How to setup biological filtration in a fish tank or pond?
Biological filtration is extremely
important for a fish tank or pond. Without an efficient biological filter,
your fish are prone to diseases. The reason behind the death of the fish is
mostly inefficient biological filtration in your fish tank or pond. Fish
produce wastes that release ammonia. In addition, leftover food, dead leaves of
plants, & other detritus release ammonia. Ammonia is highly dangerous to
fish even if it is not in mass amounts. Therefore, it is recommended to remove
ammonia quickly from the fish tank before it builds up. It is recommended to
cycle your aquarium before introducing fish to the aquarium. Cycling aquariums
will add heaps of useful bacteria that are vital for breaking down ammonia into
nitrites & nitrates. Nitrates are the product of the nitrogen cycle, &
they are less dangerous than nitrites & ammonia. However, the presence of
heaps of nitrates is still toxic to fish. In this article, we will help you in
setting up biological filtration in an aquarium or pond, & how useful
bacteria develops & consume ammonia & nitrites.
Order of Filtration Media:
The physical detritus will rot
& release ammonia if not collected on time. Therefore, a foam or sponge
should be setup in the filter that would collect waste particles. It is
important to setup mechanical filtration media before setting up biological
filtration in an aquarium or a pond. Water free of waste particles will still
have ammonia, & it will enter biological filtration media. Bio media is a
place where heaps of nitrifying & denitrifying bacteria grows. Nitrifying
bacteria are responsible for consuming ammonia & nitrites while
denitrifying bacteria consume nitrates.
Types of Bio Filter Media:
Multiple types of bio filter
media are available. They mainly include ceramic rings, & bio bakki balls.
Ceramic rings are used for the
removal of ammonia, nitrites & nitrates. The outer surface of the ring
consists of many small pores. A large hole goes through the center of the ring
that allows water to flow through its center. Heaps of denitrifying bacteria live
inside the pores where air cannot enter. The bacteria living in the pores are
known as anaerobic bacteria. Heaps of nitrifying bacteria grow over the surface
of the ring. The bacteria that spreads on the surface are called aerobic
bacteria. Another name for aerobic bacteria is useful bacteria. The outer
surface of the ring consumes oxygen & creates anoxic conditions in the
interior surface of the ceramic ring. Anaerobic bacteria live where oxygen is
not available. The bacteria will break down nitrates into nitrogen gas that
will escape.
Bio Bakki balls are responsible
for consuming ammonia & nitrites. It only hosts nitrifying bacteria on its
surface.
Where useful bacteria can grow in aquariums or ponds?
Useful bacteria can survive anywhere in your aquarium. It grows in regions that meet their requirements. It develops in regions that consist of oxygen & nutrition. A filter offers the top place for the growth of useful bacteria as it draws food & oxygen towards itself. Useful bacteria grows on the surface that consists of nutrition & oxygen. Bio media only offers surface for the growth of useful bacteria.
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