The use of fluidized sand filters for aerobic bio-filtration is no longer a �new� concept, however these filters are still not well known to many aquarium keepers, especially when it pertains to advanced planted aquarium keepers as these filters do not wear off your CO2. We have used these filters for many of our professional freshwater, marine, & turtle aquarium set-ups (by our affiliated aquarium maintenance company). The advantage is the self cleaning of the surface area of the sand grains by the constant churning and mixing of sand suspended within the filtration chamber. This type of filter provides high amounts of surface area for by any comparable size bio media filter. In fact, as an example the model #1500 has a higher bio capacity than ANY current aquarium filter, including the large Fluval FX5 or FX6! While de-nitrification is not the main strength of a FSB V2 filter, newer evidence shows that the final layers of sand in a tall FSB Filter such as the TMC model #1500 actually provides a good environment for nitrate reducing bacteria.
With the use of nitrate reducing polymer products such , the TMC FSB filter can be an excellent full nitrogen cycle filter, especially for top tier reef aquariums!! As well, a deep sand bed, live rock, live rock crumbles, volcanic rock, refugiums, chemical nitrate absorbents (such as and/or placed in a Canister or other Filter), Protein Skimmers, etc will can be employed as a compliment where nitrates need to be lowered. (Great for ponds when properly installed with a ) The most efficient fluidized sand bed filter. which utilizes the most efficient method of aerobic biological filtration available. The TMC Fluidized Bed Filter is of the newest technology and far superior quality than any other fluidized bed filter available. Please Click on the Pictures to the right to enlarge. The first picture shows connections to powerhead or internal filter while the second picture shows a canister filter installation (SunSun HW 302) , please Click Below: FSB Filter Instructional Set Up Video
Our recommended flow rates and pump/filter sizes are based on the head pressure required once the sand media has grown healthy established nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria add to the weight and from our experience will add as much as 40% to eventual head pressure. When first set up, you likely will need to close off the valve slightly to a considerable amount so as to NOT blow sand out of the chamber, and then open is slowly over time as the sand bed and bacteria ages and adds weight to this media. The recommended flow rates can vary since one pump with the same rated 0 head pressure flow rate may have a lower flow rate once head pressure is applied. We recommend taking the suggested flow rates as minimums since one can always back off the flow if needed with the supplied valve. For more about how a FSB Filter or other device such as a UV Sterilizer affect flow rate due to head pressure, please read this excellent article from "Aquarium & Pond Answers: Tubing supplied is , this approximates between Standard tubing with 5/8" ID being recommended along with additional clamps for a snug fit if additional tubing is needed.
For attaching to true 16mm/ 5/8" tubing, a can make fitting easier. As well, if connecting to higher flow/head pressure water pumps such as the Rio 1100 that require 3/4" ID tubing, the use of a will make connections easier. While the TMC Fluid filter is marked with a minimum and maximum fluidation line, if your pump or filter that's used to power the fluid filter cannot quite fluidize to the minimum line, this does not mean your filter is not operating correctly. This line is only the optimum line, not the minimum required for operation. Also many canister filters with sometimes poor head pressure (such as the Fluval) cannot fully fluidize this or other Fluidized Filters. So, to get the best possible performance, we suggest elevating both the canister filter and Fluidized sand filter to a level closer to the base of your aquarium. If used with a water pump/power head, which does not include a sponge or similar built in pre-filter (such as the SunSun HJ-1542), the addition of a Pre-Filter Sponge such as the or for larger pumps such as the SunSun HQB-2500/3500 the addition of a or other will prevent larger debris from entering your Fluidized Filter and causing loss of efficiency.
As well this will add another layer of filtration to your Fluidized filter. The first picture shows how we would recommend plumbing a Rio 1000 Pump with Filter Max 2 or 3 for use with a Fluidized Filter The second picture shows how we would recommend plumbing a Rio 1100 or 1700 Pump with Filter Max 3 for use with a Fluidized Filter As an example, a Model #1500 Fluidized Filter combined with a SunSun HQB 3500 along with the high flow Hydro Pond #3 or #4 will far surpass even the most expensive of Canister Filters including all Eheims and Fluvals! With a water pump or power head configuration, we suggest hanging the FSB filter on the back for best results, not under the aquarium, with the valve over the water as this valve will eject water when closed with back pressure applied If the FSB Filter is hung on the back of the tank/aquarium. The screw clamps should not be tightened too tightly or can often not even be necessary. When changing water, generally if run via a power head/water pump.
The pump does not need to be turned off. If water from water pump or filter is turned off, CLOSING the inlet valve on the FB Filter is is strongly suggested suggested to prevent back up in the FSB Filter. Some canister filters can create a suction when disconnected (which is why the valve should be turned off when servicing), however for SOME canister filter applications the addition of a between the filter (or pump) will solve any issues with water backing up in the sand filter. With the use of a power head/water pump to power your FSB filter, the use of a 1/2-5/8" Ball Valve on the exit side of the FSB filter (or even used to replace the stock valve on the inlet side) can help prevent unwanted back flow when servicing the filter. If air is trapped in a water pump powering the FB Filter, tipping the pump or disconnecting the pump temporarily from the FB Filter generally allows it to quickly function again. (7) Use of ceramic media instead of the pebbles, which are supplied with the FSB Filter can help better Fluidize the sand media as well as better breakdown organic mulm/debris when first entering the FSB reaction chamber.
While impossible to see in the .gif picture to the right (click to enlarge), this filter is running with these ceramic pre-filter media and the fluidation is improved over the standard pebble media. Generally about 4 oz is all that is needed for the model #600 and 4-8 oz. can be used for the larger models to provide even better breakdown of debris and fluidation. We sell 4 oz increments of this ceramic media in the shopping cart at the bottom of this page. We have more tips and troubleshooting in the FSB Filter section of our Aquarium Filtration article: *Model #600 Filter- $87.99 Jump to Shopping Cart By Rated, we mean the general flow rate under normal head pressure, generally no more then 25% of the peak head for the pump. Example a pump (the Rio 1100) of 382 gph with a Maximum Head Pressure of 6 ft. would be "rated" at 382 gph under 1.5 feet of lift from pump to FSB Filter base. With Canister Filters (not just what we sell or recommend), the rated flow often differs from the actual flow once media is added and the filter is placed below an aquarium stand.
However, with a higher placement closer to the aquarium the actual flow can be closer to the rated flow thus utilizing our suggestions such as the SunSun 404B with the TMC #1500 FSB Filter. Another example using the popular Fluval Filters; The Fluval 406 is rated at 383 gph which means the model #1000 filter would be a good fit. This does NOT mean your flow once normal head pressure is added will be 383 gph, more likely just over 200 gph With either a pump or canister filter to power your FSB Filter, it is OK to also utilize a filter with a higher than needed rated flow, as one can always (& should) use a ball valve after the FSB Filter to turn down flow. However with an underrated pump/filter, you will never get the flow rate for optimum functioning of these otherwise second to non bio filters!! The bottom line is we recommend the FSB Filter pump/filter combinations based on RATED flow for simplicity, these are combinations we know will work. *Replacement Silica Sand Media 1 kg.
(slightly over 2 cups dry) -$15.99 Jump to Shopping Cart This media is inert (Original replacement media supplied with filter) *Oolitic Sand Media 1 kg. (slightly over 2 cups dry) - $15.99 The Oolitic Sand is an excellent choice for Marine, African Cichlid, Livebearer, and even goldfish aquariums as well as Koi Ponds. TMC Oolitic Sand will aid in buffering as well as adding calcium, magnesium, & trace minerals back into the water (this can be especially help for ponds with high amounts of organics that are often introduced to the water and subsequent decomposition). Strongly suggested for Marine/Reef aquariums! Ceramic Pre-Filter Media 4 oz. - $3.99Jump to Shopping Cart As per our "TIP" section, this media can help better fluidize and break up organic debris than the standard pebbles provided as a pre-filter by TMC. 4 oz is suggested for the #600 and 4 to 8 oz. is suggested for models #1000 & #1500 Fluid Bed Control Valve/ Union- $9.99