KemFlo manufactures the Kempac plastic random packing product line which includes the Tri-Pack or
Spherical style, Pall Ring and the Saddle style. While Kempac plastic random packing is utilized in
numerous applications, one of the more interesting applications is its use in aquarium filtration systems.
Aquarium filtration systems are an extremely important element in the overall health of an aquarium
both small and large. Filters facilitate the nitrogen cycle and help to keep aquarium inhabitants healthy.
Filter media is basically anything placed in a filter system that alters the quality of the water flowing
through it. There are basically three main types of aquarium filter media: mechanical, biological and
chemical.
Mechanical filter media removes unsightly particles and debris from the aquarium water such as sludge,
dust, fish excrement and uneaten food. Kempac plastic random packing may be used as a mechanical
filter in aquarium applications. Aquarium water flows through the mechanical filter media and particles
are strained out. Regular maintenance of the filter media is required in order to prevent build up. The
media strains solids from water passing through it which is vital for the efficiency of your biological
media. Special consideration should be given to the material of construction in regards to the filter
media to ensure that it does not interfere with the chemistry of the water. Kemflo offers the Tri-Pack,
Pall Ring and Saddle style plastic random media in a NSF certified polypropylene resin which is ideal for
applications where water quality is important. Mechanical media is available in many different
configurations and sizes. KemFlo offers the Tri-Pack in 1”, 2” and 3.5, the Pall Ring in 1”, 2” and 3.5” and
the Saddle style packing in 1”, 2” and 3”.
Biological media is material that provides housing got nitrifying bacteria that breaks down pollutants
into a less toxic form. Biological Media does not need to be replaced unless it becomes too clogged to
function. Nitrifying bacteria grows and lives on the packing material. The bacteria extracts oxygen from
water flowing through media filter. If the media becomes clogged decreasing water flow, it could starve
the system of oxygen and food causing the bacteria to die. An abundance of ammonia and nitrite
causes the bacteria to reproduce. Once the bacteria have become established in the biological media
they are difficult to destroy. There are various types of materials that can be used for biological media.
Plastic random packing provides a combination of surface area and open area in order to facilitate
bacteria growth and also provide enough open area for water flow. The Kempac Tri-Pack or Pall Ring are
excellent options for this type of filtering system.
Chemical media is effective at removing a variety of impurities, such as copper, chlorine, dissolved
proteins and more. The two most common forms of chemical media are activated carbons and resins.
Activated Carbon is filled with microscopic pores that cause certain organic or inorganic materials to
stick to them. When all of the pores are filled the carbon is no monger effective. Ion exchange resins
work by attracting specific molecules to adhere to them. Some attract ammonia or nitrate and some
remove dissolved organics.
For more information on the Kempac plastic random packing product line including the Tri-Pack, Pall
Ring and Plastic Saddle style random packing, please visit our website at www.kempac-packing.com.