theory on filter media

[Tyler]

yes that is true but it would probly tank close to a month to fillter all the water if nothing is in the tank to create any current

 

[slammer]

Dane, buy a small Aqua Clear (Less than $20 online) and stick the stuff in it. Even the smalles power filter will be much more efficient than just throwing the stuff in the tank.

 

[guppy]

It is worse than that, the benificial bacteria need aconstant water flow to bring them oxygen as well as nutrients, if the bag is to large or packed to tightly you will get anerobic spots that can produce hydrogen sulfides that will poison the tank

 

[Dr Joe]

Peat is slow acting and will not cause hot spots, so would be OK, ammonia / nitrate / nitrite etc. removers need to be in the direct path of as much moving water as posible, hence using it in the filter. Use a strong net bag as some fish just have to chew on it.

 

[JuanTamad]

so here's my theory
ok.. water passes through filters (obviously). also, every molecule of water is being moved from one spot to the other inside of the aquarium itself right? so.. the question is.. to get the effect of peat moss or even carbon or ammonia remover for that matter, couldn't you just bag the stuff up and drop it in your aquarium? i believe that at some point in time, every bit of water is going to hit the peat, carbon, or ammonia remover, in turn, doing what is desired.

does anyone agree?

Very good theory.

In fact there are certain situations where it makes more sense to do that rather than start or use filters.

That's what I do with holding/quarantine tanks for newly caught wild P. Bass. I hold them in 30 to 50 gallons containers and put a water pump in it equipped with a pre-filter to do the mechanical aspect of filtration and place a bag of chemical media in a spot where there is maximum water flow.

If I have to medicate I simply take out the bag of media (which includes carbon) to allow the medication to work at full force.

For smaller fish I use an airstone in combination with the media bag loaded with my choice of media.

Be aware though that with the latter combination you have nothing doing mechanical filtration. The solid waste will remain circulating in the tank.