Trickle or Wet/Dry Filters

Filtering Your Aquarium Water

What Is It?

Trickle filters are filters that remove the water from a tank by means of an overflow and allow it to fall through/over filter media in an open 'tower,' and then pump the water back into the tank through a spill way or spray bar.

How Does It Work?

Trickle filters allow water to freely flow out of the tank and fall at its own rate through biological filter media. The water is distributed through the media by means of a spinner or spray bar(similar in function to some lawn sprinklers), or through a distribution plate (a piece of plastic or plexiglass with holes in it to allow the water to drain through). As the water flows through the media, it is exposed to free-moving air, which keeps the oxygenation of the tank water very high. This also creates a very oxygen-rich environment for the bacteria providing biological filtration, which increases their effectiveness. Once the water has passed through the filter media, it falls into a holding area, or sump. Water is pumped from the sump back into the tank, forcing more water over the overflow and through the tower. Trickle filters always use water pumps to move water, most models require a separate pump.

What Maintenance Does It Require?

There is very little maintenance required for a trickle filter. Periodically, excess debris should be rinsed off the bio-media to keep the passages through it from becoming clogged. Using a mechanical filter in conjunction with your trickle filter will eliminate the need for rinsing the media, as long as the mechanical filter is cleaned regularly. The pumps and tubing also need occasional cleaning to remove debris or blockages.

What Should I Be Aware Of?

Trickle filters can provide excellent biological filtration, but do not do much for mechanical or chemical filtration. Trickle filters are only appropriate for large tanks, or centralized filtration systems due to the high flow rates of appropriate pumps. Recently smaller tanks (10-60 gallon) have become available with integral trickle filters. The high cost of setting up a trickle filter is often prohibitive to the beginning aquarist. Remember, trickle filters do not provide mechanical or chemical filtration for your tank.

Another disadvantage to the trickle filter is their high rate of evaporation. Though not as high as a comparable sized power filter, and no where near as high as a comprable capacity rotating drum filter, the evaporation rate is a consideration when maintaining a trickle filter.

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Page most recently modified: February 24 2007 12:06:55.