please help with my filter

[dave]

I am makeing my own filter and i was wondering should the mecanical filtration come befor or after the biological filtration beacause in a ugf it comes after the biological and in a  power filter it comes befor  so wich way will my filter work best? or is it all opinion as to how well it works. Thanks!!!



                                       Dave

 

[ronrca]

I say mechanical filteration before bio! Reason is the bio filter, if placed first, will also be filtering out the junk that should be filtered out using mechanical. It is nearly impossible to then clean your bio filter without reeking havoc and killing your bacteria. In my canister filter, I have mechanical first, then bio, then mechanical again for buffing. On a ugf, the gravel is also acting as a mechanical filter but very poorly. Id rather keep my bio filter clean so it can do its job and keep my removing my mechanical filters and cleaning them when necessary.

 

[luvfishies]

Agreed, ronrca. Physical debris should be removed before biofiltration activity. The biofilter is much less efficient when clogged with debris.
And, yes, its' far better to clean the mechanical filtration than the bio.