Aquarium Filtration (10)
Information about aquarium filters, the nitrogen cycle and more.
Water...clarity does not mean purity. Understanding the water separates the beginner from the experienced. We cannot see chlorine and chloramine and it does not make a visual difference if the water is hard or soft, the pH high or low, and so on. As soon as a tank cycles, the water changes in ways that are potentially hazardous to the fish. That’s why we have to intervene and filter the water. Mechanical filtration will help,…
Aquarium filtration is the single most important requirement for a successful fish tank. In this article we focus on the 3 basic types of aquarium filtration, and of course each aquarium filter itself. Biological Filtration Biological filtration is the term used to describe beneficial bacteria, which are established during the initial cycling of the aquarium. These bacteria break down ammonia and nitrite and convert them into the less toxic compound nitrate. It is widely acknowledged…
One characteristic, next to passion for the hobby, every aquarist should have or obtain, is patience. Patience, next to understanding the basic water parameters, will be put to the test while cycling a tank. And cycling by all means, not only during the fresh set up of a new tank. An established aquarium can cycle at any time, depending on severe changes of the bioload, filtration failure, or any loss of nitrifying bacteria. The process…
Carbonization is a complex procedure by which the carbon content of organic material is formed by burning anaerobically. Materials best suited for carbonization are charcoal (bituminous), brown coal (lignite), wood, or coconut shells which naturally contain a large amount of the element carbon. The carbonized base material is then subjected to steam, which increases the pore size and surface area to such extend that one teaspoon of carbon can be compared to the area of…
Ammonia buildup results from a breakdown of fish metabolism. Since ammonia (NH3) constantly converts to ammonium (NH4+) and vice versa, ammonia test kits usually measure both, resulting in a total ammonia (ammonia-N) concentration. In an established tank, the reading of this test needs to show an undetectable level at all times. A detectable presence of total ammonia requires immediate action. Ammonia is highly toxic in freshwater tanks, but even more toxic in reef and saltwater…
Activated Carbon | Ion Exchange The complexity and diversity of each aquarium, makes every tank unique. If we look at nature we realize that it did not intend for us to keep a large number of fish and other life forms in a small, enclosed environment. As an aquarium owner it is therefore our responsibility to maintain the environment within the aquarium making it sustainable for whatever we decide to put in it. Following we…
Nitrates are the result of the bacterial breakdown of: ammonia to nitrite to nitrate. This is the final stage of the natural biological metabolic waste conversion also known as the nitrogen cycle. Although it is less toxic than ammonia/ammonium and nitrite, nitrate as a nitrogen compound also causes stress at all levels, making a fish’s organs work harder to adjust to its new environment. The increasing stress results in the loss of the fish’s ability…
The nitrifiers also known as the good or beneficial bacteria, which are present after successfully cycling a new tank, providing biological filtration, without which our tanks would turn into a "toxic waste dump". Transforming ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrates. This bacteria settles on rocks, gravel, filter media, sand, biowheels and such. Let's take a closer look at our little friends: Nitrifiers consist of two bacteria species. Both separate, but dependent. While the first…
Nitrites are the second stage in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrifying bacteria are readily available in the tank, and will build a colony as soon as the nutrient source (ammonia) is available. While ammonia is converted predominantly by the species of nitrosomonas, nitrobacter is mainly responsible for converting nitrite into nitrate. When a new tank is set up, the nitrogenous compounds will rise to high levels. This enables the bacteria to form a colony and start…
A protein skimmer can be an indispensable piece of equipment for marine and reef aquariums. Since it is not a simple plug and run filter, an understanding of the protein skimmer is required in order to properly adjust and maintain this mechanical device. The main purpose of skimming is to remove organic matter from the water before it decays. Organic matter that has not been removed will break down to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. Organic…
