Where should I install bio media in my aquarium filter?

Where should I put the bio media in my aquarium filter?

Bio media are fabricated from a wide range of materials. These materials consist of ceramics, sintered glass, plastic & pumice stone. These materials are very different from one another but the goal of each is to offer heaps of surface region for colonization of beneficial bacteria.

Where should I put the bio media in my fish tank filter?

Now a few questions arise, what do bio media do, & where should I put the bio media in my aquarium filter? Bio media offers surface area where heaps of good bacteria grow in abundance. These bacteria are responsible for the removal of toxic chemicals released from fish waste, uneaten food, dead plant leaves & other debris if not removed on time. Bio media does not react with the debris; however, they house useful bacteria that remove toxins upon reaction. Bio media offers more surface area than any other object; therefore, bacteria colonize in abundance over its surface. Good bacteria grow everywhere in the aquarium. You might have observed sticky liquid on the tank glass or decorations, which is actually beneficial bacteria.

Where should I setup bio media in my aquarium filter?

Bio media does not filter out fish poop & other debris. Hence, it is important to setup mechanical filter media first that removes all the dirt before water containing soluble impurities enters the bio media chamber. In an aquarium filter, foam or sponge is added first, followed by bio media that is responsible for removing all chemical compounds & clean water is pushed back to the aquarium.

The porous surface of bio media allows colonies of beneficial bacteria to spread over its surface & grow inside its pores. The tiny pores of the media will be clogged with dirt if mechanical filter media is not added before bio media. A fine foam can wipe out even very fine debris but still some of the dirt enters bio media & clogs the media. Hence, over time your bio media gets clogged as the pores are partially or completely blocked. When the pores are filled with debris, it is important to clean bio media. If pores are blocked then the surface area is considerably reduced, & the efficiency of bio media is reduced. Some bio media are so porous that the pores cannot be cleaned, hence it requires replacement.