There are three basic types of filtration. Mechanical
filter media removes waste particles and solid debris
through mechanical strainers. Biological filter media
breaks down and eliminate organic toxins—ammonia
and nitrite—through bacterial action. And chemical
filter media actively changes water characteristics
through deliberately managed chemical reactions.
Fluval offers a wide variety of filter media materials.
Some perform more than one job. This is the true
power of the Fluval system—the broad range of
media available for use in its baskets. These extensive
choices give you maximum flexibility in designing the
aquatic environment just right for your aquarium.
The Fluval Stack of Media Baskets
The stack of three large-capacity
media baskets in the Fluval FX5 Filter
enables you to employ all three types
of filtration, in whatever
configuration or sequence you
determine. Filtration always begins
with a mechanical stage of waste
particle removal as water is drawn
through the foam that lines the
perimeter of each basket. It continues
as water is pumped down through
the media in the three baskets. In all,
the media baskets will hold a total of
1.5 gallons (5.9 liters) of media.
Because you can place one, two, or
even three different kinds of media in each basket,
you will be able to design a system that provides
additional mechanical filtration, as well as biological
and chemical filtration in the widest possible variety
of combinations. This section contains detailed
information, as well as general guidelines, about
media selection and use.
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Top Media Basket
Pre-Filter, Carbon
, and
Zeo-Carb
are all options for
screening small particles from the water. Pre-Filter is
inert, acting solely to create a screen. Carbon removes
dyes, medications, and solubilized wastes that a simple
screen cannot. Zeo-Carb removes ammonia; it is often
used in beginning setups to keep initial ammonia
spikes lower than would occur naturally.
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Middle Media Basket
The middle media basket is useful for chemically
modifying water.
Peat Granules
, for example will
gradually lower the water’s pH level.
The middle chamber is a good place to begin the
biological reduction process as well. Many media
types provide both mechanical filtering and
biological treatment, creating an excellent
environment for beneficial bacteria to proliferate.
Even many chemical compounds will support colonies
of bacteria. With the primary mechanical purification
of the water stream occurring in the foam inserts, it
is typical to load additional biological
media into the middle media basket.
BioMax
and extra
Carbon
or
Ammonia Remover
are commonly
used. This is also the place where
more exotic media, chosen for a
specific application, can be used.
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Bottom Media Basket
This basket receives the purest water
stream, making it the proper place
for dedicated biological media.
Placed here,
BioMax
, for example,
provides optimal biological power in
a very compact ring. With a multitude
of pores perforating both the surface
and the internal matrix, it is an ideal
substrate for this position. To capture
any small particles remaining in the water before it
reaches this final stage of filtration, consider layering
a
Polishing Pad
, a fine mechanical filter, on top of
any biological or chemical media placed in the
bottom basket. This will prevent the clogging of the
delicate pores of the media used here, enhancing its
useful life.
To be effective, media must be cleaned or replaced
regularly. Check media monthly, and change when
necessary.
However, never change all media at
the same time, or valuable bacterial colonies
will be lost.
FLUVAL ADVANCED FILTRATION
❶
❷
❸
EN-13
