I know this could possibly start a big debate but that is what i need. In your opinion, what is the best non-commercial biological filter media? ie. lava rock pot scrubbers? I need a ton of it like enough to fill a 50 gallon drum worth. what is the best and dont cost an arm and a leg?
Best Bio filtration media?
- Thread starter lunker65
- Start date
Id probably go for a fluidized set up with K1, But if you want something more traditional the cheapest would be lava rock. I have no data on surface area but the 3 top brands are probably sea chem matrix, ehiem substrate pro and marine pure ceramic biomedia. Based on popularity in the hobby for larger scale bio filtration.
I'd go with pot scrubbers or floor stripper pads Made the same as pot scrubbers but, have more strength).
Here's a comparison chart of media:
Here's a comparison chart of media:
Much of the surface area of lignite is too small for bacteria to effectively utilize... the pore structure is small enough it can trap molecules after all. That's not to say that lignite can't be used as a bio media, it can and is, but the surface area listed in the figure above is deceiving with respect to its true potential as a bio media.
ok i was thinking lava rock would be a good choice for my bio chamber. i have used the seachem matrix for years in my aquariums and it is outstanding. i know seachem also makes a pond matrix but im sure that it is exponentially more expensive than lava rock. i may also may use them floor scrubber pads in my other chamber for a dual purpose of mechanical filtration with a bit of bio mixed in with it. mainly for the mechanical. i belive that i will filtering about 2000 gallons of water. so i am thinking one of them 50 gallon plastic drums should be enough biomedia for that.
Thats pretty cool didnt know pot scrubbies had more surface area than lava rock
This is my lava rock bio-tower I have used as bio filter for years, it handles 5 tanks,
3
300
gallons without ammonia spikes. It is about 8" in diameter, and 4 ft tall, a scrubby on top to catch debris, filled with a couple bags of gardening lava rock..
Bio media is just basically a surface/substrate for beneficial bacteria to live on, asking what is best is like asking whether a blond is better than a brunette.
Bio media is just basically a surface/substrate for beneficial bacteria to live on, asking what is best is like asking whether a blond is better than a brunette.
duane what do you do to prep the garden lava rocks before using?This is my lava rock bio-tower I have used as bio filter for years, it handles 5 tanks, 3 300 gallons without ammonia spikes. It is about 8" in diameter, and 4 ft tall, a scrubby on top to catch debris, filled with a couple bags of gardening lava rock..
Bio media is just basically a surface/substrate for beneficial bacteria to live on, asking what is best is like asking whether a blond is better than a brunette.