What is aquarium filter media?

Aquarium filter media refers to the specific materials located inside the tank filter that purify the water. Filter media can come in three forms- namely biological, chemical, and mechanical.

What are the three types of fish tank filter media?

The three types of fish tank filter media are biological, chemical, and mechanical. Mechanical uses things like sponges and filter floss to remove debris from water. Chemical uses activated carbon and other similar materials to remove chemical contaminants. Biological uses advantageous bacteria media, which can help remove waste.

How long does aquarium filter media last?

Aquarium filter media has different lifespans depending on factors like the type of media, your type of tank, the tank contents, and frequency of water changes. In general, biological filter media may rarely need replacement unless it's damaged; but it must be rinsed and cleaned regularly. Chemical media containing activated carbon is typically replaced within a window of 1–3 weeks. Regularly test your water to ensure that the filters are working properly. Mechanical media, on the other hand, can last for several years, but regular replacement might be best. Consult with your fish-savvy veterinarian or hobbyist to get the best advice for your particular setup.

How often should I rinse fish tank filter media?

Fish tank filter media should be rinsed approximately every 2–4 weeks, but this can vary depending on your tank setup or maintenance. If you notice debris buildup, a change in noise, or a reduction in water flow, it's likely time to rinse. When rinsing, it's important to do so with fish tank water and not tap water, because tap water contains chlorine.

Aquarium & Fish Tank Filter Media - Page 5 (Free Shipping)

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Dr. Tim's Aquatics Re-Mover, 32-oz slide 2 of 6

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Dr. Tim's Aquatics Re-Mover, 32-oz

$19.37 Chewy Price

($0.61/oz) Price per Unit

$21.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Slide 1 of 2

Fluval C4 Poly/Foam Pad Filter Media, 3 count slide 2 of 2

Fluval C4 Poly/Foam Pad Filter Media, 3 count

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

24

$13.75 Chewy Price

($4.59/ea) Price per Unit

$15.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

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Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz slide 2 of 8

Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz slide 3 of 8

Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz slide 4 of 8

Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz slide 5 of 8

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New

Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz

$9.09 Chewy Price

($0.54/fl oz) Price per Unit

$15.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Boyd Chemi-Pure Grande Filter Media, 40-oz bottle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

4

$44.47 Chewy Price

($1.12/oz) Price per Unit

$60.12 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Underwater Treasures Seapora Micron Filter Pad

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

2

$11.99 Chewy Price

($11.99/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Bundle and Save 5%

Bundle: Lifegard Live Nitrifying Pond Bacteria + AquaMesh Fish Pond Filter Media

$67.85 Chewy Price

$71.43 List Price

Autoship Price

Free delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Aqueon ProFlex 200 Micron Filter Bags, 2 count

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

4

$21.99 Chewy Price

($11.00/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Aquascape Dense Fish Filter Media

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

1

$326.32 Chewy Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Eheim Classic 600 Fine Foam Pad 2217 Filter Media

Rated 3.6 out of 5 stars

7

$17.99 Chewy Price

($17.99/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Fluval C3 Bio-Screen Pad Filter Media, 3 count

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

9

$8.17 Chewy Price

($2.73/ea) Price per Unit

$14.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Penn-Plax Pro-Carb Activated Carbon Fish Filter Accessory, 17-oz bottle

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

7

$28.99 Chewy Price

($1.71/oz) Price per Unit

$31.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Dr. Tim's Aquatics Purifier PLUS, 32-oz

$71.19 Chewy Price

($2.23/oz) Price per Unit

$86.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Cobalt Aquatics Long Lasting Pelletized Carbon, 9.5-oz bottle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

3

$11.86 Chewy Price

($1.25/oz) Price per Unit

$21.57 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Cylinder Sponge, Blue, 5-in

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

1

$10.40 Chewy Price

$11.96 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Eheim 2213 Canister Carbon Filter Pads, 3 count

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

4

$15.07 Chewy Price

($5.03/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Marineland Duetto 50 Mechanical Prefilter Sponge Filter Media, 2 count

$3.99 Chewy Price

($2.00/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Lifegard Filter Media FB300 Fluidized Bed Filter, 3-lb, 300-gal

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

1

$15.74 Chewy Price

($5.25/lb) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns
Arrives between Jun 4 and Jun 9

Fluval C4 Foam Pad Filter Media, 4 count

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

10

$12.86 Chewy Price

($3.22/ea) Price per Unit

$13.54 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Dr. Tim's Aquatics NP-Active Pearls Aquarium Cleaner, 3,785-mL bottle

$256.19 Chewy Price

($0.07/mL) Price per Unit

$312.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns
Arrives between Jun 1 and Jun 4

Fluval U1 Foam Pad Filter Media

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

16

$4.37 Chewy Price

($4.37/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

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Tetra Whisper Carbon Medium Filter Media, 2 count

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

1

$7.29 Chewy Price

($3.65/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Penn-Plax Poly Fiber Plus Aquarium Fish Filter Media Pad

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

5

$13.88 Chewy Price

($13.88/ea) Price per Unit

$14.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Dr. Tim's Aquatics 1000 Micron Standard Mesh Bag, 8 x 6-in, 2 count

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

2

$8.51 Chewy Price

($4.26/ea) Price per Unit

$8.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Underwater Treasures Seapora Super-Activated Carbon Media Bag, 3 count

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

5

$5.49 Chewy Price

($1.83/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Coralife Filter Bio Balls Fish Salt Minerals, 5 gallons

$83.63 Chewy Price

($16.73/gl) Price per Unit

$119.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Marineland C-530 Canister Foam Filter Media, 2 count

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

5

$13.39 Chewy Price

($6.70/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Aquatic Life Color Changing Mixed Bed Resin Filter Cartridge, 21-CI

Rated 3.1 out of 5 stars

12

$22.50 Chewy Price

($22.50/ea) Price per Unit

$27.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Cobalt Aquatics Ultra Carbon Quick Acting Granulated Carbon, 13.5-oz bottle

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

2

$16.51 Chewy Price

($1.23/oz) Price per Unit

$26.35 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Laguna Phos-X Phosphate Remover Water Treatment, 5288 gal

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

2

$54.42 Chewy Price

($0.02/gl) Price per Unit

$92.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Fluval C3 Foam Pad Filter Media, 2 count

Rated 3.7 out of 5 stars

3

$6.99 Chewy Price

($3.50/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

JBJ Aquarium HB-55 Reaction HOB Aquarium Filter Media, 2 count

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

2

$19.00 Chewy Price

($9.50/ea) Price per Unit

Autoship Price

Free delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns
Arrives between Jun 2 and Jun 6

Penn-Plax Cascade Aquarium Bio-Sponge 1200 & 1500 Filter, Medium

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

13

$11.19 Chewy Price

$15.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Dr. Tim's Aquatics Carbon PLUS, 32-oz

$38.24 Chewy Price

($1.20/oz) Price per Unit

$43.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Dr. Tim's Aquatics 300 Micron Fine Mesh Bag, 8 x 6-in, 2 count

$9.46 Chewy Price

($4.73/ea) Price per Unit

$9.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Eheim 2211 Canister Carbon Filter Pads, 3 count

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

2

$10.99 Chewy Price

($3.67/ea) Price per Unit

$12.99 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders over $35
Free 365-day returns

Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Sock Canister, Clear & white, 4-in

$43.99 Chewy Price

$50.59 List Price

Autoship Price

Free 1-3 day delivery on first-time orders
Free 365-day returns

Aquarium & Fish Tank Filter Media

Dr. Tim's Aquatics Re-Mover, 32-oz

Fluval C4 Poly/Foam Pad Filter Media, 3 count

Aqua Natural Live Ceramic Rings Filter Media, 17-fl oz

Boyd Chemi-Pure Grande Filter Media, 40-oz bottle

Underwater Treasures Seapora Micron Filter Pad

Aqueon ProFlex 200 Micron Filter Bags, 2 count

Aquascape Dense Fish Filter Media

Eheim Classic 600 Fine Foam Pad 2217 Filter Media

Fluval C3 Bio-Screen Pad Filter Media, 3 count

Penn-Plax Pro-Carb Activated Carbon Fish Filter Accessory, 17-oz bottle

Dr. Tim's Aquatics Purifier PLUS, 32-oz

Cobalt Aquatics Long Lasting Pelletized Carbon, 9.5-oz bottle

Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Cylinder Sponge, Blue, 5-in

Eheim 2213 Canister Carbon Filter Pads, 3 count

Marineland Duetto 50 Mechanical Prefilter Sponge Filter Media, 2 count

Lifegard Filter Media FB300 Fluidized Bed Filter, 3-lb, 300-gal

Fluval C4 Foam Pad Filter Media, 4 count

Dr. Tim's Aquatics NP-Active Pearls Aquarium Cleaner, 3,785-mL bottle

Fluval U1 Foam Pad Filter Media

Tetra Whisper Carbon Medium Filter Media, 2 count

Penn-Plax Poly Fiber Plus Aquarium Fish Filter Media Pad

Dr. Tim's Aquatics 1000 Micron Standard Mesh Bag, 8 x 6-in, 2 count

Underwater Treasures Seapora Super-Activated Carbon Media Bag, 3 count

Coralife Filter Bio Balls Fish Salt Minerals, 5 gallons

Marineland C-530 Canister Foam Filter Media, 2 count

Aquatic Life Color Changing Mixed Bed Resin Filter Cartridge, 21-CI

Cobalt Aquatics Ultra Carbon Quick Acting Granulated Carbon, 13.5-oz bottle

Laguna Phos-X Phosphate Remover Water Treatment, 5288 gal

Fluval C3 Foam Pad Filter Media, 2 count

JBJ Aquarium HB-55 Reaction HOB Aquarium Filter Media, 2 count

Penn-Plax Cascade Aquarium Bio-Sponge 1200 & 1500 Filter, Medium

Dr. Tim's Aquatics Carbon PLUS, 32-oz

Dr. Tim's Aquatics 300 Micron Fine Mesh Bag, 8 x 6-in, 2 count

Eheim 2211 Canister Carbon Filter Pads, 3 count

Pro Clear Aquatic Systems Sock Canister, Clear & white, 4-in

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