Ceramic is a natural media filter and does not add anything to the water during the filtration process.
What do ceramic rings do in a filter.
Ceramic rings provide the best surface area to size because of all the possible pores that bacterial can grow into.
Types include ceramic rings sponges pads bio balls and bio stars sand and gravel.
The challenge with ceramic rings and porous material is keeping it clean from gunk so that water can still pass through that is why you need good mechanical filtration to prevent that gunk from coating the ceramics.
What ceramic filters don t remove.
Many filter kits already include ceramic rings in the box.
The reason for using ceramic or other large surface types of filter media is to give bacteria a place to break down waste to.
Chemical filter media is available in various forms.
First of all ceramic rings have different sizes and different manufacturers have different types of ceramic.
The silver helps to kill or incapacitate bacteria and prevent the growth of mold and algae in the body of the filter.
The ceramic rings provide a place for beneficial bacteria to live.
The most common one is activated carbon which eliminates dissolved organic compounds from aquarium water.
Keep in mind that some of these materials can also be used as mechanical media.
They make excellent homes for bacteria.
These porous objects have high surface areas while still allowing the passage of water and light to flow through them.
Hi i am new to the hobby.
Ceramic filtration does not remove chemical contaminants per se.
The bacteria will cover the surface of the rings and everything else in the tank and break down ammonia and nitrites.
Ceramic water filters cwf may be treated with silver in a form that will not leach away.
The most popular types of biological filter media are bio balls and ceramic rings and we shall learn more about them through bio balls vs ceramic rings comparison.
If your filter didn t come with any ceramic rings or you want to purchase more grab some here or from your local fish store they are very affordable.
While some ceramic rings come with their own filter media bag others come loose.
The rings will last forever.
I have a 14 gallon tank in that i have a sobo filter that i think uses foam or sponge.
It also does not filter out minerals like calcium and magnesium meaning there is no need to pair the filter with a remineralizer if you want to preserve the mineral quality of your water.
However some manufacturers especially of ceramic candle filters.
Simply add them to your aquarium filter.
It s important to put the sponge and wool in a position so that the water flows through them first.