There are many options for biofiltration media, which begs the question: what should you be looking for when choosing a quality product? To answer this question, let us consider the following important themes.
Branding and Engineering
As with many other buying decisions, our first piece of advice is to look for a recognized, respected brand name. Try to find a company known for producing high quality biological filtration media and, most importantly, power filters. Engineers designing an electric aquarium filter consider many important parameters related to filtration when designing, so they have the best chance of designing the best performing filter media.
Performance
Biofiltration performance is significantly affected by the media type and properties you choose. It is best to choose filter media that provide a variety of interrelated pore sizes from the surface to the core. Why? Different species of nitrifying bacteria have different requirements and tolerances in terms of water flow, oxygen content, and light. In addition, there is an added benefit of extending the contact time to improve biofiltration.
The porosity of filter media such as Fluval BIO-FX provides a wide surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. In fact, the BIO-FX offers an enormous surface area of 2,250 square meters per liter of media, delivering outstanding biofiltration performance in even the most crowded and stocked aquariums.
design
The shape of the filter media and the resulting void space is also a factor. The shape should allow sufficient water flow through the media to avoid debris clogging, which would cause the water flow to channel and reduce filtration efficiency. Cylindrical biological media allows good water flow around and through each cylinder, preventing debris and waste from accumulating and blocking water flow. This, in turn, supports oxygen levels and ensures that subsequent filter media receive an evenly distributed water flow, increasing filtration efficiency.
water chemistry
Last, but not least, choose filter media that are inert and do not alter the water chemistry. Filter media should not leach and/or impart compounds that can significantly harden water or alter its pH. This will help provide stable water chemistry and make the medium usable in both soft and hard water aquarium environments, which is important for the long-term health of aquarium residents.
As with all other filter media, regular maintenance is important for optimal long-term performance. However, there is an important difference: when it comes to biological filtration media, it is strongly recommended to only rinse with aquarium water to minimize the loss of nitrifying bacteria. Good filter maintenance practices will ensure your aquarium filter provides the best environment for nitrifying bacteria.
As mentioned above, engineers who design power filters are best at developing the best filter media for them. Fluval BIO-FX is a premium biological medium designed for use with tank filters and sump tanks of various sizes, including the flagship FX series and 07 series. With its deep pore structure and interconnected microchannels, BIO-FX provides a vast surface area in which billions of beneficial nitrifying bacteria can thrive. Whether you own a Fluval filter or not, consider the Fluval BIO-FX, the first choice for engineers responsible for developing the world's best-selling line of canister filters.
Learn more about BIO-FX: https : https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/bio-fx-5-l/