Vegetation filter is a filter that uses the plant as a filter to remove contaminants that are in aquarium water, especially from the classes of compounds such as nitrogen, ammonia. As is known, the plants require certain nutrients to grow and thrive, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and others. By manipulating these nutrient needs in such a way, the water plant can be used as a “pump” to remove certain nutrients from the aquarium water.
This can be done by way of pass water pass through the root zone of plants. Hara is sequestered further plants will be part of the plant body. These nutrients can then “dumped” from the aquarium system by way of “harvesting” of plants or parts of the plant body.
Figure 9 shows a simple design of a filter vegetation. This filter consists of four sections A, B, C, and D. Part A is part mechanical filtration befungsi solid filter impurities from the aquarium. Part B is the part that is planted by water plants. Part C is part mechanical filtration again, to anticipate solid dirt from parts of plants or roots are cut off; And section C is a result of final filtration tank, before being returned to the main aquarium.
Part B of the filter is at the core of the filter vegetation. In filling this section, it is advisable to choose crops that have fast growth and has a simple growth requirements. Floating plants are highly recommended, as these plants have stems and leaves are above the water so that its CO₂ needs can be met from the surrounding air. Thus the types of plants that will not disturb the balance of CO₂ that are in the water.
Select is also a phase of the plant that are at the stage of the highest growth rates. If this growth rate has begun to decline then replace these plants with plants in the growth phase before. From a wide selection of existing floating plants, Pistia stratoites (Figure 9) may be made the primary choice. The plant is very much needed to be “elements” of nutrients and have a rapid growth, thus, it is suitable to be used as sabagai “pump” to “dispose” of nutrients from the water.
In section B can also be placed gravel, as a biological filtration media.
Figure 9. Filter Vegetation
Filter shows a sketch of the design dimensions relative altitude bulkhead between parts of the biological filter. Altitude is arranged in such a way to avoid the flood water is not necessary. This image has been able to explain himself so hopefully will be more easily understood observe. The principle is that if there is a blockage in the section A, the water can overflow (bypass) to part B, but not to the outside of the system (flooding), as well as in case of blockage in section C, the water will overflow into the D but not to part B ,
Of course, various modifications and improvements can be made in accordance with the needs and tastes. Filter vegetation is often used as part of an ornamental fish such as Koi. If well designed and conducted the proper selection of plants, this filter will menghasilakan filtran with the level of ammonia and nitrate 0 ppm. With such results not only water will be free of contaminants based nitrogen, and other nutrients, but also be protected from disturbance or a case of green water algae.
Figure 10. Filter Life