Aquarium Filter Media

Filter media for different aquarium needs

The right media can help you maintain clear, healthy water, and support the performance of your filter. Different aquariums have different requirements, so the best combination will depend on your tank, inhabitants, and water conditions.

What is filter media?

Filter media is found inside filter pumps. The media inside a filter is the most important part, as that is what cleans and purifies the water. There are three types of media; mechanical, biological and chemical. All three types are recommended to maintain the smooth running of your fish tank and all three can be incorporated into the same filter. Mechanical filters physically remove solid waste from the water. Biological filters use bacteria to remove certain chemicals in the water and turn them into other chemicals. Chemical filters react with waste chemicals to either change them into a different chemical or trap them.

Why should I buy filter media?

Armed with the right media you can rid your tank of many common issues caused by impurities and waste. By doing this you will reduce the amount of time needed to maintain your tank, as it will take much longer for dirt to build up. Media is relatively inexpensive and can be one of the most rewarding products to optimise in your aquarium as it will have immediate effect.

What are the main types of filter media?

Swell UK stocks a wide range of media including; ammonia removal, biological media, aquarium filter foam, carbon, filter floss, mechanical, media bags, media sets, nitrate removal, phosphate removal. Ammonia removal media chemically and biologically removes ammonia, which is produced by fish waste. Biological media is designed to harbour beneficial bacteria that purify water. Filter foam is a spongey mechanical filter that removes solids from aquarium water. Carbon media is a chemical filter that latches on to unwanted impurities and keeps them trapped until removed. Filter floss is a polisher, used to remove large solids from the water. Mechanical media removes solids from water in various ways. Media bags hold loose filter media together, a bit like a teabag. Media sets contain all the media needed for a specific pump. Nitrate removal filter media and phosphate removal filter media use both chemical and biological means to remove impurities from your aquarium water.

What should I look for?

When buying filter media it can become a case of trial and error. Every aquarium is different and will need a different combination of filter media to produce the best habitat possible for its inhabitants. Generally, we advise using a water test kit on your aquarium and investing in filter media that counteracts any toxins or waste found to be present in a large volume.