I am thinking about setting up a tank. I have seen these "Bio-filters" in catalogs before. What is the difference of a bio-filter and a regular filter? Should I use both?
Biofilters?
- Thread starter j.eggleston
- Start date
We rely on bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrates... this process is refered to as the nitrogen cycle... understanding it is an important aspect of fish keeping 
This bacteria will form on surfaces throughout the aquarium... so many filter and filter media manufacturers have created filters & media with extremely high amounts of surface area...
Keep in mind your system will only be able to support the amount of bacteria your stocklist of fish can support by the ammount of ammonia they produce. In my experience fancy bio media and fancy bio filters are not in any way necessary...
The bacteria can/does/will thrive more so in an oxygen rich environment. Therefore 'Wet/Dry' filters will cater to bacterial colonies expanding faster than in typical conditions due to having a higher level of oxygen readily available to the colony... Canister filters do not have elevated oxygen levels and thereofore bio media in them is often over rated.
HOB filter's have ample surface agitation and circulation in them somewhat increasing the oxygen content giving bacteria in them an advantage. This is often overlooked.
But at the end of the day, learning abou tthe nitrogen cycle yourself will help you make better decisions as opposed to relying on others to push you in the right direction.
This bacteria will form on surfaces throughout the aquarium... so many filter and filter media manufacturers have created filters & media with extremely high amounts of surface area...
Keep in mind your system will only be able to support the amount of bacteria your stocklist of fish can support by the ammount of ammonia they produce. In my experience fancy bio media and fancy bio filters are not in any way necessary...
The bacteria can/does/will thrive more so in an oxygen rich environment. Therefore 'Wet/Dry' filters will cater to bacterial colonies expanding faster than in typical conditions due to having a higher level of oxygen readily available to the colony... Canister filters do not have elevated oxygen levels and thereofore bio media in them is often over rated.
HOB filter's have ample surface agitation and circulation in them somewhat increasing the oxygen content giving bacteria in them an advantage. This is often overlooked.
But at the end of the day, learning abou tthe nitrogen cycle yourself will help you make better decisions as opposed to relying on others to push you in the right direction.