Aquarium filter media comes in a wide variety of options, but not all of them are created equal. When it comes to finding the best filter media for planted tanks, you need to consider what type of filtration you want, what your budget is, and what will work best with your aquarium plants. Activated carbon is a popular choice for planted tanks because it helps to remove dissolved organic compounds, bacteria, and toxins from the water. This type of filter media is available in both granular and pellet form. Another popular option for planted tanks is ceramic filter media. This type of media is great for providing mechanical filtration and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a more natural option, you can try using peat moss or live plants as filter media. These options will help to provide your aquarium with some much-needed nutrients while also helping to filer your water.
A Quick Comparison of best filter media for planted tank
best filter media for planted tank reviews
FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White
This filter sand is amazing! It’s so white and pure looking, and it really does a great job at keeping my pool clean. I’ve been using it for a few years now and have never had any problems.
Specifications:
- Brand: FairmountSantrol
- Manufacturer: EasyGoProducts
- Color: white
- Dimensions: Height: 10.0 Inches Width: 10.0 Inches Length: 13.0 Inches Weight: 50.0 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. The FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand can help to keep your pool water clean and clear.
- 2. The sand can filter out impurities and dirt from the water, making it safer for you and your family to swim in.
- 3. The sand can also help to reduce the amount of chlorine needed in your pool, saving you money in the long run.
- 4. The sand is easy to use and requires no special tools or equipment.
- 5. The sand is also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded pool owners.
CONS
- 1. The product is not very durable and may need to be replaced frequently.
- 2. The product may not be very effective at filtering out impurities.
PENN-PLAX Standard Airline Tubing for Aquariums – Clear and Flexible – Resists Kinking – Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish Tanks – 8 Feet
This is a great product for anyone who has an aquarium. The tubing is clear and flexible, making it easy to see your fish and make sure they’re safe. It’s also kink-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your fish getting tangled up. This tubing is 8 feet long, so it’s perfect for most aquariums.
Specifications:
- Brand: Penn-Plax
- Manufacturer: Monster Pets
- Color: Clear
- Dimensions: Height: 3.0 Inches Width: 0.5 Inches Length: 5.0 Inches Weight: 1.2 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. PENN-PLAX Standard Airline Tubing for Aquariums is clear and flexible.
- 2. It resists kinking.
- 3. It is safe for freshwater and saltwater fish tanks.
- 4. It is 8 feet long.
- 5. It is made of durable material.
CONS
- Tubing is not UV-resistant and may degrade in direct sunlight
- Tubing is not recommended for use with CO2-injected aquariums
API QUICK START Nitrifying Aquarium Bacteria, Allows Instant Addition of Fish and Maintains Active Biological Filter, 16-Ounce Bottle
This product is amazing! It allows you to instantly add fish to your aquarium and maintain an active biological filter. It is a must have for any fish lover!
Specifications:
- Brand: API
- Manufacturer: Mars Fishcare
- Color: Multi-colored
- Dimensions: Height: 8.75 Inches Width: 2.5 Inches Length: 2.5 Inches Weight: 1.2 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. The product allows instant addition of fish to an aquarium, and helps to maintain an active biological filter.
- 2. The nitrifying bacteria in the product help to break down ammonia and nitrites, making the water safer for fish.
- 3. The product can help to improve water quality and clarity, and also reduce odors.
- 4. The product is easy to use, and can help to save time and effort when setting up a new aquarium.
- 5. The product is relatively affordable, and can be a great way to jump start the nitrification process in a new aquarium.
CONS
- The product is not effective in all aquariums
- The product may cause an ammonia spike if not used correctly
API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control 32-Ounce Bottle, FISHAQUARI (169G)
This product is great for algae control in your pond! It is safe for fish and plants, and is easy to use. It will help keep your pond looking clean and clear, and will make your fish happy and healthy!
Specifications:
- Brand: API pond
- Manufacturer: Mars Fishcare
- Color: FISHAQUARI
- Dimensions: Height: 7.5 Inches Width: 4.5 Inches Length: 3.0 Inches Weight: 2.18 Pounds `
PROS
- API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control can quickly eradicate algae blooms in ponds, and help to maintain a clear pond with regular dosing.
- The product is safe for use around fish, plants, and other wildlife.
- API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control can be used to target specific types of algae, including green algae, black algae, and blue-green algae.
- The product is easy to use, and comes in a convenient bottle size.
- API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control is a cost-effective way to control algae in ponds.
CONS
- 1. It may not be effective in controlling algae.
- 2. It may not be safe for use with fish.
hygger Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, New Quick Water Changer with Air-Pressing Button Fish Tank Sand Cleaner Kit Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner with Water Hose Controller Clamp
This amazing gravel cleaner is a must-have for any aquarium owner! It makes water changes quick and easy with its air-pressing button and comes with all the necessary accessories, including a water hose and controller clamp.
Specifications:
- Brand: hygger
- Manufacturer: hygger
- Color: Black + Orange
PROS
- The hygger Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is a new and improved way to clean your aquarium gravel.
- The new and improved design is easier to use and more effective at removing debris from your gravel.
- The new and improved air-pressing button makes it easier to control the amount of water being siphoned out of your aquarium.
- The new and improved design is more effective at removing debris from your gravel and is easier to use.
- The new and improved aquarium siphon vacuum cleaner is more effective at removing debris from your gravel and is easier to use.
CONS
- 1. The Hygger Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is not as effective as other aquarium gravel cleaners on the market.
- 2. The Hygger Aquarium Gravel Cleaner is more expensive than other aquarium gravel cleaners on the market.
Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer – For Freshwater and Marine Aquariums 500 ml
If you are looking for a fish tank stabilizer that will help keep your freshwater or marine aquarium in tip-top shape, then the Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer is a great option to consider! This stabilizer comes in a 500 ml size and is easy to use, simply add it to your aquarium water and it will help to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels balanced. It also helps to reduce stress in fish and promotes a healthy aquarium environment.
Specifications:
- Brand: Seachem
- Manufacturer: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Color: Multi-colored
- Dimensions: Height: 1.5 Inches Width: 2.0 Inches Length: 7.6 Inches Weight: 1.0 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. Quickly and safely establishes an aquarium
- 2. Creates a bacteria colony that quickly processes ammonia and nitrite
- 3. Reduces new tank syndrome
- 4. Allows for immediate addition of fish
- 5. Increases success and enjoyment of fish keeping
CONS
- The product is not effective in all aquariums
- The product is not safe for all fish
Aqua-Flo 12″ Pond & Aquarium Filter Media, 72″ (6 Feet) Long x 1″ Thick (Green/White)
The Aqua-Flo 12″ Pond & Aquarium Filter Media is an excellent product that will help keep your pond or aquarium clean and clear. It is made of a high quality material that is durable and long lasting. It is also easy to install and use. This product is a great value for the price.
Specifications:
- Brand: Aqua Flo
- Manufacturer: Aqua-Flo Industries
- Color: Green
- Dimensions: Height: 1.0 Inches Width: 12.0 Inches Length: 72.0 Inches Weight: 0.02 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. The product is effective in filtering pond and aquarium water.
- 2. The product is easy to use.
- 3. The product is durable.
- 4. The product is affordable.
- 5. The product is safe to use.
CONS
- 1. The product may not be effective in filtering out all the debris and particles in an aquarium or pond.
- 2. The product may not last as long as other brands or types of pond and aquarium filter media.
MarineLand Diamond Media Premium Activated Carbon, Blacks & Grays, 40-Ounce (PA0373)
This is an excellent product that I would highly recommend to anyone. It’s great for both fresh and salt water aquariums. It’s also very reasonably priced.
Specifications:
- Brand: MarineLand
- Manufacturer: Marineland
- Color: Blacks & Grays
- Dimensions: Height: 10.0 Inches Width: 5.0 Inches Length: 5.5 Inches Weight: 2.98 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. It can help to remove impurities and toxins from the water, making it safer for your fish.
- 2. It can help to improve the clarity of your water, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
- 3. It can help to remove unwanted odors from your aquarium.
- 4. It can help to absorb medications and other chemicals from the water, making them more effective.
- 5. It can help to extend the life of your filter media by reducing the amount of organic material in the water.
CONS
- 1. May cause aquarium water to become cloudy.
- 2. May remove some beneficial bacteria from the aquarium.
Seachem Purigen Organic Filtration Resin – Fresh and Saltwater 100 ml
Organic filtration resin for both fresh and salt water! This product is amazing and works great in both types of water. I have never had any problems with it and it keeps my water looking crystal clear.
Specifications:
- Brand: Seachem
- Manufacturer: Seachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Color: Multi-colored
- Dimensions: Height: 1.4 Inches Width: 3.0 Inches Length: 4.7 Inches Weight: 0.08818489904151833 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. Seachem Purigen Organic Filtration Resin is an effective filtration media that can be used in both fresh and saltwater aquariums.
- 2. It can help to remove organic waste and toxins from the water, improving water quality and clarity.
- 3. It is easy to use and can be added to existing filtration systems.
- 4. Seachem Purigen is long lasting and can be used for several months before needing to be replaced.
- 5. It is a relatively affordable filtration media, making it a great option for budget-conscious aquarium enthusiasts.
CONS
- 1. The product is not as effective as other brands of filtration resins.
- 2. The product is more expensive than other brands of filtration resins.
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, For Fish Tanks, 4.4 lbs., 12693
This product is amazing! It’s perfect for fish tanks and shrimp and really helps to keep the water clean and clear. I highly recommend it to anyone!
Specifications:
- Brand: Fluval
- Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- Color: Stratum
- Dimensions: Height: 11.0 Inches Width: 6.0 Inches Length: 3.0 Inches Weight: 0.110231131 Pounds `
PROS
- 1. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum provides an ideal substrate for plants and shrimp in fish tanks.
- 2. The substrate is rich in nutrients and minerals, which helps promote healthy plant growth and shrimp development.
- 3. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum helps to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing aquarium environment.
- 4. The substrate is easy to maintain and does not require frequent replacement.
- 5. Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is an affordable substrate option for fish tanks.
CONS
- 1. Some users have complained that the Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum contains too much dust and debris.
- 2. Some users have also complained that the Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum causes their fish tanks to become cloudy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best filter media for a planted tank?
The best filter media for a planted tank is a combination of mechanical and biological filtration. Mechanical filtration removes larger debris from the water, while biological filtration breaks down smaller organic matter.
2) What are the benefits of using a planted tank filter?
There are many benefits to using a planted tank filter, including improved water quality, increased oxygenation, and enhanced plant growth.
3) How often should I change the filter media in a planted tank?
It is best to change filter media every 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
There are many different types of filter media available for planted tanks, and it can be difficult to determine which is best for your aquarium. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best filter media for your planted tank, including the type of plants you have, the size of your tank, and the water conditions in your aquarium. If you have a planted tank, it is important to choose a filter media that will not harm your plants. Some types of filter media, such as activated carbon, can remove nutrients from the water that your plants need to grow. Instead, choose a filter media that is designed for planted tanks, such as ceramic media or bio-balls. The size of your tank will also impact the type of filter media you choose. For smaller tanks, it is best to choose a filter media that has a smaller surface area, such as sponge media. This will help to prevent your filter from getting clogged too quickly. For larger tanks, you can choose a filter media with a larger surface area, such as sand or gravel. Finally, the water conditions in your aquarium will also affect the type of filter media you choose. If you have soft water, you will need to choose a filter media that is designed for soft water, such as sponge media. If you have hard water, you can choose a filter media that is designed for hard water, such as gravel or sand. In conclusion, the best filter media for your planted tank will depend on the type of plants you have, the size of your tank, and the water conditions in your aquarium. There are many different types of filter media available, so be sure to do your research before choosing one for your aquarium.
