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The World of Filter media
Different types and their uses!
You should know the importance of filtration and the three
different types. Mechanical, biological and chemical. If not
you can proceed with our "Confused with all Filtration?"
article.
What's a filter media and what's it for?
Ok, to start off, everyone knows that in order to filter efficiently,
you have to have three kinds of media to aid the three basic
filtration type. But just what are they and their uses? Let's
check out what's on the market. |
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| Filter wool |
A cotton-wool like material. Filter wool traps
large as well as tiny particles of waste and debris from the water.
Thus making the water clear and polished. I use it as my primary
mechanical filtration media. Although it clogs up quite fast,
a quick rinse would clean it up for another go. You can reuse
this media up three times, before replacing it.
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| Synthetic mat |
This is material consisting of many interconnecting
thread that amass into a thick mat like media. I use it like what
others do with sponge, to separate all the other media. That means
it's in between all the other media. The synthetic mat has a large
surface area and it is meant be a colonisation ground for beneficial
bacteria.
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| Zeolite / Ammonia absorbent |
Zeolite a natural occurring rock absorbs ammonia
and nitrites, and prevents any ammonia build up in your tank.
Zeolite needs to be recharged of it's ability in a couple of months.
Maybe during the time when you are doing a major maintenance work
on your tank. It can be recharged by soaking it in salt solution
for 24 hours. Then it can popped back into the filter and be used
again |
| 'O' rings |
A very porous ˝ inch long ring that harbours potential
surface for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Although it has surface
for beneficial bacteria, it is not as good the synthetic mesh.
Rinsing large wastes from the 'O' rings will not remove much of
the beneficial bacteria hidden in the tiny pores. |
| Peat |
The important reason why peat is in my filter is
because it creates a ideal water conditions for my Discus. More
importantly for my wild Discus! With peat added, the water would
be clear, soft and acidic. Natural humus present within the pat
would act as a buffer with an ability to control dangerous changes
in pH. |
| Other filter media that I don't
usually use. |
| Carbon |
Carbon absorption ability is great, but sadly it
is only effective for a short period of time before you need to
replace it again. If not, substance and that have been absorbed
would be going back into your tank again! I use Carbon to remove
medications and odour from my aquarium. |
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