Filtration media and methods

[Lady Sphinx]

I can probably still be classed as a newbie when it comes to the fish hobby but I'm constantly read and watching videos on it and trying new things. I was just wandering what types of filtering media is out there and what pros and cons are of each.

I would love to hear what types of filtering methods and media you guys prefer and why. Which do you hate and why

 

[markstrimaran]

I like fluidised sand. Mostly because it takes up very little space, has huge capacity, never needs cleaning, more fun than a lava lamp to watch. Cons if the power goes out it, get the car battery hooked up quick.
Algae Scrubber, ok not a media. It will remove alot of ammonia before it has a chance to become nitrate. Provides free daphnia for smaller fish. Purifies the water. Free food. Cons. Needs regular harvesting,

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

For most setups the media type matters very little. Just be sure to have more than you need and buy the cheap stuff. Bacteria colonies will be limited by the ammonia production of the fish and not by how expensive the media you use is. Fluidized filters etc have their places and have some advantages but if you are thinking about a more traditional setup just toss in scrubbies or some big box bio media and you should be good to go.

As far as the type of bio filtration again it doesn't really matter as long as you have more flow and media than you need. Wet/dry systems are more efficient but if you arnt near the surface area capacity of your media the net gains will be very little. I have had most types of filtration and have actually reverted back to HOBs (Aquaclear only IMO) and sponge filters. I do not run any big tanks anymore though...atleast until I am done with graduate school.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

I prefer canisters,the more the better,I also like live plants as it helps filter the water and consumes waste.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Read "Part 2" of my post in "Sump Help!" posted a couple days ago. It covers this a little bit. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/sump-help.675946/#post-7594900

I completely forgot about fluidized sand bed bio filters in my post. That's a shame, sorry I missed it. I actually used to have one a long time ago, and I did enjoy watching it.

 

[bOOsteN aUdI]

K1 and submerged media are some of the best filter medias and the most effective. I prefer biohome and ceramic rings for my submerged media. Submerged media is all about the amount of surface area and the amount of bioload you have in your setup to supply a healthy culture of biological bacteria. The more expensive submerged media will have more surface area. K1 is also a great media when setup properly. I've seen great results first hand.
Also as stated above, turnover is very important as well.