Fluidized bed filters are one of the most efficient types of aquarium filtration used today. They are excellent promoters of The Nitrogen Cycle and aid in providing a great environment for all types of aerobic bacteria, not just nitrifyers. Here we show you how to create a simple, cheap internal fluidized bed aquarium filter using a clear plastic bottle and an air pump. We recommend only using media that is meant to be fluidized as it will out preform other common plastic materials. Get your hands on some Kaldnes K1 Media for the best results.

 

     We use the new K1 Micro Media in this video that was sent to us from Richard AKA “Pondguru” on YouTube. This type of filter is especially efficient because it promotes the growth of living bacteria while sloughing off dead organisms that otherwise take up space in the media. The result is a filter with more than enough room to grow healthy bacteria that participate in the nitrogen cycle as well as heterotrophic organisms that mineralize nutrients.