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Filter Media for Under Gravel Filtration Systems
March 31st, 2010 by admin
A time-tested kind of filter that is a favorite of aquarium hobbyists is the under gravel filter. An under gravel filter still comes with the three kinds of filter media that are necessary for a thorough maintenance of tank water, but it has become less popular today, mostly due to commercialism.
The main filter media is the gravel head where the water passes through to the bottom of the tank. Filtered water is returned to the tank through risers on the sides of the tanks using an air stone or a powerhead. Biological filter media are the bacteria that live on the gravel and work by removing harmful ammonia and nitrites. An active carbon filter attachment also comes with most under gravel filters to remove any harmful chemicals and traces of metals from the water. This filter has a lot of advantages, among them its ability to aerate the water through the filtering action of drawing water in and pushing it back out and is very good for planted tanks. Plants can root through the gravel and into the slots to gain a good foothold.