Aquarium Filter Media Types

[Carl]

I updated the Aquarium Answers article about aquarium (& pond) filter media.

I expanded several explanations, as well corrected some confusing grammar in this article.

Aquarium Filter Media; types (carbon, etc.), capacities and more

Carl

[Carl]

We updated the Aquarium & Pond Filter Media, Material article with further information (in particular the volcanic rock section), more spacing, indexing & more

Carl

[Carl]

We updated the Aquarium Filter Media article (in Aquarium Answers).

More was added about the use of Poly Pads, Sponge Material in wet/dry filters as well as more information about Algone & BioPlastics

Carl

[Carl]

I have once again updated the Aquarium Answers article:
Aquarium & Pond Filter Media, Material

Further information was added, as well as more editing for better readability

Carl

[Carl]

I have updated the "Aquarium/Pond Filter Media" article again. This time conversations here at Everything Aquatic helped me realize where more information needed to be.

Here is a new quote:
"Similar to Matrix and often sold by less knowledgeable retailers is Matrix Carbon.
While it is an excellent product at first consideration, the problem is the fact that carbon needs to be changed at certain interval while the Matrix generally rarely if ever needs to be changed. While you could simply let your carbon part of the mix get exhausted, this begs the question why not use just Matrix in the first place which is a much better bio filter media than exhausted carbon (which could also potentially add back toxins that have been absorbed)."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/05/aquarium-filter-media.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have further updated the "Aquarium Filter Media" article.

Here is an excerpt from the article:
Filter Media Order:
As a generalization, when used in a canister, sump, or any other filter type where there layers of different filter media types, you would want to go from coarse to fine with most chemical filter media (carbon, Purigen, Bio-chem pure, etc.) near the end of the water pass through this media along with the fine filter media.
With Bio media such as Volcanic Rock, I often place this first as both a coarse filter media AND bio filter media. More fine bio filter media such as aquarium Matrix (not pond Matrix), I will place just after more coarse mechanical filter media."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/05/aquarium-filter-media.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have further updated the "Aquarium/Pond Answers" article about aquarium filter media.

Here is an excerpt from the biological filter media section:
"MarinePure Block; This a relatively newer offering from Hagen that has become quite popular with Hagen's huge marketing budget behind it.
This product can lower ammonia, nitrites, & even nitrates when generally used in a sump.

I however do not quite believe all the claims, in part just my own experience with Hagen where marketing and getting a product in as many stores as possible always seems to come first (think Fluval Lighting as per a product marketed as top notch which is anything but).

Opinion here aside, my experience has shown better results over blocks or similar with a mixed bed of something like Pond Matrix, Regular Matrix, Crush Coral Crumbles, or even Lava Rock.
The problem with a block is there is much flow by which in the end results in lower efficiency of DOC removal (this is not to say these do not work, but just with my lighting comparison in the previous paragraph, just less efficient)

Another issue includes the fact a block will not help with mechanical filtration which may not be important to some, but my experiments with high bio load ponds has shown this can make a BIG difference in effectiveness.
Finally; There is the issue of elevated levels of aluminum with prolonged use which has proven to be detrimental with leather corals & likely other aquarium inhabitants over time too (resulting in skeletal deformities). High or low pH can make aluminum issues more "



Carl