Filter tasks
After placing the entire composition and adding water to the aquarium, you need to install a water purifying filter. Although there are many types of filters in the Natural Aquarium, mainly external filters are used. Filters placed under the gravel and connected to the cover will not be suitable due to the use of fertilizers in the soil and the addition of CO2 to the water. Taking into account the space requirements and filter capacity, external filters are the most suitable as they guarantee adequate flow in the aquarium and do not deprive the water of CO2. The filter partially working in the water removes dissolved impurities by absorbing them and breaks down harmful substances, detoxifying the water. As a result, the water in the reservoir is clean, and fish and vegetation have favorable conditions for development.
If the filter does not work properly, the water becomes cloudy, fish get sick, and algae grows among the vegetation, which looks unsightly. When conditions in the aquarium deteriorate, first check the operation of the filters. The filter is an essential piece of equipment that maintains the aquarium ecosystem in proper condition.
Three filtering methods
There are three basic filtration methods: mechanical, chemical and biological. Mechanical filters physically remove unnecessary particles from the water. Filtering agents such as sponges are used for this purpose. However, mechanical filtering only removes plant fragments, fish feces and relatively large food remains, small particles that cause water cloudiness most often escape this type of filtration. Such small particles can be eliminated with a filter using ADA Clear Dash conditioner.
Chemical filters remove impurities dissolved in water thanks to the adsorbing properties of active carbon. Activated carbon (NA Carbon) is used in the initial phase of filtering because it purifies water by adsorbing substances that discolor water and ammonia (harmful to fish). These substances accumulate in the water in the first phase after installing the aquarium. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon is limited, therefore the cartridges must be replaced every two weeks for the filter to be effective.
Biological filters are mainly based on the action of bacteria and protozoa that decompose organic substances, ammonia and nitrites contained in water.
The importance of biological filters.
Of the methods discussed above, biological filtration is the most important method used in Natural Aquariums. The microorganisms contained in the filters decompose and consume organic substances, algae (phytoplankton) and harmful microorganisms in the water.
Ammonia contained in fish excrements, in high concentrations, is harmful to fish and shrimps. Thanks to the action of nitrifying (nitrogenating) bacteria, it is neutralized, turning first into nitrite and then into nitrate. In this form, it becomes an absorbable nutrient for aquarium plants. In natural ecosystems we encounter the same action of microorganisms.
As long as the biological filter works stably and properly, organic substances and harmful ammonia decompose quickly and the environment of the Natural Aquarium remains in good condition for a long time.
If the biological filter works stably, mechanical and chemical methods are considered as additional filtration. After introducing a new filter installation, it takes approximately 2-3 weeks before the biological filter becomes fully effective. During this time, the burden of purification rests mainly on chemical filtration (activated carbon) and frequent water changes are recommended.
Selecting an external filter
When choosing an external filter, there are two main factors to consider. First, the capacity of the filter media canister. If the flow is constant, the filtration capacity increases as the volume of the filter media increases. However, in reality, just increasing the size of the tank causes higher voltage in the pump and reduces the flow. If we increase the size of the canister, it will take up more space. So, to choose the appropriate size of the canister, you should take into account the size of the aquarium and the number of fish kept in it.
The Super Jet Filter is available in three versions:
standard,
EX, which is 1.5 times larger than the standard,
EX 2 – twice as large as the basic version.
The standard version of the filter provides sufficient filtration for most aquariums, as its capabilities are greater than those of systems offered by competitors. Another important factor is the efficiency and quality of the pump. It is important to remember that higher flow is not always beneficial. A pump with an appropriate flow adapted to the size of the aquarium and an appropriate level of water lifting will ensure stable filtration performance for a long time, without compromising the flow during operation of the device.
Characteristics of filter media
Currently, we have access to a wide range of filter media, but the media are basically divided into biological filtration media and activated carbon filtration in chemical filters. In Natural Aquariums, Bio Rio and Bio Cubes are used as biological filters. Both fillings are equipped with a large porous surface with a mesh structure. The larger the surface area, the better the filtering quality, because the surface area for bacteria to colonize increases. The filter medium must be highly permeable to water because the filter performs its function when the porous structure is exposed to water. As we mentioned earlier, biological filters will soon be the main filtration method. However, in the first period after installing the aquarium, it is advisable to also use a chemical filter, because only after some time the biological filter begins to function stably. NA Carbon and Bamboo Charcoal are used for this purpose. Activated carbon has specific absorption capabilities, so the cartridge must be replaced regularly for effective filtration. Both NA Carbon and Bamboo Charcoal are highly permeable, which prevents the filter from clogging, so they can be left in the filter and used as with the biological method.
Water flow in the Natural Aquarium
Too strong water flow is definitely not recommended in an aquarium, as it may uproot aquarium plants or cause them to tilt and become unstable. Proper flow provides plants with conditions favorable to development. Thanks to the water current, impurities do not accumulate on the leaves, and the plants are healthy and beautiful because they absorb CO2 from the leaves, ensuring growth in the process of photosynthesis. Even if we add carbon dioxide to the water, it is worth knowing that it does not disperse easily and may float near the leaves if there is standing water in the aquarium. However, the current supplies water enriched with carbon dioxide to the leaves and facilitates the photosynthesis process. The same thing happens with liquid fertilizers. Since the Super Jet Filter is equipped with an excellent pump that generates high pressure, the water flow does not decrease even when the filter media gets clogged. Of course, the filters should be cleaned regularly, which is not a complicated task. Pour water into a bowl or other container and simply immerse it, e.g. Bio Rio. Larger dirt can also be removed without scrubbing by removing the insert from the water. It is easy to see that the water flow will be restored to the desired level after cleaning the filters.
A set of Lily Pipes that is installed at the inlet and outlet of the external filter, ensures adequate water flow in the aquarium.
© foto: Takashi Amano, AQUA DESIGN AMANO CO., LTD.
2024 – Aquarius & Aquadam, Adam Paszczela
Wszelkie treści na tej stronie chronione są prawem autorskim.
Kopiowanie i rozpowszechnianie jest zabronione.
All Rights Reserved
