If you are an aquarist that has a saltwater or freshwater aquarium, then you know how important it is to have the best biological filter media possible. Without it, your tank will not stay clean and healthy for long.
There are many different types of biological filter media on the market today, but which ones are best? We will take a look at some of the best bio media on the market so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs!
- Best for Freshwater: Fluval Biomax Filter Media
- Best for Saltwater: AquaClear Biomax Filter Insert
- Best Budget: Marineland Bio-Filter Balls Media
- Best for Planted Tank: Biohome BioGravel Aquarium Filter Media
- Best for Ponds: Underwater Treasure Seapora Bio Balls
- Best Mix: OUFISH Aquarium Bio Balls Best
- Best Substrate: Eheim Substrate Pro Biological Filter Media Best
Best Biological Filter Media Reviewed
When it comes to biological filter media, both freshwater and saltwater aquariums have different needs. In general, the best bio media for a saltwater aquarium is something that can provide an anaerobic environment so that nitrates can be removed from the water column.
The best biological filter media for a freshwater aquarium is something that will provide an aerobic environment so the beneficial bacteria can thrive and remove harmful toxins from your tank.
We have done the hard work for you by reviewing the best biological filter media on the market. Here are the top three bio media choices for freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Fluval Biomax Filter Media is designed to help you keep your aquarium water crystal clear, while reducing the need for frequent filter maintenance. The porous design helps ensure optimal contact time as water passes through the media, which promotes beneficial bacteria growth and keeps nitrates under control. Additionally, this biological filter media provides superior filtration without affecting water characteristics or pH levels in your aquarium.
This revolutionary product combines multiple benefits into one easy-to-use pack that will save you time and money on routine tank maintenance. It’s ideal for freshwater tanks up to 75 gallons with live plants and fish of all types – including tropicals! Simply place it inside any aquarium filter until desired capacity is reached. Replace approximately every 2 months for best results.
AquaClear Biomax Filter Insert is specially designed for use in AquaClear Filters but can fit other filters as well. It helps to reduce ammonia and nitrite levels, making it an ideal choice for saltwater aquariums. The porous design provides a large surface area that encourages beneficial bacteria growth, while the high-quality construction ensures long-term durability.
This unique bio media utilizes specially designed pores that allow beneficial bacteria to colonize on its surface, converting harmful toxins into less dangerous substances like nitrate. This insert is easy to clean and helps keep your aquarium water clear and healthy. It also comes in a mesh bag that allows you to place it directly into your existing filter without any extra hassle.
Marineland Bio-Filter Balls Media is an affordable and convenient choice for biological filtration. These ceramic spheres offer a large surface area that promotes beneficial bacteria growth, while the porous design allows water to flow through easily. They are compatible with most filters and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Chemical free and eco friendly Bio-Filter Balls are a great way to provide your aquarium with an excellent filtration system that’s easy to maintain. These balls come in 90 pieces so you can easily replace them when needed.
These bio media are easy to use and remove. They come in a convenient jar that is small enough for any size tank, but large enough to provide maximum bio filtration capacity. Best of all, the price tag makes it an affordable choice compared with other biological media options on the market today.
Biohome BioGravel Aquarium Filter Media is a unique and innovative choice for planted tanks. This biological filter media is the ideal substrate for your aquarium. It’s made from premium quality sintered glass filter media, which means it will last longer than other substrates and provide better filtration. This product is great because it can be used with under gravel filters, internal filters, HOB filters, and small canister filters.
The specially designed Biohome BioGravel is a great way to provide your aquarium with a unique filtration system that’s easy to maintain. This gravel comes in a convenient bag that allows you to place it directly into the bottom of your tank without any extra hassle. Best of all, the price tag makes it an affordable choice compared with other biological media options on the market today.
Underwater Treasure Seapora Bio Balls is a great choice for ponds. This biological filter media helps to reduce ammonia and nitrite levels, making it an ideal choice for keeping your pond healthy and balanced. They’re easy to clean, superior to lava rock, and tough and unique.
These plastic spheres bio media increase your filter’s surface area which promotes the growth of the beneficial bacteria that cultivates a healthy underwater community. The bio balls media help process biological waste making for a healthier pond while also quieting sounds of running water in your filter helping you enjoy your aquarium even more!
They also come in a mesh bag that allows you to place it directly into your existing filter without any extra hassle.
OUFISH Aquarium Bio Balls Best Mix is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine multiple bio media types into one. This kit comes with a variety of different bio media, including ceramic bio rings, plastic bio balls, and activated carbon. This allows you to customize your filtration system to meet the specific needs of your aquarium.
These eco-friendly bio balls will help stabilize PH levels in your water while providing an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria growth which helps filter impurities from your water. They’re also great for use as decorative items because they look so nice when illuminated by light!
The OUFISH Aquarium Bio Balls Best Mix is perfect for any size tank. It’s easy to use and remove and comes in a convenient jar that is small enough for any size tank, but large enough to provide maximum bio filtration capacity.
Eheim Substrate Pro Best is a great choice for anyone who’s looking to add some color and excitement to their aquarium. This bio-media can be used as a substrate for a planted aquarium. It also features added beneficial bacteria, which helps keep ammonia and nitrite levels low while promoting healthy plant growth.
The material used to make this filter media does not alter water chemistry or change pH levels. It’s made with highly porous artificial sintered glass material which means it has an incredible surface area structure and can be reused multiple times before you need to replace it. This saves you a lot of money compared to other types of biological filter media, because you don’t have to buy new ones as often.
Benefits Of Biological Filter Media
One of the most important tasks of a biological filter is to provide a place for bacteria to grow. These bacteria are essential in breaking down waste products and removing them from the water column.
Bacteria also play an important role in nitrification, which is the process of converting ammonia into nitrate. This is crucial for keeping your aquarium healthy and free
There are many benefits to using biological filter media in your aquarium. Some of the most important ones are:
- Keeps tank clean and healthy
- Reduces ammonia and nitrite levels
- Removes harmful toxins from the water
- Helps to stabilize pH levels
Types of Bacteria Used in Biological Filtration
Before choosing the best biological filter media is good to know how this filtration work and what types of bacteria are used. There are two different types of bacteria used in biological filtration, each performs different roles to promote aquarium health.
Nitrifying Bacteria
Nitrifying bacteria are mostly found in sponge filters, fluidized bed filters, undergravel filtration systems, and bio-wheel power filters.
Nitrobacteria is another type of biological media that contains nitrite-removing bacteria that is sometimes used to help with the cycling of new aquariums.
It’s not just bacteria you can use in your biological filter, there are also products such as biomax and bio-balls which contain beneficial bacterial cultures for breaking down waste materials found in anaerobic environments.
Denitrifying Bacteria
Denitrifying bacteria are another type of bio media that is useful for removing nitrates from the water column. However, these types of biological filter media work best in saltwater aquariums because they require a more anaerobic environment to grow.
Saltwater aquariums do not have as much oxygen in the water column which is why this type of bio media works best. Denitrifying bio media is mostly used in fluidized bed filters, canister filters, and wet/dry trickle filters.
Types of Biological Filter Media
There are many different types of bio media that can be used in your aquarium, however it is best to have a combination. Some choices include:
- Plastic Balls: These are small plastic balls that come in a variety of sizes and can be used in most types of filters. They are effective at trapping debris and providing a place for bacteria to grow.
- Rocks: Lava rocks are a popular choice for bio media because they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also provide a place for bacteria to grow, and can be used in most types of filters.
- Bio Rings: Similar to bio balls but are circular in shape and also come in various sizes. They fit best into canister filters or other types of hang-on filter units.
- Ceramic rings: Ceramic rings are another type of bio media that is round in shape and fits best into canister filters. They provide a place for bacteria to grow, but do not trap debris as well as plastic balls or rocks.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Biological Filter Media
There are several factors to consider when choosing biological filter media. When choosing a new bio media consider size, shape, and capacity. Your filter type, aquarium size, stocking, and how much are your willing to spend can all influence your choice of the best biological filter.
Size and Shape
Different types of bio media are available in different shapes and sizes. Make sure to choose a media that is the right size and shape for your filter. If it is too large, it will not fit into the filter and if it is too small, it will not be effective at trapping debris or providing a place for bacteria to grow. It is best to choose one that fits into your aquarium filter the best but also makes it easy for you to clean when necessary.
The size of your aquarium will also play a role in choosing the best biological filter media. If you have a large aquarium, you will need more bio media than someone with a smaller aquarium.
Filter Type
Different types of bio media work best in certain filters. Not all types of filters are compatible with all types of bio media. Make sure to choose a type that fits your filter and is effective at trapping debris and providing a place for bacteria to grow.
Best biological filter media should be easy to clean when necessary, provide places for beneficial bacterial cultures, fit into the aquarium’s filtration system easily, and are not too large or too small for your filter.
Price
Bio media can be expensive, but there are some affordable options available. Make sure to consider the price when choosing your bio media and find one that fits into your budget without sacrificing quality.
When it comes to biological filter media, there are many different types and sizes to choose from. It is important to consider how the media will fit into your filter, what type of filter it is compatible with, and whether or not you are willing to spend the extra money on quality bio media.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for the best biological filter media to use in your aquarium, any of the products on this list would be a great choice. They all offer unique benefits that make them ideal for specific types of tanks or filtration systems. So no matter what kind of aquarium you have, there’s sure to be a product on this list that will suit your needs perfectly.
Aquarist looking for an easy to use, affordable bio media option, we highly recommend giving the Marineland Bio-Filter Balls Media a try. If you’re looking for something that will really boost your filtration system, you should definitely check out the Fluval Biomax Filter Media.
FAQs
With the best biological filter media and proper maintenance, you can have a clean water worth talking about. Still considering which is the best bio media for you pond or aquarium? Read on for some frequently asked questions about choosing and using bio filter media.
Q: What kind of filter media should I use?
One of the best kinds to use is bio filter media. Best biological filter media are very easy to maintain, and will help keep your aquarium clean by removing impurities from the water.
Best biological filter media do not alter water chemistry or balance the pH levels of your aquarium, making them a great choice for anyone looking to reduce costs and simplify maintenance.
Q: How long does bio filter media last?
Best biological filter media can last a long time depending on how often you have to clean your aquarium.
If your fish tank is small and doesn’t get too dirty, best bio media could last for months before needing replacement. If you have a larger or dirtier fish tank however, it might be necessary to replace them every one or two weeks.
Q: Is biological filter good?
Bio filter media are one of the best tools an aquarist has for keeping their tank clean and healthy. By removing impurities from the water, they help keep your fish happy and healthy while also reducing the amount of work you have to do to maintain your tank.
Best bio filter media are easy to use and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them an ideal choice for any aquarium.
Q: Can I use lava rock as bio media?
Best bio media can be made from a variety of materials, including lava rock. Lava rock is porous and has lots of small nooks and crannies that help it trap impurities as the water passes through the aquarium filter.
Lava rock should always be rinsed very well before use to remove dust or debris that could clog the pores and interfere with filtration. You can also soak it in a diluted bleach solution to help kill any harmful bacteria.
Q: Should I clean my bio balls?
Best biological filter media can last a long time, but it might be necessary to clean them every once in a while. Best bio balls should always be rinsed very well before use to remove dust and debris that could clog the pores and interfere with filtration.
You can also soak them in a diluted bleach solution to help kill any harmful bacteria.
