Filtration - Trickle Filter

Trickle Filter

My filter system has changed over the years, new methods, modern designs and new additions. The trickle filter however has stayed. Admittedly the trickle filter container has changed but the filter media is original and has never been cleaned.


There is information on the web that states 'trickle filters are nitrate factories' for the marine aquarium. The trickle filter is highly efficient at converting very harmful pollutants (ammonia) to nitrates but the filter does not create extra nitrates,  it just does it faster than other methods. However if the trickle filter media becomes clogged with organic matter (insufficient maintanance) then the filter will not operate correctly and then begin to give the appearance of creating extra nitrates.

How it works

Please refer to the diagram, from the top to bottom.

1. Water from the aquarium enters the container from the top.

2. Seeps through the foam.

This foam is a mechanical filter. It filters out the larger suspended particles and needs to be removed for cleaning or replacement at about once per week.

3. Runs through the tray with grill holes at the bottom.

4. Water trickles down (rains down) through the filter media.

The trickle filter media is supported above water level ensuring high rate of oxygen supply to bacteria on the filter media. The bacteria will then rapidly convert harmful pollution to less harmful (nitrates) pollution.

5. Water flows through the support grill and out.

Finally

The end result is that water exiting the trickle filter will have more nitrates but less harmfull pollution when compared to water entering the trickle filter.

1. The trickle filter media bateria will occur naturally and self regulate when used in the aquarium.

2. The trickle filter media can be plastic, porous rock or any inert material but should stack to give an open structure to prevent clogging.

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