Yes if the diameter is small (around 2-3 cm - just stack then in a larger tube) My point is that a media can show a huge theoretical area but in real life only a small part will be active because of lack of oxygen in the fine structure.
Apologize if I am stepping on @Lasse 's toes by responding... The 6 chambers he was referring to are the shape of the K5 media. They are relatively small and are like bio-balls except the shape is different and allows them to stay cleaner as water flows through. So the main filter is just a cylinder, but packed with that small media.
Ok, I see my confusion, and hope to have it further clarified. From what I gather is that the picture Lasse shared of the Different media like the K5, is in fact what they look like, I was under the impression that they were sliced samples to show surface area.
All effective nitrification filters is very efficient "nitrate factories" - that´s the reasons why we have them. The nitrate does not come from upp build detritus - instead - an build-up of organic detritus slows down the production of nitrate because it reduces the rate of nitrification. The flow in this filter should be very large because it should polish the surface of the media - only leaving a thin nitrification biofilm. The filter is constructed in a way that it should optimize the nitrification rate and it means that they will produce a lot of nitrate from the ingoing ammonia. The reason why I prefer this type of media is because it is possible to flush away all organic detritus (including old nitrification biofilm) It is true that biobolls can build up more organic detritus, hence not make these filters as effective as they should.
You are right - this is a disadvantage - I will edit my first post and take with that.
Please don't get hung up on semantics, whether or not nitrate factory was used correctly, it still begs the question, how do you prevent the build up of organic waste, that if not removed properly becomes a big source of N and P?
Wow, you clearly don't know Jimmy (Sisterlimonpot). While he may have used a common term that is a misnomer, your rude reply is not helpful to the conversation at all. Semantics are not details. Details matter, semantics, not so much.
I appreciate the lesson, I will catalog it for future reference. I'm glad you mention how correct terms matter. One term that always seemed sit wrong with me is "trick light corals". You seem like a well read person, and should grasp the concept of hypocrisy. There seems to be ample evidence to the contrary that antiquated MH are superior to LEDs. In fact it's widely accepted that LED's promote better coloration over MH. Despite the efforts of a handful of people that keep trying to promote "the old ways" and holding onto the past. Technology spurred by innovative minds is always going to keep pressing forward and coming up with better concepts and ideas. The term "trick light corals" suggest that there's some sort of sorcery going on to achieve unachievable color. When in fact LED's prove to be a better way to color up corals.
I appreciate the lesson, I will catalog it for future reference. I'm glad you mention how correct terms matter. One term that always seemed sit wrong with me is "trick light corals". You seem like a well read person, and should grasp the concept of hypocrisy. There seems to be ample evidence to the contrary that antiquated MH are superior to LEDs. In fact it's widely accepted that LED's promote better coloration over MH. Despite the efforts of a handful of people that keep trying to promote "the old ways" and holding onto the past. Technology spurred by innovative minds is always going to keep pressing forward and coming up with better concepts and ideas. The term "trick light corals" suggest that there's some sort of sorcery going on to achieve unachievable color. When in fact LED's prove to be a better way to color up corals.
For anecdotal evidence here is JF homewrecker grown under radion LED's and picture taken under incandescent kitchen lights.... No light trickery going on here...
I suggest you tone down the high and mighty attitude and fight real hard to bite your tongue when you feel the need to correct someone.
You are forgiven
Not that I can´t attack if iy is necessary - ask my wife and children if you doubt that - but as a roule - I prefer to try to explain and give the basic knowledge, experiences or whatever behind my position. I can have wrong but in that case its open up for a discussion where new or for me unknown knowledge can make me change position. I want to be rid of the ammonium spikes (small but they are there for sure) that my type of feeding cause as fast as possible - however I dose ammonia for the moment in order to even out the process. I´m with @jda that the term "nitrate factories" is misused for biofilters - the nitrification process is a "nitrate factory" wherever its happens - what´s we do with a good nitrification filter is only to give it an own special designed room in the big factory. This means not that I like the way he express that - it was a little bit rude IMO.It is true that the bacterial breakdown of organic waste (or rather dead organic detritus (matter)) release inorganic N and P (as NH3/NH4 and PO4) But the total input during time is decided of the amount of food (and in some degree input of living organisms that die in the aquarium) that will be added into the aquarium during a certain timespan. The organic waste consists of uneaten food, animal poop, ded organism and bacteria.
