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Filtration
Filter Media (Consumables)
The mechanical, biological, and chemical media that go inside filters - the heart of what actually cleans aquarium water.
Price: Budget
For: Both $15-$200
📖 Overview
The filter housing is just a box. The media inside does the work. Mechanical media (sponges, filter floss, filter socks) traps debris. Biological media (ceramic rings, bio-balls, matrix) hosts nitrifying bacteria. Chemical media (activated carbon, phosphate remover, ammonia remover) targets specific contaminants. Understanding what each does - and rinsing/replacing on schedule - is intermediate hobbyist knowledge.
🏷️ Top Brands
Seachem Matrix, EHEIM Substrat Pro, Marineland Black Diamond carbon, Chemi-Pure, Phosguard.