11 Wet/Dry Filters
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Filters FAQ, by Bruce Hallman.
11 Wet/Dry Filters
Also known as trickle filters, wet/dry filters work on the principle
that the beneficial colonies of ammonia neutralizing bacteria grow
best in the presence of well oxygenated water. By ``trickling'' water
over unsubmerged plastic gizmos or other media, wet/dry filters
provide a very large air/water surface area. They come in many shapes
and sizes. The boom in successful saltwater aquariums in the 1980's
can be attributed to the use of this filter type.
Many things can used for the media, with the best providing great
amounts of surface area, while at the same time having large openings
to reduce the tendency to clog and ensure efficient gas exchange. The
problem of clogging of the media can also be reduced by prefiltering
the water with an efficient mechanical filter, and (when used) with a
protein skimmer.
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