Best aquarium bio media for Hang on Back HOB and Canister filters:
No matter what aquarium filter
you are using, it has two important functions: mechanical & biological filtration.
Chemical filtration is not necessary. For mechanical filtration, foams or
sponges can be used. For biological filtration, mostly bio media is used. Foams
or sponges can also offer biological filtration because they provide surface
for the development of good bacteria. Bio media on the other hand are porous
therefore, they allow useful bacteria to spread over the surface, & bacteria
grows inside the tiny pores too. Hence, they offer more space for colonizing
useful bacteria.
Many types of bio media are
available in the market. Some bio media are very porous hence; they are very
effective in filtration because of the large surface they offer for the growth
of good bacteria. When it comes to choosing bio media for filters, aquarists
usually have different requirements. Some aquarists are looking for the best
budget bio media while others need premium bio media that are expensive but
very efficient in cleaning water. Hence finding the best bio media depends on
the requirements of aquarists.
It is important to consider the type
of filter you are using for holding bio media. Aquarists use different types of
filters such as submersible, hang on back, & canister filters. Submersible
filters are located inside aquarium water, & often hobbyists use sponges or
foams in this filter for both mechanical & biological filtration. Modern internal filters also contain bio media. Submersible filters take up space inside
aquariums so their sizes are usually small therefore these filters usually have
smaller baskets for holding bio media compared to external HOB & Canister
filters. Large storage of bio media in filters will ensure water is clear
because they wipe out heaps of toxic chemicals.
External filters are located
outside aquariums. These filters are large because they do not take space
inside aquariums. Hang on Back & Canister filters are the best external
filters. Best bio media for aquarium filters depends on the filter type &
aquarium setup.
Whatever filter you have,
Canister or HOB, you will find the top bio media for your filter in this article.
AquaClear 20 BioMax Filter Media:
- Type of filtration media: Ceramic biological rings
- Approx. Size: Mesh bag 3.5 (length) x 2.4 (width) x 1.97 (height) inches
- Best bio media for: Hang on Back filter
AquaClear 20 BioMax bio media are developed for AquaClear 20 HOB filters. Due to the small size of the filter media, they can be easily installed inside small Hang on Back filters. However, if you want to setup this bio media in a large HOB filter, then you can choose from the appropriate sizes suitable for 30, 50, 70, & 110 gallons of fish tank.
Though many hobbyists say that AquaClear 20 BioMax bio media works great when it comes to filtering water but these small size bio media are not suitable for large filters, therefore it is recommended to select bigger sizes for larger HOB filters.
Due to the mesh media bag, it is very simple to handle bio media when cleaning or replacing them because they cause little mess. The rough & porous structure of the media allows heaps of good bacteria to spread over the media therefore; they are very effective in cleaning toxic water.
Seachem Matrix Bio Media:
- Type of filtration media: pumice stone
- Approx. Size: Each stone has a diameter of around 0.4 inches
- Best bio media for: Canister Filter
Seachem Matrix is the best bio
media for Canister filters. Matrix can efficiently work in other filters too. Matrix
is inert & inorganic, & each piece has a diameter of around 0.4 inches therefore
it is suitable for smaller filters as well.
Seachem Matrix is very porous,
& it is capable of wiping out ammonia, nitrites & nitrates. Matrix can significantly
drop the levels of ammonia in the water, but for removal of nitrates, Matrix
must be used in mass amounts for lowering significant levels of nitrates.
Seachem Matrix is natural & inert;
therefore, it does not have an effect on water pH.
According to many reviewers, Seachem Matrix can quickly clean aquarium water.
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