Filter Media - Underwater Eco Systems

Biological Filter Media Biological filtration relies primarily upon bacterial decomposition of soluble nitrogenous waste products, such as ammonia and nitrogen...	Chemical Filter Media Chemical Aquarium Filter Mediaremoves contaminants from your aquarium water that biological and mechanical filter media can not. These ...	Mechanical Filter Media The process of mechanical filtration removes particulate material from the water. This particulate matter may include uneaten food, fec...
Filter Bags & Holders

Aquarium filter media is used in different stages of aquarium filtration.  There are three main types of Aquarium filter media which coincide with the three stages of filtration:

1. Mechaincal Filtration
2. Biological Filtration
3. Chemical Filtration

Most beginning aquarists are concerned with what is termed as “Mechanical Filtration” Simply stated mechanical filtration cleans that which the human eye can see, and oft times spoils the viewing enjoyment of our aquariums. 

It is important to note though that simply because an aquarium “looks” clean, does not mean that the water has adequate filtration.  All three types of filtration are important to maintaining a well balanced Underwater Eco System.

Mechanical Aquarium Filter Media

The process of mechanical filtration removes particulate material from the water. This particulate matter may include uneaten food, feces or plant or algal debris. Mechanical filtration is typically achieved by passing water through materials which act as a sieve, physically trapping the particulate matter.  Numerous materials are suitable as aquarium filtration media. These include synthetic wools, known in the aquarium hobby as filter wool, made of polyethylene terephthalate or nylon. Synthetic sponges or foams, various ceramic and glass and silicon products along with igneous gravels are also used as mechanical filter materials.

Biological Aquarium Filter Media

Biological filtration relies primarily upon bacterial decomposition of soluble nitrogenous waste products, such as ammonia and nitrogen waste products. Materials with a greater surface area provide both mechanical and biological filtration. Some filter materials, such as plastic "bioballs", are best used for biological filtration.

Chemical Aquarium Filter Media

Chemical filter media removes contaminants from your aquarium water that biological and mechanical filter media can not. These contaminants can come from fish medications, organic compounds produced by various biological processes, and pollutants in the air. If you have an undesirable odor or color in your aquarium water, it's probable that chemical filter media will remove it. Examples of chemical aquarium media would include; activated carbons, zeolite and phosphate removers.