Biomechanical Filtration
Definition
Biomechanical filtration is a crucial aspect of aquarium maintenance, as it specifically addresses the physical removal of debris and particles from the water. The process relies on the use of physical filter media, which possess certain characteristics that make them effective in trapping and removing solid matter. These filter media can vary in composition, with common examples including sponge filters, filter pads, and ceramic or plastic biomedia.
Function in the Aquarium
The physical characteristics of biomechanical filter media are designed to create a porous structure or surface area that provides ample space for beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria play a pivotal role in breaking down organic waste into less harmful substances. As water flows through the filter media, the bacteria work to decompose debris and convert ammonia and nitrite into less toxic compounds, such as nitrate. While the biological aspect is important, biomechanical filtration primarily focuses on the mechanical removal of particles.
The filter media's surface structure, whether it be the pores of a sponge filter or the intricate design of ceramic biomedia, effectively traps suspended particles in the water. This can include fish waste, uneaten food, plant matter, and other detritus. As water passes through the filter, these particles become entangled or adhere to the filter media, preventing them from circulating in the aquarium. Over time, this helps maintain water clarity and prevents the accumulation of unsightly debris that could negatively impact the overall aesthetics of the aquatic environment.
Regular cleaning or maintenance of biomechanical filter media is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness. As debris accumulates on the filter media, it can impede water flow and reduce the media's ability to trap additional particles. Therefore, periodic rinsing or replacement of filter media is necessary to prevent clogging and maintain optimal filtration performance.
Please find some descriptions for some brands and products associated with biomechanical filtration in aquariums:
Fluval:
Fluval Biomax Ceramic Rings: These ceramic rings provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonization. They are designed to optimize biological filtration in Fluval canister filters, promoting the breakdown of organic waste and maintaining water clarity.
Fluval FX Series Canister Filters: Known for their powerful performance, Fluval FX Series Canister Filters offer multi-stage filtration, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. They are suitable for larger aquariums and are appreciated for their durability and ease of maintenance.
Fluval Sponge Filters: These sponge filters provide effective mechanical and biological filtration. They are often used in breeding tanks and aquariums with small fish, as the sponge serves as a mechanical barrier for debris and a substrate for beneficial bacteria.
Seachem:
Seachem Matrix Biomedia: Matrix is a high-porosity biomedia that provides an ideal environment for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It excels in biological filtration, helping convert ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.
Seachem Purigen: Purigen is a synthetic resin that excels in chemical filtration. It removes impurities, discoloration, and odors from the water, enhancing overall water quality. It can be regenerated for extended use.
Seachem Tidal Power Filters: Tidal Power Filters are hang-on-back filters known for their self-priming feature and efficient mechanical and chemical filtration. They also have a surface skimmer to remove debris from the water's surface.
Eheim:
Eheim Substrat Pro Biological Filter Media: These sintered glass rings provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. They are durable and resist clogging, ensuring long-term effectiveness in biological filtration.
Eheim Classic Canister Filters: Eheim's Classic series offers reliable canister filters with simple design and robust performance. They provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, making them suitable for various aquarium setups.
Aqueon:
Aqueon QuietFlow Canister Filters: These canister filters provide powerful three-stage filtration. They come with a range of media to address mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration needs, promoting a clean and healthy aquatic environment.
Aqueon Bio-Media Balls: Designed for use in canister filters, these bio-media balls provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive. They contribute to the biological filtration process by converting ammonia and nitrite.
Marineland:
Marineland Penguin Power Filters: Known for their easy setup, Penguin Power Filters offer three-stage filtration – mechanical, chemical, and biological. The BIO-Wheel technology enhances aerobic bacteria colonization, contributing to efficient biological filtration.
Marineland Bio-Filter Balls: These bio-filter balls provide a textured surface for beneficial bacteria to grow and multiply. They are often used in canister filters and contribute to the breakdown of ammonia and nitrite.
Aquaclear:
AquaClear Power Filters: AquaClear filters are customizable and known for their versatility. They provide effective mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. The design allows hobbyists to adjust the filter media according to their specific needs.
AquaClear Biomax Filter Insert: Biomax inserts are designed to enhance biological filtration in AquaClear filters. The porous structure provides an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria, aiding in the conversion of ammonia and nitrite.
Hydor:
Hydor Professional External Canister Filter: Hydor's external canister filters are praised for their quiet operation and powerful filtration. They incorporate mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration stages and are suitable for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals):
API Bio-Chem Zorb: Bio-Chem Zorb is a blend of resins designed for chemical filtration. It effectively removes organic pollutants, odors, and discolorations from the water, contributing to overall water quality improvement.
API Filstar XP Canister Filters: API Filstar XP filters provide a reliable canister filtration system. They offer multi-stage filtration, including mechanical, chemical, and biological components, ensuring thorough purification of aquarium water.
Sera:
Sera Siporax Ceramic Rings: Siporax rings provide a large and porous surface area for beneficial bacteria. They excel in biological filtration, converting harmful substances like ammonia and nitrite into less toxic nitrate.
Penn-Plax:
Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filters: Cascade Canister Filters by Penn-Plax provide powerful and customizable filtration for aquariums. They include multiple media trays for mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, ensuring comprehensive water purification.
Penn-Plax Cascade Bio-Rings: Cascade Bio-Rings are designed to foster beneficial bacteria growth for biological filtration. They contribute to the nitrogen cycle by breaking down organic waste and promoting a stable and healthy aquarium environment.
Oase:
Oase Biomedia (e.g., Oase Hel-X Biomedia): Oase Hel-X Biomedia features a unique design for efficient biological filtration. The helical structure provides a large surface area for bacterial colonization, supporting the conversion of ammonia and nitrite.
JBL:
JBL Ceramic Filter Rings: JBL's ceramic filter rings offer a porous surface for beneficial bacteria to establish colonies. They are suitable for use in canister filters and contribute to the biological filtration process.
JBL CristalProfi External Canister Filters: Known for their reliability, CristalProfi canister filters by JBL provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. They are designed for easy maintenance and efficient water purification.
Here is also a list of various products related to biomechanical filtration for aquariums:
Sponge Filters: These filters use sponge-like material as the primary filtration media, providing both mechanical and biological filtration.
Filter Pads: Mechanical filter pads, made from materials like polyester or polyurethane foam, are designed to trap debris and particles in aquarium water.
Ceramic Biomedia: Porous ceramic rings or cylinders provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and contribute to biological filtration.
Plastic Biomedia: Similar to ceramic biomedia, plastic biomedia such as bio-balls offer a surface for beneficial bacteria growth and mechanical filtration.
Filter Socks: These are fine-mesh bags that can be filled with various filter media, such as filter floss or ceramic rings, to trap particles and debris.
Canister Filters: Canister filter systems often use a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media, including sponge filters and ceramic biomedia.
HOB (Hang-On-Back) Filters: These filters typically include mechanical filter pads and sometimes additional filter cartridges for efficient biomechanical filtration.
Filter Floss: Made from fine synthetic fibers, filter floss is an excellent mechanical filtration material that can be used in various filter types.
Filter Media Bags: These mesh bags are used to hold filter media, such as ceramic rings or activated carbon, allowing for easy placement and removal from the filtration system.
Filter Matting: Coarse or fine filter matting is designed to trap large and small particles, respectively, providing effective mechanical filtration.
UV Sterilizers: While primarily designed for controlling algae and pathogens, UV sterilizers can also help in reducing suspended particles by causing them to clump together for easier removal.
Filter Maintenance Tools: Tools like filter brushes or siphon vacuums assist in cleaning and maintaining biomechanical filter media and the aquarium substrate.
