Description
hw ionic: activated carbon and ion exchange combined
hw ionic is a filter medium for freshwater and marine aquariums. It combines specially prepared and pretreated activated carbon based on hw ActivCarbon with selected ion-exchange resins. The mixture binds substances including ammonium and nitrite and can thereby reduce their conversion to nitrate. Nitrate already present is bound only to a limited extent.
The medium does not require a biological start-up period for its binding action. Whether an aquarium is ready for livestock must still be assessed from its water parameters and the capacity of the whole system. In particular, monitor ammonium/ammonia and nitrite; using the medium alone does not mean that livestock can be added immediately.
The manufacturer’s figure of “100 bar” describes an equivalent of the force retaining bound substances. It does not describe an actual vacuum generated in the filter.
Dosage and installation
Use 1,000 ml of hw ionic per 100 litres of freshwater or marine water. Always place the medium between two layers of filter wool, each at least 2.5 cm thick. Do not use a mesh bag: coarse mesh can allow fine resins to escape, while very fine mesh can clog.
Do not rinse hw ionic before installation. Rinsing could wash out the fine ion-exchange resins.
When switching the filter on, direct the first 2–4 litres of water into a bucket, then operate the filter as usual.
Service life and monitoring
With normal stocking, the usual service life is around three to four months. It depends on stocking and pollutant load. Replace the medium when its adsorption capacity is exhausted. Check water parameters regularly with suitable tests, particularly nitrite.
If nitrate is already elevated, carry out an appropriate water change before use. Base water changes and further measures on measured values and the needs of your livestock.
