What is dynamic filtration?

We call the Siphon Filtration System dynamic because the water level within it rises and falls as a result of its operation. In essence, the water level in the Siphon tank will rise as the overflow water from the Aquarium flows in, it rises until the Siphon tube “catches” and then falls as the Siphon tube discharges water into the Basin. The water level in the Basin rises as a result and will reach its highest level just as the Siphon tube “breaks” the siphon effect. The water level in the Basin will then fall as the pump is returning clean water to the Aquarium. This cycle repeats continuously.

You say that dynamic filtration is better then other types, why is this so?

Because the rise and fall in the water level allows for a true wet  / dry environment, meaning that there are areas that can be dry, semi-dry, moist, semi-wet and wet, the filtration system in combination with a substrate such as sand allows for all types of beneficial bacteria commonly found in natural settings to form colonies.

In addition, the rise and fall in water level in the Siphon Filtration system can be utilized to rinse media such as activated charcoal in the media buffers. Buffers can also be utilized to soak up phosphates. This is accomplished without the use of a complicated system of pumps and tubing.

What is meant by “modular system”?

The term modular is used to illustrate how the Siphon Filtration System can be expanded into a more advanced filtration system. For example, you purchase a basic system, set it up, cycle the tank and stock it with fish. Later, you decide you would like to add a buffer for activated charcoal to improve water clarity, you can buy a buffer and a new lid with the appropriate cutout, then add that buffer to the overall system without having to make changes to the plumbing or filter tank.

If the Siphon Filtration System is outfitted with the optional bulk head fitting and plug at time of order, you will have the option of adding a refugium or an extra capacity tank to the overall system without the need to make changes to the plumbing or filter tank.
Other examples include switching from fresh water to salt water, or to a full reef aquarium. Options allow addition of scrubbers, protein skimmer, chemical reactors, etc.

Why does the filtration system use a siphon tube?

The Siphon tube is an unique way of making the Filtration System dynamic – meaning it has a rise and fall in water level. Additionally, the Siphon tube provides significant agitation, churning and aeration; all benefitting a more efficient filtration process.
The aeration is part of the pre-load function to the protein skimmer chamber, which allows the skimmer to operate at a much higher efficiency. The aeration is also an important aspect of the quality of the fish environment.

How is this system more efficient than other filters?

Watt for watt, size for size, the Siphon Filtration System has better efficiency than that of competitors, please consider the following:

• Increased biodiversity means that biological filtration is enhanced.
• Increased aeration means a reduction or elimination of aeration devices.
• Increased protein skimmer efficiency means that a the protein skimmer size requirement is reduced
• Less complexity in pumping system and plumbing system
• Lower pumping requirement due to higher filtration efficiency.

All of the above leads to cleaner water with a reduction in power consumption, fewer points of failure, a reduction in size and reduction in complexity; that’s efficiency indeed.

Why is this system better than competing products?

One of the reasons Siphon Filtration is better than our competitors is that our system is dynamic. It is simply impossible to mimic nature without a dynamic component in the filtration system. Through years of research and development of dynamic filtration systems, Siphon Filtration has arrived at an optimal solution for dynamic filtration.

What do you mean by preloading the protein skimmer?

Due to the aeration from the Siphon discharge, proteins and amphipathic molecules are lifted to the surface, once on the surface; they are further lifted by the water level until the water level reaches the gate leading to the protein skimmer chamber. As the water starts to flow into the protein skimmer chamber, the protein laden surface water is “drawn” over the edge first due to the surface tension of the water. This effect has been dubbed a “preload function” as it raises the amount of proteins and amphipathic molecules (on a percentage basis) in the protein skimmer chamber. This allows the protein skimmer to operate at a higher efficiency.

What about maintenance?

It has been said that the patented Siphon Filtration System is one of the easiest filters to maintain and that it is possibly the system with the lowest amount of ongoing maintenance. Very simple waste removal, simple refill of activated charcoal, phosphate and nitrate reactors make maintenance a snap. If you are utilizing the Siphon Filter as a viewing tank, normal tank maintenance such as cleaning the acrylic applies.

In cases where additional scavenger species have been introduced to the Filtration System, there will need to be some additional maintenance – depending on species and stock level.

What is noise level of the system?

The system is covered and thus very little sound is emitted. The siphon discharge can be heard, but it does not have excessive sound.  Due to the system being covered, there is also a reduction in evaporation and reduced contamination.

What if I want something that is specially adapted to my Aquarium?

We offer customized solutions and are available to consult you based on your particular needs. There is no obligation, so feel free to call us with your questions.