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Chemical Filter Media
Last of the three filter media is Chemical filtration which is the process of treating saltwater by removing unwanted products through a chemical reaction. The chemical process will remove impurities from your saltwater such as copper, chlorine, medications, tap water impurities, discoloration and dissolved proteins.
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Activated carbon, the leading medium used and resins use the process of absorption to remove impurities in the saltwater.
To ensure effective activated carbon, water needs to pass through the mechanical portion of the filter first. This is done so that the particles that are going to reach the chemical filter won’t clog the carbon. Other particles in the saltwater that can threaten the stability of the water condition are copper, ammonia and phosphates.
Another form of chemical media is resins. It helps lower nitrate buildup by removing pollutants before then break down and enter the nitrogen cycle. It also complements the ability to filter of activated carbon.
Two other forms of chemical filtration are protein skimmers and ozonizers.
If your saltwater aquarium is stocked with lots of saltwater fish and/or other inhabitants, protein skimmer is necessary. It works by creating tiny bubbles in a reaction chamber. When the bubbles burst, they expel proteins into a cup or a tube.
Skimmers remove proteins before nitrifying bacteria break them down into nitrate.
With less waste to process, the bacteria consume less oxygen. Higher oxygen levels and low nitrate levels mean better health for your aquarium inhabitants.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
Biological Filter Media
Biological Filtration is the process of bacteria breaks down toxic compounds into less toxic form.
Let’s try to understand first how bacteria thrive so we can fully learn this media.
- Environment above 55°F
- Need ammonia or nitrite as food source
- Need oxygen for life
Bacteria thrives by getting its oxygen from the water moving in the saltwater aquarium. When solid matter gets trapped into the media, it decreases the water flow which creates oxygen that bacteria needs to survive. This will then cause the bacteria to die.
Every time we buy and add the saltwater fish or other inhabitants into your saltwater aquarium, bacteria will reproduce because of the amount of nitrite and ammonia that is present in the water.
Until the ammonia level drops to zero, the bacteria that consume ammonia will reproduce very quickly, which can make your aquarium look like it has smoke inside it, this is called the bacteria bloom which is basically bacteria that over produces. When the bacteria over comes the ammonia the bacteria will starve and die and the smoke will clear.
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Biological media houses the natural bacterial process involved in the saltwater nitrogen cycle which converts toxic chemical compound ammonia into nitrite then into nitrate.
Many people say that biological filter as the most important aquarium filtration system to have. Biological media or bio-media is any material that helps break down ammonia.
These filters in your saltwater aquarium are ideal place for the bacteria to grow and thrive. A good source of bacteria is a bacteria additive or you can scoop gravel form the established and healthy aquarium. The media is placed in the filtration system of your aquarium where saltwater passes through then brings nutrients and oxygen to the bacteria and then completes the nitrogen cycle.
Water flow affects the efficiency. The faster the water moves, the more efficient it is. Replacement of this media is not necessary unless it has become too clogged to function.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
Saltwater Aquarium Filter Media
The Filter media in your saltwater aquarium improves water quality and maintains the nitrogen cycle.
There are three types of filter media -
- Mechanical filter media
- Biological filter media
- Chemical filter media
Your saltwater aquarium needs to have at least biological and mechanical filters for a healthy fish and other inhabitants you may have. Let’s discuss their differences and functions.
Mechanical
Mechanical Filtration is the process of removing the solids from the saltwater aquarium before it decomposes and becomes toxic to your inhabitants. The mechanical filtration system will help improve the health in most saltwater aquariums and is also important for the efficiency of your biological filtration.
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The material this filter media is made of strains solids from the saltwater passing through it. The solid matter is trapped (uneaten fish food, fish waste, plant debris and dust) within the filter and will remove unsightly solids from your saltwater for a clear and clean appearance.
Its other function is to stop the debris from reaching your biological filter media where build up can occur that can create dead spots and then nitrifying bacteria which won’t be able to reproduce.
Mechanical filter media varies by porosity. It controls the size of the solid you want to extract.
Always remember the smaller the pores are, the faster your aquarium will clarify, but the faster your filter media will clog up.
To prevent build up, mechanical filters needs to be removed, regularly cleaned and replaced. You can replace the media by simply rinsing it thoroughly.
Maintaining this media will ensure long term success of your saltwater aquarium.
For more information on Filtration media click here
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
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