Does removing ammonia and nitrite mean good water quality?
Yes and no. Maintaining very low levels of ammonia and nitrite will improve water quality, but these are not the only pollutants, especially in a heavily stocked tank or koi pond. A simplistic view of filtration focuses on simple nitrification that is the conversion of metabolic ammonia to less toxic compounds. However, any chemical or substance present at higher than normal levels, even if it is not directly toxic, should be considered a potential pollutant. So therefore any filtration system, together with routine maintenance should be designed to remove not only toxic products such as ammonia and nitrite, but also other organic and inorganic wastes products. • So what is the ideal filtration system? (LINK) A simple question without a simple answer. This will vary according to what is required; be it a small marine tank, a well-planted ornamental garden pond or a 10,000 gallon specialist koi pond. However, by understanding more about the how a filter works, the loading put on it and
Yes and no. Maintaining very low levels of ammonia and nitrite will improve water quality, but these are not the only pollutants, especially in a heavily stocked tank or koi pond. A simplistic view of filtration focuses on simple nitrification – that is the conversion of metabolic ammonia to less toxic compounds. However, any chemical or substance present at higher than normal levels, even if it is not directly toxic, should be considered a potential pollutant. So therefore any filtration system, together with routine maintenance should be designed to remove not only toxic products such as ammonia and nitrite, but also other organic and inorganic wastes products. • So what is the ideal filtration system? A simple question without a simple answer. This will vary according to what is required; be it a small marine tank, a well-planted ornamental garden pond or a 10,000 gallon specialist koi pond. However, by understanding more about the how a filter works, the loading put on it and the t
