Boosting the power of an established bio filter

My bio filter consists of a lot of those pot scrubbers, but I would like to boost it's power.

Any ideas or suggestions?

On a side note, I am going to test out a 600GPH pump on this filter. If it doesn't get too close to the top of the tub of the filter, I will continue to use it instead of the 320 that is currently used.

I don't think you can boost the power of a slow process like biofiltration. You can find better media. You can add more filtration. You can rehome oversized fish and reduce stocking. But a fully functional filter can't become more than it is.

So adding a layer of bio max wouldn't help much then?

If the scrubbers aren't placed so they are wasting space, you won't get much more out of the filter.
I use a product called Japanese filter mat - I get it at a local store. It's tangled plastic fibers, but really, while it is more convenient than pot scrubbers, I don't think it gives me much more.

It's all about surface area. If you can buy expensive media that gives you more surface in the same amount of space you win... but I question how much of the advertised value is usable... on day of purchase, one month later, 6 months later etc... at some point I think the advertised space is lost. I've wondered if baking it at high temperature would help but I am not sure.

I also theorize (sounds smart eh) that at some point you can provide so much biospace that it becomes useless to add more. Only so much bacteria can be supported by the fish waste produced. At somepoint you can't grow any more bacteria, and so more surface area is a waste.

If you water parameters remain good, why worry. I also think we underestimate how much biofiltration happens on ornaments, plants, rocks, gravel, glass etc etc...

Can you add something like lava rock to the tank to increase the surface area there??? Just my thoughts. Filtration stuff fascinates me.

Wow. Fishypastor that is good stuff !

Surface area is key for both filter media interface. In general any interface for bacteria to grow on. So the lava rock makes sense in that it increases surface area, but if the smaller holes are plugged then you get a minus situation.

Flow is another important element. Water flow across interface will increase the amount of area exposure. However too much flow will reduce the time required for bacteria / nitrifiers to react so again there is a point of efficiency that is reached.

Temperature is another factor. Not sure what the optimal temperature for nitrifiers and archaea for breakdown and conversion.

Type of food source whether protein or sugar based may also have an effect upon conversion.

All theory. In general, perhaps the best is filter media and flow for actual effect.

To me, it comes around to a very hard working aquarist trying against all odds to keep huge fish fairly crowded. As much as you try, and you are one seriously hardworking and inventive fishkeeper, no technological fix exists.

To be honest, even though I had been told I would have water quality issues with my 3 sharks, the water is fine. Sharks are healthy, even though the oldest is a bully now.
Just need to control the snails.

Fishypastor wrote:
Can you add something like lava rock to the tank to increase the surface area there??? Just my thoughts. Filtration stuff fascinates me.

I added a piece of slate to hold down the air stone.

How much more better would it be for me to upgrade the filter's pump from a 320GPH to a 600GPH pump?

It's really hard to say. I can't say that an increased flow-rate would improve biofiltration for you for sure but it may improve your oxygenation and help to stir up the tank a bit more and thus get some of the detritus up and into the flow and through your filters... so it might. But I don't think you are going to see a massive improvement.

I also feel that GPH is a number we need to take with a grain of salt. A filter is not necessarily better because it has a high GPH. A slower, yet more efficient filter with lots of biospace might actually do a way better job. I also remember reading an article from Ehiem about how they studied flowrates and how too high a flow can actually reduce efficiency.

I'd say your only bet is to try it and do some tests on your water.

I don't think slate will help you much. I said lava rock because it offers lots of extra surface area for bacteria to grow.

GaryE wrote:To me, it comes around to a very hard working aquarist trying against all odds to keep huge fish fairly crowded. As much as you try, and you are one seriously hardworking and inventive  fishkeeper, no technological fix exists.

What? who would do such a thing

Steve

Sbenson11 wrote:

GaryE wrote:To me, it comes around to a very hard working aquarist trying against all odds to keep huge fish fairly crowded. As much as you try, and you are one seriously hardworking and inventive  fishkeeper, no technological fix exists.

What? who would do such a thing

Steve

Well there is always one exception to the rule. In this case, Steve is the salmon swimming against the current. He has big fish in big ponds and is crazy enough to create uber filters. Perhaps he is not an exception, just nuts.

Steve has room and resources for the uber tanks!

Hmmmm,

I think the forum gremlins just ate my reply. You will have to take my word for the fact that it was not only long winded and full of useless information it was impressive.

Steve