Filter Media is the component used in a filtration system to clean the water. Many different types of filter media are available , and each is designed to facilitate a specific type of system. Below are the list of different types of filter media :

Synthetic Wool :

A cotton-wool like floss , synthetic wool traps tiny particles of waste. It should be placed as the last layer in your filter arrangement to “polish” the water. Because of its fine structure , it clogs very quickly and therefore is impractical for use in a primary mechanical filter or for biological colonization.

Sponge :

These traditional foam pads are inexpensive and easy to maintain. They are available in varying grades to facilitate mechanical or biological filtration. The larger grades of sponge , with bigger holes , can be used as primary mechanical medium whereas the smaller grades of sponge provide a massive surface area for bacteria to colonize. Sponges are also often used in external filters to separate different filter media. Many internal or air driven filters utilize sponges with medium-grade holes for both mechanical and biological functions.

Carbon :

This is a very absorbent material. It is only effective for a short period of time before requiring replacement. this is to prevent substances which have been absorbed by the carbon from washing back into the aquarium. Carbon should be used in specific situations such as the need to remove medication , a new aquarium set-up or water discoloration. It should be positioned as the last layer in your filter arrangement.

Ceramics Rings :

Measuring approximately half an inch long , ceramic rings primarily provide mechanical filtration. They act effectively as a sieve to trap large-particles waste and should be used in the first stage of filtration. Their irregular arrangement within the filter basket creates eddies of water which disperse in many paths , creating an even flow of water through the subsequent media layers.

Being porous , they provide some surface area for bacteria colonization after prolonged use , and are thus a useful source of ” back up ” bacteria. Since the pores are so small , rinsing waste from the rings will nor remove much of the nitrifying bacteria hidden in the tiny pores. However , the efficiency of ceramic rings pales in comparison to that of filter media like sintered glass or sponge pads , which provide a much greater amount of surface area for bacteria colonies to thrive.

Sintered Glass :

Whilst ordinary aquarium gravel can provide effective mechanical and biological filtration , its use is limited because of its relatively low surface area in comparison to the volume it occupies. Sintered glass , a gravel-like material , is a far more efficient option as it has a vast surface area that allows massive bacteria colonies to develop.

Sintered glass should be placed after the primary mechanical filtration media. This prevents the media from becoming clogged prematurely and requiring regular cleaning. Keep in mind that bacteria cultures take months to develop and ideally , they should be left alone as long as possible.

Keeping betta fish may not need complex filtration system. However , if you keep other tropical fish , you may need a good water treatment system. Understanding the principles of filtration and how it works is important for successful fish keeping.

There are three main types of filtration systems : mechanical , biological and chemical.

Mechanical filtration is necessary to remove particles from the water to make it clear and to maximize the efficiency of subsequent biological or chemical filtration functions.

Biological filtration is essential to ensure the breakdown of toxic waste products in the water by beneficial nitrifying bacteria. This process takes place most efficiently in highly porous media such as sponge and specific bio-media such as ceramic tubes and sintered glass. When cleaning such systems , the media should only be lightly rinsed in aquarium water to prevent established bacteria colonies from being completely eliminated.

Chemical filtration selectively removes undesirable substances such as medication and toxins from the water.

The filter media is the component used in a filtration system to clean the water. Many different types of filter media are available , and each is designed to facilitate a specific type of system.

In the next post we shall review the various types of filter media.