The next big leap in filtration... Where is it?

I have been studying Liquid Fluidization or Liquid Fludized bed filtration for some time now. I also have performed some experimentation on the subject with surprisingly effective results. Now what I cannot understand is why is this technology not more mainstream in our hobby. Moreover what are filter company’s (Hagen etc.) doing to impress us anymore. Ooooo your filter has prowler orange on it pfffft big woop Fluval, it is still the same concept that we have had for almost 30+ - years now.(cumbersome POS canister filters…gotta be a better way???) Liquidization is like having a sponge filter that never needs to be rung/cleaned or tossed. WOah!… if that blew your mind how bout a filter that needs cleaning, O I’d say once or twice a year. Once or twice a year I want one. Well I got one… built it myself (works better than anything I’ve seen out there), but I can’t get it to market cause I’m dumb and poor. (Try not to lecture me on patents and loans… been down that road…L). Now maybe I’m not that dumb but getting and invention noticed when your living paycheck to paycheck is like drowning when your breathing fresh air.

Sorry went on a rant there.

I guess my question is; Do any of you out there use liquid fluidized beds with positive results?

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on August 13, 2012 at 8:12pm

I agree Jeremy. Money is ultimately behind the hype around filters. Pet industry ads make them seem so appealing and (here's the key word) "scientific" It took a real scientist like Diana Walstad to blow them out of the water - pun intended. Again, a large amount of solid surface area is extremely beneficial to the aquarium, but this can be achieved in many ways.

Thank you for mentioning substrates with high CECs, and I'm beginning to warm to the idea that forcing some water movement is generally a good thing. Dustin really got it right with his use of dirt. I've listened carefully and VERY critically to all of his videos and incredibly I always come away agreeing with what he says. He doesn't brag about what he knows but he's done some heavy reading. He read, for example, Diana Walstad's book - NOT an easy read! Most people, including me, who reference Diana Walstad have never actually read the entire book :(

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 13, 2012 at 11:37pm

Jeremy and others what you don't seem to understand is while we all understand planted tanks will be awesome for filtration, in the instance that you have a hardscape you Will not have plants so one Must have some filtration via canisters, ugf, and what have you. So please add to the discussion not dismiss the discussion

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on August 14, 2012 at 3:31am

South East Asian Discus breeders use pure hardscapes - tanks and water only (some may include a terra cotta pot for eggs) - but they don't use filters because of the waste and disease they can trap and recirculate through the water. They do however change ALL the water everyday.

In a tank with plant-eating fish a hardscape is probably your only choice. And here I will concede your point. But there are alternatives - and this is my only point and (I think) what Jeremy is saying. If I were keeping Pacu, for example, I'd probably cultivate a wall of algae and use a reverse flow under gravel filter (as you mention and as Jeremy mentions in his first post "a couple of powerheads"). Is a good canister filter also an option? Of course it is - and who am I to tell someone they can't like filters? But I can't help but weigh here: personally, I find filters to be filthy, expensive, aesthetically unpleasant (ugly) , sometimes noisy, and unnecessary when proper alternatives are employed.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy I on August 14, 2012 at 1:04am

ehh.. just a technicality, but good planted tanks can (and in my opinion, should) have a hardscape as well While I get that filters may be necessary for some tanks, I quite honestly dislike all of those designs and would never venture into that variant of fishkeeping myself. I speak only from experience, and it's pointless and impossible to share experience on something I've never done, or ever plan to do.

However, If I were to set up said tank, I'd still use the same method. Go out and buy a big tub (preferably one of the round ones, rubbermaids work too) and fill it with some substrate and plenty of plants, as well as some plain filter media at places. Basically it would be a sump with a shitton of live plants, so again- natural filtration reigns supreme. If done right the whole build should be quite a bit less expensive than an actual commercial filter as well.

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Permalink Reply by LED on August 14, 2012 at 3:12am

that is a very good idea! I've thought of that but never really thought about it deeply. i wouldnt mind doing that =) I would do a dirted sump LOL!!! but of course I would