RandomKayos

When it comes to filtration, I know what works but not so clear on how it works. Need clarifications or verifications.

Mechanical Filtration is essentually screening out solids and when the media is changed, whatever is trapped is removed from the system. But while the media is still there, all that it collects is still in the system.

Biological Filtration is the ability of bacterial organisims to pull amonia and Nitrites from water passing by and converting it into nitrites and nitrates respectivly which it then releases into the water.

Plants or more often water changes remove the nitrites from the system. (in the case of plants, dead and decaying plants return amonia to the system but cuttings and removal of detris would remove nitrogen from the system.)

Corrections or clarifications to this is requested.

RK

john&jen

Sounds like you've got it. Mechanical takes out the free floating chunks. You may rinse the media in tank water, after a water change to improve the efficiency of the media. The goal is Amonia 0 and Nitrites 0

Lucy

ammonia---->NitrItes---->NitrAtes.

My understanding is the plants help with the nitrAtes.
Naturally water changes help remove the nitrItes and NirAtes.

john&jen

I concur with Lucy. I misread your initial post. OOps. When Nitrates get up, change the water. The bacteria does the conversion of ammonia to nitrites and nitrites to nitrates. nitrates, within reason are safe. ammonia and nitrites are harmful.

RandomKayos

Thanks, always get those two backwards in my head.

Were I'm going with this is trying to determine if I were to create a chamber of floss and pull oxiginated water thru that chamber is should function the same as a standard filter. Thus adding an additional means for the conversion processes. End result would be greater/ more rapid production of Nitrates for plant removal. I Hope. Does this sound right?

RK

Red1313

It should work the same. Basically what would happen is that your giving the bacteria a deliberate place to "set up shop" and then making sure that the water goes through them. It sounds like the same basic principal as any other filter.