Fishkeeping Interview: He Achieved an Air-Like Aquarium in 3 Months with This Filter Media Set!
Update time: 25-04-25 Views: 16
In the aquarium hobby, an "air-like aquarium"—where water is so crystal-clear it appears invisible—represents the ultimate goal of water quality, coveted by fishkeepers worldwide. Today, we interview Mr. Zhang, a seasoned aquarist and customer of AC, who spent 3 months transforming his fish tank into this dream state using a scientifically paired filter media system. Let’s uncover his secrets.
1. From Turbidity to Clarity: The Journey Begins
Mr. Zhang has kept aquariums for 5 years but faced a major challenge earlier this year: "I used to think any filter media would work, but my tank stayed cloudy, ammonia levels spiked, plants turned yellow, and even hardy guppies started fin-clamping." His turning point came at an aquarium expo, where the AC brand’s booth—backed by 11 years of focus on aquarium filter media research and a 3-year run as the official filter media for the World Arowana Championship—caught his eye.
2. 3-Stage Water Quality Revolution: Data-Driven Results
Mr. Zhang’s 1.2m freshwater planted tank houses discus fish and crystal shrimp. He followed AC’s recommended "mechanical filtration + biological filtration + water conditioning" triad to rebuild his system:
Stage 1: Mechanical Filtration Foundation – 48-Hour Turbidity Control
• Issue: Visible suspended particles, yellowish water, transparency <30cm
• Solution:
- Pre-filter used AC 1+1 Filter Sponge Combo, with coarse sponge (sponge A) trapping large debris like rust and redworms, and fine sponge (sponge B) adsorbing micro-solids. Paired with 3D Honeycomb Filter Pad for anti-clogging.
- Main chamber filled with Hollow Bio Beads PLUS, whose patented hollow design creates an "ion concentration difference adsorption field," reducing yellowing andsuspended solids by 80% in 48 hours.
• Results:
- Transparency: 30cm → 60cm
- Yellowing: Visible → Near-colorless
Stage 2: Biological Filtration Core – 7-Day Water Parameter Stabilization
• Issue: Ammonia 0.8mg/L (4 times exceeded), nitrite 0.3mg/L (3 times exceeded), pH fluctuations (6.2-7.8)
• Solution:
- Middle layer with 3D Filter Media PLUS, whose hexagonal bionic design increases bacterial colonization space by 60%, cutting ammonia by 60% in 24 hours and stabilizing it below 0.1mg/L in 7 days.
- Combined with Sintered Glass Rings, whose ring structure reduces water pressure and prevents debris buildup, while neutral mineral material ensures stable pH for nitrifying bacteria.
• Results:
- Ammonia: 0.8mg/L → 0.05mg/L
- Nitrite: 0.3mg/L → 0.02mg/L
- pH Fluctuation: ±1.6 → ±0.3
Stage 3: Water Conditioning Upgrade – 30-Day Air-Like Aquarium Completion
• Issue: Brown algae on plants, slightly sticky water (organic residue)
• Solution:
- Post-filter added Alkali 3D Filter Media, gradually raising pH from acidic (6.0) to neutral-alkaline (7.2-7.5), ideal for discus fish.
- Weekly water changes using Aquarium Water Exchanger, which removes chlorine in 0.2 seconds and filters rust/colloids with 5μm precision, avoiding water parameter swings.
• Final Results:
- Transparency: >100cm, tank appears "invisible" from the side;
- Biodiversity: Vibrant discus colors, stable crystal shrimp molting, algae-free plant leaves.
3. Real-World Experience: Details That Won Me Over
Over 3 months, Mr. Zhang praised AC filter media for:
- Easy Maintenance: 3D Filter Media’s hexagonal structure reduces debris trapping, cleaning 50% faster than traditional media with a pressure washer; lightweight glass rings won’t powder when scrubbed.
- Long-Lasting Stability: Hollow Bio Beads fired at 1200℃ showed no powdering after 6 months; water exchanger cartridges handle 30 tons of water, lasting ~6 years with 100L weekly changes.
- Species Adaptability: pH Stabilizing Media gently adjusts acidity for sensitive crystal shrimp, avoiding stress from abrupt pH shifts.
4. Professional Trust & Global Recognition: Why AC?
Mr. Zhang’s success mirrors AC’s reputation as a Chinese filter media leader, built on 21 years of drinking water purification expertise and 3 core strengths:
1. R&D Prowess: Malaysian lab customizes formulas for arowana, koi, etc.; partnerships with Shandong University for material innovation.
2. Patented Technology: World’s first "hollow bio bead" design (2013 patent), with 608m²/L specific surface area, tripling nitrifying bacteria colonization.
3. Global Validation: Sold in 50+ countries, 378 authorized dealers across 6 continents, offering solutions for freshwater, marine, and pond setups.
5. Tips for Newbies: 3 Keys to an Air-Like Aquarium
1. Tailor to Your Fish: Choose media for your species (e.g., slightly alkaline for discus, neutral-alkaline for arowana)—avoid random stacking.
2. Gradual Adjustment: Change 1/4 water weekly during bacterial colonization; use a water exchanger to process tap water directly and minimize fluctuations.
3. Regular Monitoring: Track ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Adjust media (e.g., add activated carbon for organics) at the first sign of issues.
From murky water to an air-like aquarium, Mr. Zhang’s story proves: great water quality starts with scientific media pairing and professional products. If your tank struggles with clarity, try AC filter media—11 years of filtration focus, backed by technology to elevate your fishkeeping journey.
