Aquarium Filter Media
How Different Filter Media Work
For an aquarium filter to work properly, water needs to be sucked into a tube inlet which is then pumped through filter media and finally poured back into the aquarium. When the water flows through the filter media, it goes through one or more filtration methods namely mechanical, biological and chemical. This ensures that when the water is pumped back into the tank it is pure enough for the fish to survive and breed healthily.
But these days, fish breeders are presented with a host of different filter media that it can be very overwelming to a beginner. Even though these different filter media were made with one purpose in mind, that is to filter the water, they all have different functions that they provide. Below are some of the most common filter media and what type of filtration function they perform.
Mechanical Filter Media
An example of these are sponge, foam blocks, floss, fibers and scour pads. Mechanical filtration is a basic yet very important type of filtration. These filter media are created for one main function, to filter out large waste and debris from the aquarium. The porous nature of the filter media allows water to pass through them easily. However their pores are small enough to trap larger matter such as fish waste, excess food and particles. Mechanical filters are graded by the size of their pores and generally the tinier the pores the better the filtration they provide. But then again, if the pores are too fine they will clog up too easily which is also the downside of mechanical filtration, having to clean the filter media at least once a week if you expect it to perform at optimum. The major benefit of Mechanical Filter Media is that they do not need to be changed too often and the only time you would need to think of changing them is if they are considerably worn out.
Biological Filter Media
These include bio-balls, ceramic rings and canister media. Biological filter media functions by providing a perfect environment for the growth and spread of beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria reduces waste that would otherwise be toxic to the fish into substances that are less dangerous. Biological filter media should never be changed because it takes time for a colony of beneficial bacteria to populate its surface and changing the media would only mean that you would have to go through the process of re-population all over again. Not only is this a waste of time but it would greatly reduce the biological filtration in your aquarium. You should also not wash biological filter media in tap water because the chlorine in tap water will kill off the colonies of bacteria. If you need to clean it, siphon a little of the fish tank water and wash the filter media in it.
Chemical Filter Media
Examples of these are carbon pouches, chemical gels and phosphate pads. Chemical filter media is generally more expensive and not really necessary except in tanks where you have performed some kind of chemical treatment such as quarantine tanks for sick fish. Their basic function is to remove chemical residue from the water which is not really at critical levels in a normal fish tank. Furthermore, if they are not used correctly they can alter the chemical and pH balance of your aquarium which eventually will affect the health of your fish.
About the Author
That is some of the most common types of aquarium filter media which you could buy today. For more information on the various aquarium filter media, visit Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org today.
250 gallon saltwater fish tank aquarium, lion fish, tangs, clown fish
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CHEAP AQUARIUM POND FISH TANK FILTER MEDIA ACTIVATED CARBON $10.00 |
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4- MATALA POND/AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA PAD 24″X19″X1.5″ $89.95 |
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Pond Filter Media aquarium tank KOI Fish 20″x25′ EP turtle aqua pump $22.49 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-404B $106.99 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-403B $89.99 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUMS FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER FILTER 375GPH 100G HW-303A W. MEDIA $68.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ WHITE $0.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ WHITE $0.99 |
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CHEAP PERFECT SUN SUN AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA 375 GPH HW-303A $68.99 |
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CHEAP 4X REEF AQUARIUM ACTIVATED CARBON CHARCOAL FILTER MEDIA $26.00 |
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Ultra-light Filter Media Cubes-water garden-bio-biofilter-koi-fish-aquarium-pond $16.75 |
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CHEAP 265 GPH AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER W/ 9W UV LIGHT & MEDIA HW-402B $81.99 |
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MAX FILTER PAD FINE 2PK, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, RED SEA FISH PHARM LTD., AQUARIUM $6.16 |
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FILTER BAG (8 X 14″), 2 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $8.60 |
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MAX FILTER SPONGE MEDIA, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, RED SEA FISH PHARM LTD., AQUARIUM $10.55 |
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API BIO-CHEM ZORB 283GM POUCH, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, AQUARIUM PHARMACEUTICALS, A $12.15 |
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NITRATELOCK 500ML TREATS 50GAL, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, PURA (MAGNAVORE), AQUARIUM $29.03 |
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BIO-BALLS PCML160-360 90PK, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, MARINELAND (AQUARIA), AQUARIUM $10.26 |
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REEF CARBON 1LB (QUART), 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, KENT MARINE, AQUARIUM $13.00 |
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3 LB CARBON BAG, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, ACUREL (LOVING PETS), AQUARIUM $5.17 |
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CHEMI-PURE GRANDE 40 OZ, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, BOYD ENTERPRISES, AQUARIUM $43.34 |
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FILTER BAG (10 X 14″), 2 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $10.37 |
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MATRIX CARBON 2 LITER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SEACHEM LABORATORIES, AQUARIUM $51.80 |
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FILTER BAG (4 X 12″), 3 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $9.61 |
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2 OZ FILTER FIBER, 3 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, ACUREL (LOVING PETS), AQUARIUM $5.67 |
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FILTER BAG (6 X 12″), 3 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $10.10 |
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REEF CARBON 2LB (1/2GALLON), 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, KENT MARINE, AQUARIUM $24.26 |
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FILTER BAG (6 X 14″), 2 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $7.02 |
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EHFISUBSTRAT 1 LITER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, EHEIM, AQUARIUM $20.54 |
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FILTER BAG (8 X 12″), 2 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SOUTH OCEAN FIVE INC, AQUARIUM $8.42 |
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EHFISUBSTRAT PRO 2 LITER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, EHEIM, AQUARIUM $34.06 |
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EHFISUBSTRAT PRO 1 LITER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, EHEIM, AQUARIUM $20.45 |
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14 OZ FILTER FIBER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, ACUREL (LOVING PETS), AQUARIUM $9.02 |
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MATRIX CARBON 1 LITER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, SEACHEM LABORATORIES, AQUARIUM $24.91 |
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4 OZ FILTER FIBER, 2 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, ACUREL (LOVING PETS), AQUARIUM $5.98 |
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8 OZ FILTER FIBER, 1 PACK, FILTER MEDIA, ACUREL (LOVING PETS), AQUARIUM $5.42 |
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Sera Biofibre Biological Aquarium Filter Media Fine 40g $6.95 |
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Sera Biofibre Biological Aquarium Filter Media 400g $30.99 |
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Prime Media Lava Stone Aquarium Filter Media 500g $6.95 |
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Prime Media Zeolite Aquarium Filter Media 500g $6.95 |
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CHEAP PERFECT AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA 265 GPH $54.00 |
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CHEAP AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-402B $81.99 |
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10 x Black Plastic Bio Ball Aquarium Pond Filter Media $4.17 |
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NEW 10′ ROLL AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA WET DRY FRESH OR SALT WATER TANKS FILTERS PAD $6.95 |
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10′ AQUARIUM FILTER MATERIAL MEDIA WET DRY FILTERS PAD $12.90 |
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NEW 10′ ROLL AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA WET DRY FILTERS PAD $12.90 |
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Aquarium Fish Tank External Filter Media Fine Floss Foam (for HW-303B and more) $4.74 |
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10 x Black Plastic Bio Ball Aquarium Pond Filter Media $4.81 |
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8.0″ x 5.5″ Nylon Aquarium Carbon Media Filter Bag (3) $6.99 |
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Eheim Ecco Pro Easy 80 External canister filter for Aquarium with Free Media NEW $89.95 |
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Eheim 2222 Pro Aquarium Wet/Dry Canister Filter/Media $142.15 |
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Pond Filter Media aquarium tank KOI Fish 18″x25′ EP $22.49 |
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EP Pond filters Tank Aquarium 1-12″x60″ KOI FISH Turtle FRESH Salt water media $8.00 |
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15PC 1″ Bio Ball w/ Sponge for Aquarium Koi fish Pond Filter Filtration Media $5.99 |
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11.74 oz Chemi-Pure Elite Aquarium Filter Media Rdy2Shp $14.99 |
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SHOP PERFECT AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA 265 GPH $54.00 |
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Pura Complete Aquarium Filter Media 16oz $16.95 |
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Pura Complete Aquarium Filter Media 32oz $24.95 |
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3 PURA Aquarium Filter Media Bag 6 x12 300 Micron $10.95 |
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Pura Complete Aquarium Filter Media 8oz $11.95 |
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300pcs Reusable Bio Balls Aquarium Wet/Dry Filter Media Pond Tank Biofilter Bulk $27.95 |
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SALE- PERFECT SUN SUN AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA 375 GPH HW-303A $68.99 |
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1200pc Reusable Bulk Bio Balls 1.29 Wet/Dry Filter Media Aquarium Pond Biofilter $69.95 |
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600pc 1.29 Bio Balls Aquarium Fish Pond Wet/dry Filter Media Canister Filtration $42.90 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $19.59 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $25.99 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $6.59 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $13.59 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $16.99 |
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Hagen Elite Hush Aquarium Filter (35 or 55) all sizes/media NEW $8.39 |
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Bio Ball x 10 Aquarium Filtration Filter Media Small -S $2.50 |
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2 Pcs 32mm Diameter Bio Ball Filters Media for Aquarium $3.87 |
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Bio Ball x 10 Aquarium Filtration Filter Media Large -L $2.50 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ WHITE $0.99 |
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2 Pcs 32mm Diameter Bio Ball Filters Media for Aquarium $7.09 |
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STAR 265 GPH AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER W/ 9W UV LIGHT & MEDIA HW-402B $81.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ BLACK $0.99 |
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AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER FILTER MEDIA BAG w/ ZIPPER 8″ x 5.5″ WHITE $0.99 |
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STAR REEF AQUARIUM ACTIVATED CARBON CHARCOAL FILTER MEDIA $10.00 |
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1000 JUMBO 1.5″ BioBalls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media -pond-bio balls-koi $73.75 |
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200 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-water-bioballs $25.85 |
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2000 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-biological-pond-koi $134.50 |
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2000 JUMBO 1.5″ BioBalls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media -pond-koi-bio balls $134.50 |
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STAR AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-402B $81.99 |
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300 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-water-bioballs $35.50 |
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500 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-water-bioballs $46.85 |
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750 JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media -pond-biological-koi $58.75 |
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750 JUMBO 1.5″ BioBalls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media-pond-bio balls-water $58.75 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Ball-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $55.75 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Ball-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $128.75 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Ball-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $68.75 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Ball-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $43.85 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ Bio Balls-Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $73.75 |
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JUMBO 1.5″ BioBalls -Aquarium Wet/Dry Fish Filter Media $46.85 |
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Ultra-light Pond Filter Media Cubes-water garden-bio-biofilter-koi-fish-aquarium $19.95 |
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STAR AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-404B $106.99 |
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STAR AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER SYSTEM & MEDIA W/ 9W UV LAMP HW-403B $89.99 |
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Vortech tank iron filter system fleck 7000 high flow 1 cu. ft. whole house system $699.00 Iron is commonly seen as red staining on fixtures and may also turn clothes a reddish orange color. Iron bacteria thrives on iron, and is sometimes found in water supplies that contain iron. It can form a build up of gelantinous slime when left undisturbed, and water containing iron bacteria may smell or taste musty. Hydrogen Sulfide contaminates water supplies producing a “rotten egg” odor, and i… |
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Rainbow Lifegard Combination Aquarium Cartridge $18.69 Combination replacement cartridge for Pentair filtration equipment. 9 3/4″, pleated…. |
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Chemi-Pure Elite Aquarium Filter Media – 6.5 oz. $5.90 Chemi-pure Elite takes aquarium filtration to the next level. Chemi-pure Elite aquarium filter media combines the organic removing power of original Chemi-pure and the phosphate-removal properties of ferric oxide to make the perfect filter media. Chemi-Pure is a safe, effective filter media for creating crystal clear aquarium water, controlling unwanted algae, and reducing water changes; making fi… |
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Marineland 0064008 Duetto Mini Filter Media Pack, 2-Pack $2.83 Remove debris mechanically, biologically and chemically. Filter cartridge replacement pack. Sponge And Carbon…. |
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Megaflow Filter Media Model 1 (3 Pk) $12.97 Prefilter media for Megaflow sumps allows your sump to work more efficiently and stay cleaner by removing large debris before it can clog your filter…. |
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Eheim Liberty Foam Filter Pads $18.57 Eheim Liberty Foam Filter Pads… |
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Sera 8400 / 8405 Super Carbon Aquarium Filter Media Size: 1000 g Sera 8400 / 8405 Sera Super Carbon quickly and reliably absorbs toxic substances and colorants from the aquarium water. The yellowish tint of the aquarium water disappears. The water becomes crystal clear. Sera Super Carbon does not affect the pH value. Sera Super Carbon is free from phosphate and nitrate. You should for a short while increase the amount of sera super carbon in the filter after a … |
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Sera 8400 / 8405 Super Carbon Aquarium Filter Media Size: 250 g Sera 8400 / 8405 Sera Super Carbon quickly and reliably absorbs toxic substances and colorants from the aquarium water. The yellowish tint of the aquarium water disappears. The water becomes crystal clear. Sera Super Carbon does not affect the pH value. Sera Super Carbon is free from phosphate and nitrate. You should for a short while increase the amount of sera super carbon in the filter after a … |
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Eheim Professionel II Aquarium Filter 2224 $292.69 Eheim proffesionel series canister filters have been designed to provide you with technological innovations optimizing filtration as well as offering ease of handling and routine maintenance. Professionels offer unsurpassed multi-stage filtration for balanced long term biological and mechanical filtration…. |
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Pondmaster PMK1250 Pond Filter with 250gph Pump and Bonus Fountain Head $81.95 For ponds up to 600 gallons, 250 gph flow, pumps seven feet high. The complete garden pond filter system includes Pondmaster 1000 with 12″ x 12″ dual filter elements, Supreme Mag-Drive Pump, two free Fountain Kits, and all the connectors, fittings, and filter media. Mag-Drive Pump draws water through the filter and creates fountain effects…. |