Chemical Filter Media

June 25, 2008 · Filed Under Filtration 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.

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.

Box Fish

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

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