Biological

Biological filter media for the aquarium: The unsung heroes behind your water quality

In the fascinating world of aquarium life, biological filter media play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and stable water quality. This article explains why biological filter media are so important and how they support the biological balance in an aquarium.

Biological filter media are special materials used in the aquarium filter to enable vital biological filtration. Unlike mechanical filter media, which remove dirt and particles from the water, biological media focus on the development of beneficial bacterial colonies.

The way biological filter media work is based on the colonization of beneficial bacteria.

These are the so-called nitrifiers. They are part of the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium and are responsible for breaking down ammonia, nitrite and also nitrate. The bacteria in question are Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Nitrobacter, Nitrolancetus and Nitrosococcus. The waste of fish and invertebrates, but also the fertilization of aquatic plants, causes nitrates and ammonia to accumulate. This can also lead to the formation of highly toxic nitrite. Without the bacteria, the ammonia concentration would keep rising and, in the worst case, poison the water. Biological filter media provide the bacteria with a surface on which they can settle and convert these harmful compounds into less harmful nitrates.

Conclusion:

Biological filter media may be inconspicuous, but they are extremely important for the health of an aquarium. By creating a natural, biological filter system, fish and plants are provided with a healthy and stable environment.