While enjoying the fun of fish tank and facing the challenges of water quality management, it is not difficult to find that a clear, transparent and ecologically balanced aquarium environment is the basis for the healthy growth of fish. And the secret of all this lies in the correct management of the fish tank filtration system. Especially the placement, use, cleaning and replacement of filter materials. These seemingly small details actually play a vital role in maintaining water quality. By scientifically and rationally planning and implementing these management steps, we can easily create a refreshingly clear fish tank.
The root cause of fish tank filtration problems is often single and critical: the layout and use of filter media are not properly arranged.
1.Insufficient amount of fish tank filter material used
When the amount of filter material is insufficient, the water flow cannot fully contact the filter material, resulting in a greatly reduced effect of physical filtration and biochemical filtration. Physical filtration is mainly used to remove impurities such as suspended solids and particulate matter in water, while biochemical filtration relies on microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria on the filter material to decompose harmful substances. Insufficient filter material means that these processes cannot be carried out efficiently, and harmful substances (such as ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, etc.) in the fish tank cannot be decomposed or removed in time, resulting in the gradual deterioration of water quality. These harmful substances can have a serious impact on the health of fish.
2. Filter media placed in wrong order
The correct placement of fish tank filtration should be that the water flow first passes through physical filtration (such as filter sponge), and then through biological and chemical filtration (such as ceramic rings, biochemical balls, etc.). If the order is reversed, these impurities directly enter the biological and chemical filtration areas and block the pores of the filter material. This will directly affect the growth and reproduction of nitrifying bacteria, thereby affecting their ability to decompose harmful substances such as ammonia nitrogen and nitrite.
3. The filter material has not been cleaned for a long time.
A thick layer of dirt and impurities will accumulate on the surface of the filter material that has not been cleaned for a long time. These dirt will block the pores of the filter material, which reduces the attachment area of nitrifying bacteria and the oxygen content in the water, limiting the growth and reproduction of nitrifying bacteria.
4. The filter material has not been replaced for a long time.
Cleaning the filter material can remove dirt and impurities on the surface and restore a certain filtering effect. However, as time goes by and the filtration load increases, the internal structure and performance of the filter material will gradually change, and these changes cannot be fully restored by cleaning. Therefore, although cleaning can extend the service life of the filter material, in some cases, replacement of the filter material with a new one is necessary.
In summary, the health and vitality of an aquarium ecosystem depends on the careful management of its filtration system. By ensuring sufficient filter material, adhering to the correct sequence of filter layers, regularly cleaning the filter media to prevent clogging, and promptly replacing worn filter materials, we can create and maintain an environment that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. It is also beneficial to the growth and health of our aquatic pets.
