Saltwater Aquarium Filter Media

June 23, 2008 · Filed Under Filtration Media · Comment 

Butterfly Fish

The Filter media in your saltwater aquarium improves water quality and maintains the nitrogen cycle.

There are three types of 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.

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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