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Saltwater Fish Tank Filter Media Is Essential
If you haven’t replaced your filter media in a while, now is the time. Filter media provides a number of critical functions that are integral to the health of both your aquarium and the fish that inhabit it. There are different types of media, each of which addresses a specific buildup that threatens your tank. These are just a few examples:
- Activated carbon: One of the most common — and essential — saltwater fish tank media. It collects organic waste and chemicals from the water. This is a form of chemical filtration.
- GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide): This removes phosphate particles from the water column. Be careful with GFO, because you can actually harm certain marine life by allowing your phosphate levels to get too low. This is another form of chemical filtration.
- Biological filter media: Like ceramic rings and live rock, this provides a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow and break down waste. This is biological filtration.
- Filter pads: These simple pads trap debris as water passes through them. This is mechanical filtration
Different saltwater fish tank filters will require different types of media. The important thing is to maintain your filter with regular cleaning and filter media replacement.
Shop Filtration Essentials
Before you stock up on saltwater filter media, you’ll need a good aquarium filter for your tank. Fish and Coral Store carries high-performance JBJ filters, Klir filters, and more. Browse filter bags, replacement socks, complete filter replacements, activated carbon, and other essentials from your premier aquarium parts provider. We also carry JBJ protein skimmers, which eliminate organic waste before it can break down and penetrate the water column.
Buy From the Best
Fish and Coral Store is one of the nation’s most trusted providers of aquarium essentials. We proudly work with top brands like JBJ and Red Sea Aquariums. In fact, we’re a Red Sea Aquariums platinum dealer. Most importantly, we’re a family-owned and operated business, and we’re truly passionate about aquariums. Order now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In fact, it’s recommended to mix different types of saltwater filter media as this allows for the most comprehensive filtration. Just make sure that your media is safe for both the filter and the inhabitants.
There are different ways to tell when your filter media is no longer effective. For instance, if you notice signs of tannins in the water or an unpleasant odor, it’s probably time to replace. As a general rule, though, you should replace the media in your saltwater fish tank filter every 30 to 60 days.
Regardless of your filter type, the order is always the same: start with mechanical filtration, then biological filtration, and then chemical filtration.
