Aquarium Filter Media Australia
Find Filter Media for Your Fish Tank or Pond
There is a large range of pond and aquarium filter media on the market, and choosing the right ones for your filter can be challenging. In general, most internal filters use foam and sponges to filter the water. On the other hand, hang-on and external canister filters usually use a mix of mechanical, chemical and biological filter media. Depending on your filter type, it is best to fit as much fish tank filter media into your filter as possible to maximise your filter’s capacity and effectiveness.
What Are the Different Types of Filter Media?
There are three different types of fish tank filter media used to filter the water in your pond or tank.
1. Mechanical Filter Media
This is usually the first stage of most filters. Mechanical filter media include ceramic noodles and rings, foam and filter sponges. This type of filter media generally traps larger particles and debris. Other types of mechanical filter media, such as filter wool and fine filter pads, are used to trap smaller debris and finer particles to help polish the water.
2. Biological Filter Media
Aquarium bio filter media help break down ammonia, nitrates, and other harmful substances in the water. This type of aquarium filter media is usually porous and has a high surface area, allowing lots of nitrifying bacteria to colonise and settle within the filter media. Some of the best aquarium bio filter media include Seachem Matrix and Eheim Substrat Pro. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something that’s great value, you can’t go past the Aqua One ceramic substrate line that includes CeramiSub and PremiumSub.
3. Chemical Filter Media
Chemical filtration media absorb impurities such as colours, odours, medicines and other contaminants in the water. These include activated carbon, such as those found within the Aqua One filter media range like ChemiCarb and PremiumCarb. There are also chemical filter media that are designed to absorb toxins such as ammonia, nitrates and phosphates. Seachem Purigen is a very popular and effective absorbing resin that removes tannins — the yellow colour leached by driftwood — and helps your water stay crystal clear.
How Often Should I Replace Filter Media?
The rate at which you replace your filter media will vary according to the type you choose. Regardless of your particular filter media you will have to rinse and clean them on a regular basis with the use of filter media bags. It should also be noted that, for some types of chemical filtration media, you will need to check the back of the package for replacement instructions. This is because they may be influenced by how much of that particular contaminant has been absorbed by the filter media. Other types of chemical filtration media have clearer rules around their replacement.
In general:
- Ceramic noodles and rings should be changed every 1–2 years.
- Filter sponges should be cleaned regularly and replaced every 6–12 months, or when they lose their springiness or bounce.
- Other mechanical filter media, such as aquarium filter pads and wool, can be rinsed (using aquarium water) during water changes, but should still be replaced every month or two.
- Aquarium bio filter media rocks should be rinsed each time you wash your filter and replaced every 1–2 years.
- Carbon should be replaced every 1–2 months.
Shop the Best Filter Media Suppliers in Australia
Are you in need of media for your filter and aquarium? Here at Aquarium Kingdom, we have a wide range of mechanical, biological and chemical filtration media to suit your filter. Remember, it is important to regularly wash and replace your filter media, so it’s best to always have some handy. So, browse our online store for the best aquarium filter media around!