|
 Detritus Removal:
While biological filters process nitrogenous fish waste, mechanical/chemical filters remove solids that accumulate in the aquarium. Solid fish waste, uneaten food, and particulate matter from decorations and live rock all settle
to the bottom of aquaria, forming a film which aquarists refer to as "detritus." Regardless of what type of biological filter is used, many aquariums can benefit from the use of a good mechanical filter. While many aquarists will argue that a mechanical filter is unnecessary, there is no question that aquariums that employ these filters have crystal-clear water and require less maintenance.
Mechanical filters draw water from the mid-column region of the aquarium instead of from the surface as do most wet/dry filters. Particulate matter in the water is removed from the water and trapped in the filter where it can be easily removed by changing filter media. Most mechanical filters also use chemical adsorption media, such as carbon, which aid in clarifying water so these filters are often referred to
as mechanical/chemical filters. Unlike the so-called "chemical media" chambers in wet/dry filters which can allow water to flow around or over the media, mechanical filters are designed to force the water to pass through the media. This method is much more effective in removing solid waste and other pollutants.
There are two basic types of mechanical/chemical filters available. "Power filters" hang on the back of the aquarium and typically use cartridges that are easy to change. We generally recommend power filters for smaller freshwater aquariums (30 gallons or less). Larger aquariums should use canister filters. "Canister filters" are more versatile and are designed for larger tanks. They use a
larger volume of media which can be mixed and matched according to individual needs.
| Read Other Articles | |
