Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration is used to remove the particulate matter suspended in the water column before it decomposes and adds to the ammonia load. It is important for mechanical filtratioin to be the first part of any filtration system, because it removes large organic matter thta can clog the chemical and biological phases of your filter system.

Sponge filters, corner filters, and canister filters with a filter cartridge are good examples of mechanical filters and do a good job removing this particulate matter. It is important, however,to clean these filters often, If you do not clean them you haven't removed anything, you've only moved it. So, if you use a mechanical filter, clean it often.

Chemical Filtration

Chemical Filtration is the use of chemically enhanced products, such as carbon or zeolite, to remove copper, dissolved organics, nitrate/nitrite/ammonia, phosphates, etc.

Activated Carbon is used to remove:chlrorine, chloramine, organic compounds, some medications, copper, and dyes

Zeolite is used to remove ammonia, nitrate, and phosphates.

Biological Filtration

Biological filtration is the most important part of any filtration system. Biological filtration utilizes bacteria to break down waste material (ammonia and nitrites) in the water.

Biological filtration allows the beneficial bacteria necessary to support the nitrogen cycle a place to grow. Biological filtration is simply bacteria converting ammonia to nitrite, then nitrite to to nitrate. Adding Fritz-Zyme #7 Freshwater, Fritz-Zyme #9 Saltwater, or TurboStart #700 Freshwater or TurboStart #900 Saltwater formulas to your aquairum will boost your biological filtration by adding live bacteria to your system.

Examples of filters that take advantage of biological filtration include undergravel filters, bio balls in wet dry systems, and live rock