Q&A
- General Questions
- vol.001 [Aqua Soil Series]
- vol.002 [Lighting System]
- vol.003 [CO2 System]
- vol.004 [Filter System]
- vol.001 [Aqua Soil Series]
- vol.002 [Lighting System]
- vol.003 [CO2 System]
- vol.004 [Filter System]
Mail for Q&A
Please send us your questions concerning this month's topic.
We cannot promise to answer every inquiry nor reply to you personally, unfortunately.
But those questions which should be shared with other hobbyists will be answered in this "Q & A" section
naweb@adana.co.jp
vol.004 [Filter System]
Q) What is the difference between Bio Cube and Bio Rio?
A) Both Bio Cube and Bio Rio are biological filter media and function only when bacteria and other protozoa colonize their surfaces. The Bio Cube, which is made of polyurethane foam, has a large surface area and a feature that allows bacteria to colonize easily. Therefore, biological filtration starts functioning in a relatively short period of time and results in fewer start-up problems. However, Bio Cube tends to clog from accumulated dirt and therefore requires frequent maintenance to maintain its high filtering capacity. On the other hand, due to fast water flow around Bio Rio, which is made of porous natural volcanic rock, more time is required for bacteria to colonize it, and the biological filtration is slow to start functioning. However, once the biological filter start functioning, it can maintain its filtering capacity stably for a long period of time since the media is hard to clog.
Bio Cube and Bio Rio can be used creatively taking the advantage of their characteristics. Bio Cube can be used to start up a filter for the first time and can be replaced gradually by Bio Rio once filtration becomes stable. For example, a Super Jet Filter ES-600 comes with Bio Cube 20 and anthracite. When its biological filter starts functioning well after a month of operation with Bio Cube, the anthracite can be replaced with Bio Rio and NA Carbon. In another month, the remaining Bio Cube can be replaced with Bio Rio so that the filter media can be maintained for a long period of time.
Q) What is the difference between Bio Cube and Bio Rio?
A) Both Bio Cube and Bio Rio are biological filter media and function only when bacteria and other protozoa colonize their surfaces. The Bio Cube, which is made of polyurethane foam, has a large surface area and a feature that allows bacteria to colonize easily. Therefore, biological filtration starts functioning in a relatively short period of time and results in fewer start-up problems. However, Bio Cube tends to clog from accumulated dirt and therefore requires frequent maintenance to maintain its high filtering capacity. On the other hand, due to fast water flow around Bio Rio, which is made of porous natural volcanic rock, more time is required for bacteria to colonize it, and the biological filtration is slow to start functioning. However, once the biological filter start functioning, it can maintain its filtering capacity stably for a long period of time since the media is hard to clog.
Bio Cube and Bio Rio can be used creatively taking the advantage of their characteristics. Bio Cube can be used to start up a filter for the first time and can be replaced gradually by Bio Rio once filtration becomes stable. For example, a Super Jet Filter ES-600 comes with Bio Cube 20 and anthracite. When its biological filter starts functioning well after a month of operation with Bio Cube, the anthracite can be replaced with Bio Rio and NA Carbon. In another month, the remaining Bio Cube can be replaced with Bio Rio so that the filter media can be maintained for a long period of time.
Q) Does activated carbon need to be washed to remove dirt from it?
A) Activated carbon, such as NA Carbon, should be soaked in water before adding it to a filter. However, the purpose of soaking is not to remove dirt. Activated carbon removes impurities by adsorbing them within the numerous pores on the surface of its particles. When it is dry, the pores hold a lot of air and the air reduces the area that the water contacts. Although air will dissipate in time, the air should be removed by soaking the activated carbon in water ahead of time to allow it to become effective sooner. NA Carbon should be soaked in a bucket of water in its net. When placed in water, it releases air bubbles rapidly and absorbs water. When the air bubbles subside, remove the activated carbon from the bucket of water and place it in the filter. Although carbon dust turns water black, there is no need to wash the activated carbon until water is clear.