[AU Chief]

I'm looking for info on how fluidized bed filters work, what type of situtations are they best suited for, and are they practical for use on any old aquarium?

 

[SOLOSHOOTER]

http://www.firsttankguide.net/fluidized.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_fbf.php

Aquarium fluidized bed filters are supplemental filters that can make a great addition to a large, heavily stocked aquarium. By "fluidizing" or suspending fine grained media in a column of water, they increase surface area and contact time for highly efficient biological filtration. Aquarium fluidized bed filters are ideal for planted aquariums, as they won't wear off your CO2. They are easy to maintain and you won't disturb your bacterial bed, which is a problem with some biological filters. Use caution: they are a potential nitrate hazard during long power failures.

 

[kwirky]

be careful with fluidized bed filters. if you have a prolonged power outage most of your bacteria can die off and you now have to completely recycle your aquarium. They can also suck up a lot of oxygen so you'll need to aerate the aquarium well.

Putting your fludized bed and a strong air pump on a 500VA+ ups will solve this problem.