BioMech®
Ceramic Filter Rings
KPD-55
PURPOSE AND BENEFITS
Kordon Bio·Mech filter rings are the most efficient biological
and coarse mechanical filtration product for use in both aquaria and ponds.
Bio·Mech is a professional scientifically-developed product widely
used in aquaculture and aquaristics world wide. It is particularly appropriate
for high flow power filters, with either open or enclosed filter cartridges,
because Bio·Mech easily handles high water flow rates and resists
clogging. The Bio·Mech filter rings break up the water flow through
the filter, preventing "channeling" or bypassing of the water
around the filter materials.
Bio·Mech provides excellent mechanical filtration, promotes extensive biological filtration, and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent filter materials.
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
KORDON BIO·MECH has proven extremely effective in promoting biological
filtration, because it is an exceptionally good base for nitrifying bacteria.
(See also Kordon's information sheet DPD-42 on water quality testing). Constructed
of a porous ceramic stoneware; Bio·Mech possesses a positive electronic
change, so slight it is generally unnoticed, which attracts the nitrifying
bacteria needed for biological filtration.
The open ring or "noodle" shape, combined with the porous nature of the stoneware, provide a tremendous surface area which can support a population of billions of bacteria in a relatively small filter compartment area. The colonization of Bio·Mech filter rings by nitrifying bacteria is extremely important to aquarium and pond keeping. These bacteria are beneficial in removing toxic ammonia and nitrite from the water. Biological filtration is the most effective natural way to remove these stressful and lethal substances from aquarium and pond water.
The extent of biological filtration is dependent upon the amount of dissolved oxygen available to the bacteria. Because the inlet area of a filter contains the highest level of dissolved oxygen, Bio·Mech is most effective when used in the inlet area or as a prefilter. The open design of Bio·Mech allows water to circulate throughout, bringing the necessary oxygen to the bacteria. The tendency of BIO·MECH to diffuse or spread water through the entire filter compartment is also useful, because this prevents "channeling" (water following the course of least resistance) and makes filter materials located in the subsequent water flow more effective. Bio·Mech resists clogging by slightly and continually rotating as the water flow passes through and around the rings. The ring shape gives Bio·Mech a major advantage over other filter materials such as those in pad or ball form, which do not freely rotate as they collect debris.
MECHANICAL FILTRATION
Bio·Mech is a very effective mechanical filtering material, especially
in coarse screening. Mechanically the filter rings break up the water flow
through the filter forcing the water flow to spread evenly without channeling
or bypassing or clogging the filter materials. Bio·Mech rings regain
and entrap large particles of debris which are worn down by water turbulence
and bacterial action. The rotation of the Bio·Mech rings keeps the
debris moving and prevents it from clogging the filter. The rotation also
constantly changes the form and position of the debris, constantly moving
it along the surfaces where the nitrifying bacteria consume the organic
waste materials. By retaining larger debris particles within the Bio·Mech
filter area, Bio·Mech helps all subsequent filter materials, such
as finer mechanical screens, from becoming permaturely saturated or clogged.
TECHNICAL QUALITIES
The technical qualities of BIO·MECH that are important considerations
in filtration are:
· durable, long lasting, reusable and easily maintained for biological
and mechanical water filtration.
· easily sterilized and reused.
· high percentage of void space and low resistance to water flow
(low pressure drop).
· irregular shape prevents packing. Its shape prevents locking of
the filter materials together and reduction of water flow.
· large active surface exposed per unit volume (high surface area
per cubic measure).
· good internal liquid distribution characteristics.
· suitably shaped to product turbulent contact between water phases.
· large number of interstitial transfer points per unit volume.
· microscopically porous surfaces make them a superior solid home
for beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bio·Mech is constructed of high-temperature-furnace-fired ceramic
stoneware rings with hollow centers, approximately 7/16" (11 mm) in
over all length and diameter. Each filter ring has approximately 1 square
inch of outer surface area; 1 lb. of Bio·Mech contains about 300
filter rings, with 300 sq. inches of available outer surface area. These
figures do not consider the microscopic small surface cavities and porosity
of the ceramic material. There are about 10,000 Bio·Mech filter rings
per cubic foot, with about 10,000 sq. inches of available outer surface
area. The approximate weight per cubic foot of Bio·Mech is 55 lbs.
Packed Bio·Mech has about 65% free space.
The ceramic surface has a permanent positive electronic change attractive to the gram-positive Nitrobacter and Nitrosomonas bacteria associated with biological filtration in water. The result is a tremendous potential for bacteria conolization. Bio·Mech is based on the original invention by Dr. Raschig, the renowned European water engineer, of the "Raschig Rings" which are used effectively in sewage and sludge water treatment in Europe.
STABILITY
Kordon Bio·Mech is durable, long lasting, and stable indefinitely.
It requires no special handling procedures. Bio·Mech requires only
a periodic rinsing to remain effective. Washing and treating with soap,
household cleansers, and cleaning chemicals do not interfere with its electronic
charge.
COMPATIBILITIES
Bio·Mech does not affect, and is not affected by water quality, medications,
or water conditioners. Bio·Mech is nontoxic and harmless to plants,
fishes and invertebrates. This product is safe for use in all types of aquaria
and ponds.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
In order to obtain maximum effectiveness in filtration, it is best not to
mix Bio·Mech directly with other filter media. This allows the Bio·Mech
filter rings to rotate under the effects of water flow and keep them from
unduly clogging.
OPEN FILTER COMPARTMENTS
Fill the compartments with Bio·Mech to the level indicated in the
instructions for the filter.
CANISTER FILTER COMPARTMENTS
Fill the canister compartments as full as possible without compacting the
Bio·Mech. The rings should be able to move freely and rotate in the
filter compartments. Bio·Mech is normally used as the first layer
of filter materials in contact with the water entering the filter compartments.
CLEANING
BIO·MECH filter rings seldom need cleaning, and when they do they
are very easily and simply cleaned. They are reusable for many years. Despite
BIO·MECH's ability to retain particles of debris, it usually rinses
free during cleaning without much effort. Normally no special cleaning agents
are needed except water itself. The most important consideration in cleaning
BIO·MECH is whether or not it is important to keep the nitrifying
bacteria alive that are on the surface and in the pores of the rings. If
the bacteria are to be kept alive, the ideal way is to wash the rings in
water from the aquarium or pond being filtered. This way will least disturb
the bacteria. Since it may take 30 or more days for a new bacteria colony
to become established, the BIO·MECH should be rinsed with water from
the aquarium or pond it came from, or water as similar to it as possible.
This method will allow the bacteria to remain viable and prevent dangerous
concentrations of toxic ammonia and nitrite from occuring in the aquarium
or pond after a cleaning of the Bio·Mech filter rings.
A good thorough rinsing is actually beneficial to the nitrifying bacteria because it assists them by removing their waste materials, since the bacteria cling tenaciously to the filter rings, Bio·Mech can be vigorously cleaned; even scrubbed (but no soap!), without markedly affecting the rings' biological filtering capacity. The important consideration is to change the temperature and chemistry of the water as little as possible (such as mineral composition of the water). Any appreciable difference in temperature or water chemistry can kill the bacteria.
If tap water must be used for the cleaning, it should be at the same temperature as the water being filtered. The washing should be done as rapidly as possible. Use Kordon's NovAqua® in the washing water to eliminate Chlorine and heavy metals from the tap water. Use Kordon's AmQuel® to remove chloramines and ammonia in the water. Use Kordon's Trans·CLEAR (for freshwater) or Kordon's SEA CLEAR (for saltwater) as a water clarifier to sweep bacteria and particles out of newly introduced water.
After washing in the original water or tap water, leave the rings wet, do not dry them, and return them to the water in the filter as quickly as practical.
If it is not important to keep the nitrifying bacteria on the Bio·Mech alive, the pressure-flow of heated tap water is usually all that is needed to remove all slime, dirt and excess bacteria. The sturdy long-lasting stomeware composition of Bio·Mech makes it resistant to cleaning agents. Biodegradable cleaning agents or chlorine bleach can be used if a more thorough cleaning is necessary. After cleaning, Bio·Mech should be well rinsed to remove cleaning agents that might be toxic to the water environment. Kordon's AmQuel can be used in the final rinse water to quickly remove traces of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) left from certain cleaning agents.
PACKAGING
Kordon Bio·Mech is supplied in convenient sizes for aquarist and
professional use. Packaging UPC coded.
Item no. 16608 8 oz. jar (approx. 80 rings), 12 per carton
Item no. 16611 26 oz. jar (approx. 260 rings), 6 per carton
Item no. 16695 25 lb. bulk (approx. 4000 rings), 1 per carton
inquire for larger bulk quantities.
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Made in U.S.A.
© 1992 NOVALEK, INC.