Stage 3 consist of the bio max ceramic media designed for colonising filter bacteria all part of the biological filtration. These should be change in rotation to the foam media every 6 months. Water quality starts with effective biological filtration. The basic requirement is filter media that is porous and offers a large surface area. It is equally important to remember that nitrifying bacteria that provide this all-important aquatic function are aerobic (oxygen-loving bacteria), therefore, you want the filter output to move and break the water’s surface. A simple media upgrade is the polyester pad, though with some models it appears to be more about selling the pads as a disposable and hence replacable item more than it actually appears to benefit. This form of filtration occurs when natural living bacteria converts the biological waste created by fish and other organisms in an aquarium into a form other bacteria use and remove from the water.

For alternate cleaning. If sponge is the only media available for your internal filter it is tasked with performing the roles of both mechanical and biological filtering. The sponge needs frequent cleaning, yet cleaning risks the bacteria colony. The solution is two sponges, so that they can be cleaned alternately, or even replaced alternately, and the bacteria remains intact. This form of filtration occurs when various impurities are trapped on or in a chemical media, and includes ionic exchange where an unwanted ion is exchanged for a harmless one.

If your filter fits into the rear corner you may not want a water flow that is only unidirectional. Having the option of being able to direct the flow left to right and/or up and down gives greater flexibilty and is a function easily achieved by the manufacturer at little cost. Your filter should be used to its full potential by ensuring its output is aggressively moving the surface of the water since this is how you increase the dissolved oxygen content in water. Filter media is the core of what a filter does and how well it is going to actually filter aquarium water. The media content of your filter represents its filtration capacity. Simply put, your filter is the vessel that makes changing and maintaining filter media convenient, and it facilitates continuous and effective water flow through the media.

It has a lot to do with keeping water clear and your aquarium clean. Fish, plants, and some natural decor all contribute some physical waste to your aquarium. Mechanical filtration takes care of trapping unwanted debris.Carbon is manufactured from an extremely important raw material that directly impacts water filtration capability. Fluval Carbon is made from bituminous coal – the best source material for carbon that is used for water filtration.

The by-products of the biological waste are known as nitrogenous waste, which can be ultra toxic depending on the pH and concentration. The aerobic bacteria that perform this essential filtration prefer filter media in filters to colonize due to the dimmer or light-free conditions within. Also favourable to them is the strong supply of dissolved oxygen provided by the actual water flow through the filter. Carbon inserts have visible benefits as they remove dyes from water, odours and traces of medications. They remove chlorine too. But, for me, the best media option of all is extra biological media. As with the double sponge scenario, one doing the mechanical filtering and leaving the other to do the biological filtering, is better than one media that is tasked to do two jobs. In my book, extra biological means a better filter. The ability of some filters to take extra media is a feature that has definitely come to the fore in recent years. The more media the better, as it means more cleaning power and more waste reduction power.

Stage 1 consists of a Foam pad which is designed remove large particles from the water all part of the mechanical filtration. These foam pads should be replaced every 6 months.

The Fluval brand (by Hagen) has become one of the most well known names amongst fish keepers and it is for good reason. For many years now they have provided one of the highest, if not the highest level of quality when it comes to aquariums, filters and other accessories fish keepers have come to know over time. They have expanded their range over time but the quality has stayed the same. Internal Filters are an excellent option for small to medium sized aquaria. They are simple and easy to set up, they sit just inside the aquarium itself meaning they can be easily installed into any fish tank, with no troublesome pipes and hoses. They will also work well as a powerhead for water circulation, with the added bonus of the extra filtration. It is worth noting that you should clean your filters impellor every couple of weeks to ensure it is functioning normally and keeping the water moving around the tank. U series underwater filters offer superior water purification, movement and aeration capabilities and have been designed for use in both fresh and saltwater applications. It can be used as a lone filter or with other filters for extra filtration and water movement like I use it. Mine has been running for about 7 months now and it is still as strong as ever and continues to be completely silent. It has 3-stage filtration with foams, BioMax rings and Carbon included as standard. You can find replacements for these relatively easily either from your LFS or online. Depending on the type of fish that you keep, you are either going to want slow or fast flow and a flow control that is simple but effective.Bio-media does clog over time, and it is recommended to provide clean filter media for effective colonization by bacteria. This family of nitrifying bacteria will benefit from partial media changes every 3-6 months to ensure clean porous surfaces are available. Regular cleaning and replacement of mechanical media, such as foam, also promote better conditions for the growth and prosperity of these beneficial bacteria.Remember, your aquarium filter will best support your aquarium when it is properly maintained. As we have pointed out above, filter media defines the capability of your filter. Just like the tools in the hands of a skilled mechanic, your filter is one of the most important tools for ensuring you have a well-tuned and healthy aquarium. FLUVAL TV The Fluval U2, U3 and U4 Internal filter have an adjustable flow to ensure the filter meets the needs for different aquarium environments, this consists of 3 flow settings. Top output for increased circulation and oxygenation, spray bar for a gentle flow designed for planted aquariums and the bottom output designed for deep water circulation. Not much really, other than the flip-top was a bit stiff on our new model and impeller access isn’t as accessible as it was on the previous Fluval plus model. Different filter media exist for varied purposes. For example, for removing an odour or improving water clarity, carbon would be your typical choice. In terms of features this filter has a three-way flow, offering water flow from the top outlet, the bottom outlet or the built- in, vertically-mounted spraybar in the middle. The flow from the top and bottom outlet is directionally controllable, and a Venturi is supplied.