Saltwater Aquarium Filtration
- Wet/ Dry (Trickle Filter)
A Wet/Dry Trickle Filter requires oxygen to function to accommodate the good bacteria. However, mechanical filtration is not needed. It utilizes organic filter media such as bioballs or floss located within the filter itself. Water trickles over the media and creates a large air-to-water surface attracting debris to the structure of the media.
Wet/Dry Trickle filters may include a sump pump for custom filtration. The additional space provided by the sump allows plenty of room to install a variety of advanced filtration systems including protein skimmers. This dramatically improves water conditions.
Pros and cons of using these filters:
Wet/dry trickle filters have been a popular choice in biological filtration for a very long time in the saltwater hobby. However, as the technology in aquarium keeping has advanced and the desire to attain a "natural" reef system becomes ever popular, controversy surrounds this choice.
Often referred to as nitrate factories, many aquarists believe that wet/dry filters are suitable for fish-only tanks, but not reef systems. Over time the bio-material inside the wet/dry chamber becomes dirty, which eventually leads to a build up of unwanted nitrates in the aquarium, and as you should know, nitrates are not reef friendly! Therefore, to better understand this type of biological filter choice, let's take a closer look at how it works and its three basic components; the drip/trickle plate, the pre-filter set up, and the biomaterial used inside.
- Fluidized Bed Filters
Sand is the main component of this somewhat new type of filter. Elevated water circulation allows sand to remain free of waste. It also doesn't inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria, however it may become obstructed as well as reduce oxygen level in the tank. The mechanics of this type of filter are simple. It is comprised of a tube filled with sand, which is submerged. Water is pumped through the tube allowing the bacteria to settle. Although it offers a large area for bacteria, it offers poor performance in that it doesn't create an adequate supply of oxygen. Fluidized bed filters are one of the best choices for planted aquariums. The filter will not drive off the valuable CO2, yet it is efficient and very low maintenance. Although the bacterial bed takes longer to establish, once it is set up it does not have to be disturbed when performing maintenance, as other filtration systems must. Relatively new, these filters are very efficient biological filters utilizing sand as the filer medium. The small particles provide a high surface area for the bacterial colonies. Although it takes a bit longer to mature initially, the fluidized bed is an excellent biological filter that can be used in any sized aquarium.
Your filtration system's function is meant to reduce the amount & effects of wastes and to stabilize the water chemistry. Choosing the right filter will ultimately come down to the size of the tank, the type of tank and the livestock that will inhabit it. Check with your local pet store to find out what will work best for the tank that you have in mind.
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