Teach me about tumbling media and fluidized filters

So I did a little research today, and my interest is currently peaked in regards to tumbling media and fluidized beds. I though those were mostly reserved for marine applications, but it seems perfectly suited to heavily stocked freshwater tanks as well.

I'm getting close to setting up my 240; The stand should be here by this weekend, so now I get to delve into the filtration aspect. It's drilled, so I am planning on using a wet/dry filter, but I was hoping to incorporate a media tumbler, or a reactor, or whatever the appropriate term is to add additional bio-filtration within the sump (after the filter floss and bioballs). I like the look and idea of the CPR media tumbler, but it seems too small for my application.

Has anyone here incorporated some form of tumbling media within their sump as a secondary form of bio-filtration? I've read the same reactors can be used for chemical filtration as well. I honestly just wanted to put in some K1 media, or some appropriately sized ceramic stuff.

As always, any input and guidance is appreciated.

- John

I somehow missed purigen during my research. Nice looking reactor too! Who makes it? And how many mL of purigen are you running?

duanes said:

The action of the fluidized bed allows only most robust beneficial bacteria to survive. Only strong robust bacteria will live on tumbling media, weak, old worn out colonies are washed away, leaving only the strongest to do the job required.
I have made my own fluidized reactors, 4ft tall by 8" in diameter, and use aragonite as media, so beyond a surface area available for bacteria, the aragonite acts as a buffer against acidification.
I have seen them in aquaculture situations taller than your average hoime water heater.
This is mine, it handles a line of 5 tanks.

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thanks duanes! That is essentially what I read yesterday, but summarized and clarified. Much appreciated!

vr6fan said:

Its an aquatop reactor around $60 and its nice because you can adjust the flow on the pump...im running about 1000 ml, which is way more then needed but I figure its more time between recharges.

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I've had decent experience with Aquatop products in the past, so I might give that a shot. Do you know if that reactor would work with any media that was specifically geared towards bio-filtration; something like K1?

DIDYSIS said:

http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526704
Stingrays thread. Reactors. Bio media. Allot of great conversation and show of setups. I went in detail with the media I am using and everything. If my little setup can handle all my rays easily I'm sure half of it will handle anything you put in your tank.

Sent from the Monster Fish Keeping App

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I'm just now taking a break from reading though this. LOTS of info, and thank you Kevin. Seems like you guys over in Stingrays are on a different level than many of the rest of us I doubt I will be building anything as large as what I've seen discussed in the thread thus far (only on page 10 right meow), but still the information is great. Thanks again for this link!

I'm 95% sure I understand what you've done, but is there any chance you could post or text me a pic of that set-up? it sounds like a great way to make use of the space in my filters. I'd just might have to move my heaters.