Best Biological Filter Media (Guide & Reviews)

Either you just set up your aquarium or you have a running set up, the filter is one of the main components that keeps your water healthy and basically your fish alive.
Many aquarist are aware of the benefits of biological filtration but are not aware of why it can be so effective.

A biological filtration system is one that replicates what happens in nature, and doing so, will get a healthy water environment which will require less maintenance.

You have most likely already researched about filtration methods for your aquarium and have probably chosen one for your tank that suits your needs. If you are going the all in one route and purchasing a tank that comes in a kit with accessories, then you likely will have a 3 step power, hang on back filter. This is one of the most popular and easiest filters to use in a freshwater aquarium. These kits often come with media provided for the three stages.
All 3 step power filters have a combination of mechanical media, chemical media, and biological media to properly filter waste and clean aquarium water.
Each filtration media has its own specific function and are all equally important to maintain clear water and fish health.
These three steps work in conjunction to remove unwanted debris and harmful substances from your aquarium water.

Other filtration systems like canister filters, wet/dry filters, under gravel filters also all require biological media in order to function effectively.

Bacteria can grow anywhere in your aquarium, not only on the media. These bacteria are doing the same job as the ones hat are in the media, but these bacteria can get washed away or scrapped away during regular maintenance of your tank.
This is why having a media set up where they can live safely without being washed away is important. You want to treat it as a healthy community of little critters that are feeding off of some elements that your fish don’t like in the water.

Here is an article explaining the different types of filtration systems.

Biological media creates a source of “good bacteria” that is a good element for your tank.
These media come in different types but all have the same basic functions.
It is like a home for bacteria colonies to grow and prosper.
Depending on the type of filter that you have, you will need to choose the appropriate biological media to insert inside your filter to provide a space for these good bacteria to live in.
Some filters are sold with the media and others are not.
Make sure you know what you are bringing home.
Some filters will also require that you not change the media or if the need arises, you need to purchase the same one so that your filter continues to work properly.
Others will be more versatile and be capable to accommodate different types.
Research your filter and make sure that you provide the best media for it.

These are the most common types of media available today.
You want to make sure that you have a lot of surface area in order to provide enough bacteria to grow and flourish.

Check out this video showing the different types of media and their uses.

Here are our top picks that we feel do a great job and that get continuous good reviews from customers.
Some are boxed in to a certain type of filter, while others are versatile and can be inserted in a variety of different filters that are on the market today.

These are very porous glass balls that have great reviews. They are made from fine particles that are compressed together. They have a high surface area that allows the biological process to thrive. These glass beads work for canister filters. The beads can be easily rinsed should they require cleaning. This product is good for both fresh and saltwater aquariums.

This media is completely natural and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or additives. It can sustain the anaerobic bacteria that is very helpful in controlling water health. It is very porous and the surface area quite considerable so these bacteria can survive and bloom. Some costumers have commented on the fact to be careful when manipulating the media because it is dusty and can mark your clothing.

Fluval is a well known brand within the aquarist community and is trusted to manufacture quality products. The Fluval G-Nodes Biological Filtration Media consists of star shaped ceramic cylinders that provide ample surface area and porous material for the good bacteria to grow in. This media is best suited for the G series filters from Fluval.

The Fluval Biomax Filter Media are made of ceramic rings have a great surface area for bacteria to form and live. The rings contain tunnels that provide extra space for the bacteria to live in. Fluval is a renowned brand in the aquarist world and can be trusted as an excellent product. The ceramic rings can be used in a variety of filters and aquariums and in fresh and saltwater tanks. The company recommends that you change a few ceramic rings every six months or so.

Matrix High Capacity Biofiltration is a porous pumice pebbles system of biological media. The pebbles are made so that the bacteria can live on the surface and also inside. This media is good for a variety of filters and is good for freshwater and saltwater aqauriums. You can use these pebbles loosely in the filter basket or in a filter bag.

Choosing the best biological filter media is important because it is a component that does not get changed very often, if ever. Research your filter or the one that you want to purchase and see what biological media works best with it.