Anatomy of a fish pond filtration "organ": these 5 filter media determine the life and death of your water quality!

       Fish pond filtration system filter media selection and placement directly affect the water purification effect, the following is a comprehensive analysis of the professional point of view and recommendations:

I. Filter material classification and core role

1. ‌Physical filtration media‌

   • ‌Brush/Rattan Cotton: Intercepts large particles of impurities, suitable for large water filtration in fish ponds.
   • ‌Filter Cotton (White Cotton, Magic Carpet): Adsorbs fish poop, food debris and other tiny suspended matter, and needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogging.
   • ‌protein cotton: Removes organic pigments and some chemical residues from the water.

2. ‌Biochemical Filtration Filter Media‌

   • ‌Bacteria House/Ceramic Ring: The porous structure provides a huge surface area and is the main carrier for nitrifying bacteria, breaking down ammonia and nitrite.
   • ‌Nanospheres/Biochemical spheres: Enhances the contact area of water flow, promotes oxygen exchange, and improves the efficiency of bacteria cultivation.
   • ‌Volcanic stone / Maifan stone: Releases minerals, regulates water hardness and adsorbs harmful substances.

3. ‌Auxiliary Function Filter Media‌

   • ‌germicidal lamp: Kills algae and pathogenic microorganisms and inhibits algae outbreaks.
   • ‌raw materials: Adsorbs residual chlorine and organic matter for a short period of time and needs to be replaced periodically.

II. Principles for screening effective filter media

• ‌Prefer high permeability filter mediaThe water is also used in the water supply: e.g. ceramic rings, nano-balls, to ensure an even flow of water and sufficient dissolved oxygen.
• ‌Avoid chalky productsFor example, poor quality "corn cob" filter media can clog the system and affect water quality.
• ‌Functional filter media on demand: such as strengthening the germicidal lamp when algae problems are prominent, with volcanic rocks when the water quality is acidic.

Third, the golden rule of filter placement

1. ‌Physical front, biochemical back‌
   The direction of water flow should be as follows: filter cotton → brush → biochemical filter material (bacterial house, ceramic ring, etc.) → sterilization lamp, to avoid direct contamination of impurities biochemical filter material.
2. ‌Mounting height and spacing‌
   • The top of the filter media is 10cm below the water surface, and the bottom is 25-30cm from the bottom of the pool to ensure full submersion and easy drainage.
   • Biochemical filter media needs to be spread out or padded to avoid bagging and stacking to ensure that water flows through all pores.
3. ‌Wet and dry separation design‌
   In a drip box or crate, a wet/dry separation zone is provided below the physical filtration layer to prevent water flow from washing away nitrifying bacteria.
4. Biochemical filter media percentage ≥ 70%: Ensure sufficient space for bacteria cultivation, e.g. 1000L of water body needs at least 50L of bacterial house.
5. ‌Physical filter media layered: First brush → white cotton → biochemical filter media, the direction of the water flow needs to be cleaned in reverse order.

IV. Maintenance recommendations

• ‌Physical filter material: Clean 1-2 times a week to prevent clogging.
• ‌Biochemical Filter Media: Lightly wash surface dirt quarterly to avoid destroying the flora.
• ‌Functional Filter Media: Such as activated carbon, sterilization lamps need to be replaced or power adjusted regularly according to the instructions.

Through scientific matching and standardized placement, the effectiveness of the filter media can be maximized to achieve long-term stability of the water quality of the fish pond.

V. Prioritization of the role of core filter media

1. ‌Biochemical filter media (non-substitutable)‌

   • ‌Bacteria House/Ceramic Ring: The porous structure provides a huge surface area for the cultivation of bacteria and is the main habitat for nitrifying bacteria.
   • ‌Nano Balls/Hollow BallsThe honeycomb design enhances water flow uniformity and dissolved oxygen, which is suitable for high-density bacterial cultivation.
   • ‌volcanic rock: Aids in regulating water hardness and mineral release.

2. ‌Physical Filter Media (Basic Guarantee)‌

   • ‌Brush/Rattan Cotton: Intercepts large particles of impurities and protects biochemical filter media from clogging.
   • ‌Filter Cotton (Magic Carpet/Cashmere Cotton): It needs to be paired with wet/dry separation design to avoid destroying the flora with frequent cleaning.

3. ‌Auxiliary filter media (on demand)‌

   • ‌Activated carbon/protein cotton: Adsorbs pigments or odors only for a short period of time and needs to be replaced periodically.

       The ultimate romance of fish farming is to see how a pool of clear water reflects the rhythm of life. Behind this clarity is the day-to-day precision of the filter media: biochemical filters precipitate toxins like a hermit, physical filters kill dirt like a guardian, and auxiliary filters balance the delicate water quality like a mediator. Remember, the best filtration systems are not made of expensive materials, but rather by understanding the "temperament" of each filter media and letting them do their job. May your fish pond have both the rigor of science and the poetry of nature.