The Puffer Forum

I was wondering if bio media is worth it. I have a Aqua Clear filter (HOB) and it comes with bio media to place on top but i took it out and replaced it with filter floss so its filters the water better. is this okay? Is bio media a necessity?

thanks

Biological media is extremely important. I'd put it back in

Flutter wrote:Biological media is extremely important. I'd put it back in

Well i just set up the tank so i am guessing bacteria has not grown in it yet.. What is the point of using it? What happens if it is not used?

Are you talking about the filter media? That's needed inside the filter, its where the majority of your good bacteria will reside. Leave it in while you cycle your tank, are you doing a fishless cycle or adding in a bacteria in a bottle?

The bio media that comes with your filter are basically little houses built especially for your beneficial bacteria. It allows them much more room to live and help filter out nasties than on just the other surfaces in your aquarium.

With an AquaClear, stacking the foam block, an inch of filter floss, and then your bio media is perfect. Plenty of room for everything!

The bio media is very, very important. Just put it on top of your filter floss!

Sponge on the bottom (mechanical filtration, 1" filter floss (polishes the water crystal clear), BioMax on top (biological filtration)

Their are multiple forms of filtration - mechanical, biological. and chemical being the basic types. Biological filtration frequently use specialized media to house the beneficial nitrification bacteria all tanks require. Some tanks are label "filterless" or "natural" but they still do have biofiltration bacteria, just disseminated on various tank surfaces.

Specialized media, such a Pufferpunk suggests (above) is the commonest format and is effective.

HTH

Wow okay thanks guys!!! I took the Bio Media out to put the filter floss in but when my tank clears i will be sure to add it back it!!!!!

I would put the bio media in a netting bag or watever u call it and toss it into the tank as well. Or just hang it below the filter, in the tank. And start with my cycling.

fish 4 life wrote:Wow okay thanks guys!!! I took the Bio Media out to put the filter floss in but when my tank clears i will be sure to add it back it!!!!!

Put it back in now. In your AquaClear, there is plenty of room for your sponge, 1" of floss, and the bio media on top. You need that bio media.

Okay i took out some filter floss and put the bio media on top... Is it okay if it is not fully underwater?? So its better to have bio media that filter floss? does the bio media clear up the water?? also i have two air pumps on both sides of the tank with two air stones at the bottom.. How do bubbles help the water? I knew it oxygenates it but what else?

thanks!!!

Airstones create surface agitation which reduces film build up and oxygenating the water. The air bubbles do next to nothing, it's all about the surface agitation

The bio media needs to be below water. Airstones can also help the water flow around your tank

Oh and most fish like to play in bubbles

Arny wrote:The bio media needs to be below water. Airstones can also help the water flow around your tank

Well most are below the water put the top is sticking out.. This okay?