Filter Media

Fish Tank Filter Media

If the aquarium filter can no longer efficiently remove free-floating particulates, organic matter, waste or excess food, it may be time to replace your fish tank's filter media and at PetSmart, we make that easy. Water passing through the filter cartridge, sponge or other media is cleaned by mechanical filtration, or physical removal of waste. Mechanical media traps particles from the aquarium water before reaching a biological media, if present in the tank. Biological filtration uses beneficial bacteria to convert toxic chemicals, like ammonia and nitrites, produced by decomposing fish waste, into less harmful forms of nitrogen. Biological media is simply a habitable place for bacteria to colonize and wait for the water circulation to supply them with oxygen and food. Chemical filtration also removes ammonia and nitrites, as well as other harmful elements like chlorine, copper and certain medications. Be sure to remove these when you are treating the aquarium water for common fish diseases. Activated carbon, often called charcoal, is the most common chemical filter media and often comes in bags or other inserts that can be placed in many different filter systems. Carbon filters also absorb odors and pigments, leaving the water crystal clear. Shop our collection of filter media for aquariums of every size, and find the cartridges, foam pads, bulk media, filter bags, pre-filter accessories and parts you need to keep their aquarium clean and healthy.