giordanopg

What kind of filter is this?
What kind of maintenance does it need?

Isabella

Never seen anything like it. Where did you get that filter from?

jsalemi

Those look like bio-balls used by some cannister (and maybe power?) filters as a bed for bacteria.

giordanopg

Yes, it has some bioballs, a motor, something like a sea coral o sea sponge, and a syntethic sponge.
The tank was a gift from a relative.
I was wondering, since I've been having trouble lowering the nitrates if this filter could be the cause.

jsalemi

Filters don't usually affect the level of nitrates, other than making sure they exist in the first place by providing a home for some of the bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrites, and nitrites to nitrates. That's what those bio-balls are for -- to give a home to the bacteria.

The only reliable way I know to lower nitrates is partial water changes until they get down to the level you're comfortable with (usually below 40ppm is the recommendation I see). Live plants help, as they use the nitrates as food and burn some of them up. There are also chemicals that help reduce nitrates (Kordon's AmQual+ is one I'm familiar with). But the best way to cut them down fast is to change at least 25% of the water in the tank once a week (or more if they're particularly high).

giordanopg

Perfect,
I'm still doing water changes and will probably get some live plants.

Thanks!!

Isabella

Yup The main function of the filter is to provide the nitrifying bacteria in the tank - this is called biological filtration (along with mechanical and chemical filtration ... well, chemical if you use chemical media). Various filter media provide lots of space where these beneficial bacteria grow and live, and convert your ammonia into nitrite, and then nitrite into nitrate. The bacteria "remove" ammonia and nitrite, and nitrate needs to be removed by regular weekly (or so) water changes. On the label of my Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitrate test, it says that nitrate should not go above 40 PPM, so this could be considered a "safety zone". But, in my opinion, a nitrate level of 40 ppm is way too high. I'd personally not go over 20 ppm - that would be the "safety zone" for me.

atmmachine816

It looks like it Could be a wet/dry filter, any chance of a better picture?

giordanopg

It's gonna be hard because of the way the tank and the furniture is arranged. I read about those wet/dry filters and yes, it looks like one of those.

Isabella

Giordano, look what I found in Dr. Foster & Smith catalogue (they send it to me every once in a while). I hope this helps.