Page 10 - TBAS-October-2020

-10- TBAS October 2020 ....................
undergravel) filter is just as popular today as it was 30 years ago when I was a
child. I’m still using subgravel filters in my tanks.
Subgravel filters offer a number of benefits: aeration, circulation, water
clarity (as turbidity is pulled through the gravel), and (if used in conjunction with
carbon cartridges on the air lift tubes) improved water quality.
Remember that the actual biological filtration takes place in the gravel layers
above the filter plate. This means you have a large surface area for bacterial
growth, stretching from one end of the tank to the other-wherever there is gravel.
The biggest drawback plaguing subgravel filters is a widespread lack to
learn and of understanding about how this filtration method works, and the ensuing
confusion over what gravel size should be used.
Most stores I have visited use a gravel size that is way too large for use
with subgravel filters. I recommend size No. 30 gravel.
When setting up your in-store display tanks, place a piece of fiberglass
screen over the filter plate, and pile about three to four inches of gravel
on top of this.
With this type of setup you get the best of all three worlds: The subgravel
filter acts as both a mechanical and biological filter, and with the addition of a
carbon cartridge in the lift tube it becomes a chemical filter as well.

Power Filters

A wide array of power filters are on the market, and all are capable of
filtering many gallons of water per hour.
The benefits of power filters include: water aeration, circulation, and improved
water quality (when used in conjunction with a chemical media such as carbon
resin).
Usually the aquarium water is first filtered through a foam block, floss or
other filter media to remove particles in suspension. This provides the major
caseload of biological filtration, as well as mechanical filtration.
Next in line is an activated carbon cartridge compartment or resin compartment,
where water is treated and dissolved organic compounds are removed. This is
the chemical filtration on stage.
As water is then returned to the aquarium it breaks the surface, thereby
permitting oxygen to enter and other gasses to escape.
Visit any well-stocked distributor’s warehouse, and you will discover a
veritable smorgasbord of power filters waiting to take temporary residence on
your store shelves.
The selections include hanging filters and canister filters. I personally like
the canister filters whenever I use water treatment applications involving resins or

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