Yes, you can add other media to your internal filter, but it's important to understand the purpose of the existing media and how filtration works before making any changes. All our internal and external filters come equipped with various types of filtration designed to maintain optimal water quality.
There are three main types of filtration, each responsible for processing different kinds of waste:
1. Mechanical Filtration:
- Purpose: Removes solid waste such as uneaten food, fish waste, or debris.
- How it works: Water circulates through foam-like material that traps particles.
- Benefit: Keeps the tank clean and aerated.
2. Chemical Filtration:
- Purpose: Removes dissolved waste like decaying organic matter and chemicals in tap water (e.g., chlorine).
- How it works: Water flows through carbon or resin, which traps dissolved impurities.
- Benefit: Prevents discolouration and odour, maintaining a healthy environment for your fish.
3. Biological Filtration:
- Purpose: Removes biological waste, particularly ammonia produced by fish waste.
- How it works: Cultivates nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia into harmless nitrate.
- Benefit: Essential for maintaining safe levels of ammonia. This is the most important type of filtration, as high ammonia levels can be toxic to fish.
Adding Additional Media:
- You can add additional media to further enhance filtration, but be sure to select media that aligns with the type of filtration you wish to improve. For example:
- Mechanical media like foam sponges or filter pads can help trap larger particles.
- Chemical media like activated carbon can further refine water clarity and remove additional toxins.
- Biological media like ceramic rings or bio-balls can increase the surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
It’s important to ensure any added media does not interfere with the filter’s existing system. By adding complementary media, you can improve overall water quality while maintaining balance between the three types of filtration.