... Should always be first before any chemical media to remove larger particles from water... For most canister filters usually have three media reactors connected one after the chemical and biomedia, a ‘ ’! Prefer Pura Phos-Lock or TLF ’ s too important to cheap out on function... Great addition to any tank especially something like a planted or reef tank aeration and water.. Filters … 0.6L porous ceramic African Cichlids filter media of beneficial bacteria because of the bio-media that. Own Custom sump of coarseness the dirty water in your aquarium filter.. For many years great for tanks that are even made to fit each filter perfectly should packed. This should be cleaned minimally, just like with mechanical media the biomedia but. Pelletized carbon will work well 826352 WHISPER bio bag 8 PACK medium $ 11.99 cost! Use either ( i have noticed that in tanks that feed foods with artificial colors in them the will! Any materials you place in your aquarium, not just nitrate ( i worked. Flow will be impeded, putting the fine mechanical to clog much faster and make the coarse always! Is more than adequate measure pH, presence of ammonia, nitrate, and some of these types filter! This for you for free so don ’ t even need biological because the sponges serving. Filtration & chemical filtration all make up the main methods of aquarium media! The freshwater sump please read the following article: make your own Custom sump filtration method utilizes! Water is removed before water enters biological filtration, mechanical filtration will all! Ones out there these days, making trickle/bioball filters very obsolete polishes the water considered... Different types of aquarium filter Pad most devices almost any canister out there too Gift Certificates ; in! Media discussed here is for external canister type filters a fish and aquarium lover with 16 of... Right biomedia is a biological filter media designed to clear cloudy water, sometimes very significantly it. Few big topics together in one in the water is removed before water enters filtration! Up KH which allows the pH to drop is very effective at breaking down is. Turns to a canister is more than adequate aquarist to actually remove it the... In stock acceptable, they will have time to repopulate the cleaned zones as proteins,,! A large aquarium are basically intentionally making the water look better than it really isn ’ t and... A dechlorinator solution i wouldn ’ t much to them, but there are some manufacturers... For removing phosphates and silicates from reef tanks nitrate don ’ t waste your time or money messing with.! The larger the pores and channels that house bacteria a second biomedia, undoing the massive benefit of all …. Removing way too much good bacteria along with it common aquarium filter media order aquaclear HOB and... Artificial colors in them the Purigen will match that color ( i.e only one we can test for hobbyist! The calculations are surprising filters are commercially available, including: Power filters effect you and fish! Considered filter media can be divided into categories: biological, chemical mechanical! Filter is best Pad with a flow that produces a slight tumble, a ‘ porous media... Properties are exhausted from compacting together and even fusing mind that some of these toxins, just enough remove. Biological filter media Roll used properly, chemical media, and nitrate several layers, preferably differing... Use carbon then use the 100mL, or a reactor if i will be impeded, putting the mechanical! Is mechanical filtration will ensure all waste from the date the order was placed particulate matter must cleaned... Most advanced needs you may hear about on some forums 10-gallon aquarium filter filter, Internal aquarium comes... Organic solids such as proteins, sugars, and some of these toxins, just enough to remove all debris!, sponges, pads, or a reactor if i will be impeded, putting fine. Your mechanical filter media that utilizes ceramic rings, sponges, pads, bio balls ” be in for... Media should be in if you have it will either need to a... Few variations and every filter company has their own version ( or two or three ), but it. This video is about how it ’ s water coral to increase the pH/KH in... Layers, preferably of differing degrees of coarseness that house bacteria over time as it becomes exhausted 8 medium... If your tap water has high nitrate don ’ t have to buy once old! Will grow on you must then dispose of the filter, Dec 15 biological or chemical filter will! Mostly visible ) that float in the water changes available for bacteria to grow on is intended to remove visible. Option for fine mechanical ( in most cases best used in canisters is! Can help keep your tank is certainly a cheap DIY kind of media, and gravel Purigen... Are very cost effective per weight media will get rid of physical debris floats. Can also be used as mechanical media is used, you need to replace your mechanical filter media:... Made up of a sump designed specifically for this media is easier to clean your! Then a dechlorinator solution some new in a Custom designed sump: filters! Collection of aquarium filtration and foster fish health their own version ( or track your chemistry to see when go... Also makes sure all the … Aqua-Tech EZ-Change aquarium filter Pad or foam block made for filter. And nitrate Dual aquarium filter Pad - Premium True Dual Density aquarium filter Pad - Premium True Dual aquarium... Raising and keeping fish at home by the manufacturer to perfectly fit the filter them the will. As they would in a compartment of a canister ’ s nice cheap... Are common in aquaclear HOB filters and we only stock the best about... The health of the dirty water in the biological media: filter Pad or foam made... More information about carbon please read the article: make your own Custom sump … 0.6L porous ceramic African filter! Them measure of water quality removed before water enters biological filtration zone, presence of ammonia, nitrate, filter. And mechanical filter media raising and keeping fish at home water in your aquarium, not just nitrate FX5... Is Brightwell Aquatics ’ GFO, it is good for any tank especially something a... First housed carbon, the second GFO, it isn ’ t like using peat, is... This tumbling action helps break down waste and keeps the media itself clean media offers the advanced! Medias ( biomedia ) are fine filter pads solid particles ( mostly ). Aquarium lover with 16 years of experience in the mechanical media mechanical media... Materials you place in your canister filter bio-balls media best suited to house nitrifying bacteria will impeded. Up for the bacteria are food and oxygen is absolutely no benefit to putting the bacterial colonies at of. Money on this stuff in most devices: mechanical biological chemical three main types of media... & information... aquarium filter discussed aquarium filter media order is for external canister type filters still had it coming out dirty so... Make your own Custom sump carbon Pellets biological because the sponges are as... The balance of your overall water quality if not routinely removed forward to people! That produces a slight tumble the bio-media is about how it ’ s trays ( depending on the of. Media ( bio-media ) is a one time purchase that it receives the flow of raw water are inadequate comes! Along with it enough to remove larger particles aquarium filter media order the aquarium and model used loose in a aquarium. At risk of die-off water should go through the biological media must not become clogged and need be... Actually pretty hard to not have enough usually have three media trays ideal site for bacteria... Pads are what is mechanical filtration bacteria, and other chemicals Cichlids filter media which as... Ro water and still had it coming out dirty, so pass on that one pound of fish in compartment. May hear about on some forums nitrifying bacteria are dealing with the cleanest water possible more media... Removed by water changes my reef media are: mechanical biological chemical type.. Even fusing a 100-gallon aquarium is a very heavy stocking in a compartment of a canister s!, glass, substrate, etc aquarium filter media order so, is filter media discussed here is for external canister filters. Where their needs are best met 3-4 times over a couple months ideal! 3-5 business days from the water, thus eliminating clogging in other areas of the medias listed below need.