Filter - Mega Power model 9012 canister filter

[paulwilliams]

I purchased a Mega Power canister filter model 9012. Per the instructions the unfiltered water first enters the bio-rings at the bottom of the filter. The last stage of filtration process is the floss material at the top of the canister. This appears to be in reverse order to me. I think the bio-rings should be the last stage of the filtration process, not the first. Does anyone have experience with this canister filter? I did not get a response from the manufacturer.

[Urban Aquaria]

Generally, most canister filter instructions will position the fine filter wool as the last layer, this is mainly because that is designed to trap the finest particles and "polish" the water to make it clearer before exiting to the tank.

The flow path of filtration systems usually move in the layout order = coarse > medium > fine > finest.

The bio-rings act as biological filtration (and offers abit of mechanical filtrations too) so they trap the organic compounds/waste which the beneficial bacteria will process beforehand.

One of the reasons why fine filter wool is placed as the last layer is because it will tend to get clogged up more quickly than the other media, so when that happens flow is reduced. As the last layer, even if it gets clogged, water will still fill up the bio-rings section (so the bacteria can still work), rather than the other way around where by flow is restricted from the bio-media and air pockets start forming with less water filling its section.

[tetrakid]

I purchased a Mega Power canister filter model 9012. Per the instructions the unfiltered water first enters the bio-rings at the bottom of the filter. The last stage of filtration process is the floss material at the top of the canister. This appears to be in reverse order to me. I think the bio-rings should be the last stage of the filtration process, not the first. Does anyone have experience with this canister filter? I did not get a response from the manufacturer.

@paulwilliams
But I tend to favour that sequence, as I think nitrifying bacteria attaches to the fish waste first and develop from there. Hence when the muck containing the bacteria enters via the bio rings, that will facilitate their attachment and colonization on the bio rings. If that muck is filtered initially, perhaps only limited bacteria will pass through thus hindering efficient bacteria buildup on the bio rings. Just my 2 cents.

On a side note, I always regard washing sponges as a waste of valuable bacteria.

[paulwilliams]

Thanks for your comments. I will use the manufacturer's recommended arrangement as you suggest.

One of the reasons for my question is that the instructions on every bio-ring package that I have read states that the bio-rings should be the last stage of the filtration process.

This filter is different than the typical canister filter which is the reason it was recommended to me. The pump is located in the aquarium on the inlet tube rather than in the canister filter. As a result, air pockets cannot develop in the canister since negative pressure cannot occur. In addition. it does not need priming. The coarse filter is located on the inlet tube and can be easily removed and cleaned in a minute.