RIO PLUS PUMPS
Models 90, 200, 600, 1000, 1100, & 1700; Proven and Versatile Rio Aquarium, Fountain Water Pumps, Powerheads
SunSun HJ-1542
An excellent choice to run the TMC V2 #1000 and #600 FB Filters (for deeper tank applications with the #600)
This pump INCLUDES a pre-filter sponge!
Filter Max Aquarium Pre-Filters
For improved pre-filtration when connected to a power pump such as the Rio Plus, allowing for much more efficient use of a Fluidized Filter
TMC, Terminator, & Custom UV Sterilizers/Clarifiers; as well as Replacement UV Bulbs, Quartz Sleeves, Ballasts.
Frog Moss
A decoration that also acts as strong natural acid buffer lowering KH and pH for softer water preferring aquarium fish
SunSun & Via Aqua Canister Filter
The SunSun's external 3 stage canister has 3 flexible media trays that allowing you to add the filtration media of your choice. Included in the SunSun Canister Filters is filter fiber, activated carbon, and bio-balls.
Wonder Shells
The premier aquarium mineral block from the only supplier with decades of knowledge about the use of this product.
The use of Fluidized Sand Filters for aerobic bio-filtration is no longer a new concept, however these filters are still not well known to many aquarium keepers which is unfortunate, especially when it pertains to advanced planted aquarium keepers (as Fluid Sand Filters do not wear off your CO2).
We have used these filters for many of our professional freshwater, marine, & turtle aquarium set-ups (by our affiliated aquarium maintenance company). The advantage is the self cleaning of the surface area of the sand grains by the constant churning and mixing of sand suspended within the filtration chamber.
This type of filter provides high amounts of surface area for unsurpassed nitrifying bio-filtration capacity; in fact as an example the model #1500 has a higher bio capacity than ANY current Aquarium Filter, including the Fluval FX5!
However one aspect of bio filtrate these filters cannot perform is anaerobic, de-nitrifying filtration (removal of nitrates). For this a deep sand bed, live rock, live rock crumbles, volcanic rock, refugiums, chemical nitrate absorbents (such as Purigen and/or Matrix place in a Canister or other Filter), Protein Skimmers, etc will still need to be employed where nitrates are a problem (generally for Reef Aquariums)
Model 1500 Now Available (Great for Ponds when properly installed with a Pre-Filter)
The most efficient Fluidized Sand Bed Filter that utilizes the most efficient method of aerobic biological filtration available.
The TMC Fluidized Bed Filter is of the newest technology and far superior quality than any other Fluidized Bed Filter available.
Please Click on the Pictures to the left to enlarge;
The first picture shows connections to powerhead or internal filter while the second picture shows a canister filter installation (SunSun HW 302)
The TMC V² Bio Fluidized Sand Bed Filter have a versatile compact design which can be installed internally in a sump or aquarium or externally as a stand alone or 'hang-on' filter (powered by a Power head such as the Rio 1000 or a canister filter such as the Rena Filstar or SunSun Canister Filters).
Our experience has shown the use of canister filters for powering your TMC Fluidized Filter to be the most simple (due to combined filtration and pre-filtering). For this simply placing the Fluidized Bed Filter inline on the exhaust side of the canister filter the easiest installation.
However placing in line from a submersible power head water pump works well too and when compared apples to apples is a better bio filter than an average canister filter by itself and when combined with a separate canister filter will provide maximum efficiency and filter redundancy.
The use of a V2 #600 with a Rio 1000 along with a Filter Max #2 or #3 for pre-filtration will provide superior bio filtration to most standard canister filters!
Can be easily incorporated with ANY aquarium set-up.
Just connect to water pump or power filter (NOT SUPPLIED) to create an advanced professional filtration system.
Tubing supplied or tubing with a canister filter will easily mate these fluidized filters to a canister filter with no extra parts required.
Specially designed media diffuser bowl ensures uniform fluidization of filter media.
Superior design over 1st and 2nd generation Fluidized filter eliminates issues of clogging or poor fluidization found on these earlier models (that are still sold elsewhere)
Superior bio filtration over most common canister or even sponge filters when compared head to head.
If space is an issue and only bio filtration is desired, this filter powered by a power head pump IS THE BETTER choice over most any canister filter!
Unsurpassed as an Aquatic Turtle bio filter as well as for dirty fish such as goldfish with up to 30 lbs of aquatic bio load capacity (fish, turtle, etc. weight).
Supplied complete with silica sand
A unique feature of the TMC V², is the ability to use with Marine Oolitic Sand (available separately), this filter also acts similar to a calcium reactor and helps with trace elements, calcium, magnesium, and minor buffering; All essential for a healthy Marine/Reef or African Cichlid tank (Livebearers too)!
*Tips:, (1) Our recommended flow rates and pump/filter sizes are based on the head pressure required once the sand media has grown healthy established nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria add to the weight and from our experience will add as much as 40% to eventual head pressure.
When first set up, you likely will need to close off the valve a considerable amount so as to NOT blow sand out of the chamber, and then open is slowly over time as the sand bed and bacteria ages and adds weight to this media.
The recommended flow rates can vary since one pump with the same rated 0 head pressure flow rate may have a lower flow rate once head pressure is applied. We recommend taking the suggested flow rates as minimums since one can always back off the flow if needed with the supplied valve.
(2) While the TMC Fluid filter is marked with a minimum and maximum fluidation line, if your pump or filter that is used to power the Fluid filter cannot quite fluidize to the maximum line, this does not mean your filter is not operating correctly; this line is only the optimum line, not the minimum required for operation.
Also many canister filters with sometimes poor head pressure (such as the Fluval) cannot fully fluidize this or other Fluidized Filters; so to get the best possible performance, we suggest elevating both the canister filter and Fluidized sand filter to a level closer to the base of your aquarium.
(3) If used with a water pump/power head the addition of a Pre-Filter Sponge such as the Filter Max #2 or #3 or for larger pumps such as the SunSun JQB 3500 or SunSun HQB-3500 the addition of a Hydro Pond #3 or #4 or other Sponge Filter will prevent larger debris from entering your Fluidized Filter and causing loss of efficiency. As well this will add another layer of filtration to your Fluidized filter.
In fact a Model #1500 Fluidized Filter combined with a SunSun JQB 3500 along with the high flow Hydro Pond #3 or #4 will far surpass even the most expensive of Canister Filters including all Eheims and Fluvals! The first picture shows how we would recommend plumbing a Rio 1000 Pump with Filter Max 2 or 3 for use with a Fluidized Filter
The second picture shows how we would recommend plumbing a Rio 1100 or 1700 Pump with Filter Max 3 for use with a Fluidized Filter
(4) If the FSB Filter is hung on the back of the tank/aquarium; The screw clamps should not be tightened too tightly or can often not even be necessary.
(5) When changing water, generally if run via a power head/water pump; the pumps does not need to be turned off.
If water from water pump or filter is turned off, closing the valve on the FB Filter is suggested.
If air is trapped in a water pump powering the FB Filter, tipping the pump or disconnecting the pump temporarily from the FB Filter generally allows it to quickly function again.
*Model #600 Filter- $75.99Jump to Shopping Cart
*Rated for Aquariums up to 160 Gallons or 10 lbs. of Bio-Load (fish, etc.)
*Recommended min. Rated* Flow Rate- 210 gph*
*Height- 12.5" (please add another 3" for tubing connections)
*Supplied with .5 kg Silica Sand (amount required for operation)
*Suggested Filters/Pumps: Filstar XP 2 or 3 Canister , SunSun 302 or 303 Canister, Rio 1000 Pump (our choice especially when used with a Filter Max #2 or #3), SunSun JP-065 Pump, or SunSun HJ-1542 (this pump INCLUDES a sponge pre-filter & is a good choice in applications where a bit more head pressure maybe needed due to a deeper aquarium or lower placement of the FB Filter relative to the aquarium),
*By Rated, we mean the general flow rate under normal head pressure, generally no more then 25% of the peak head for the pump. Example a pump (the Rio 1100) of 382 gph with a Maximum Head Pressure of 6 ft. would be "rated" at 382 gph under 1.5 feet of lift from pump to FSB Filter base.
*Replacement Silica Sand Media 1 kg. -$12.99 Jump to Shopping Cart
(Original Replacement Media supplied with filter)
*Oolitic Sand Media 1 kg. - $12.99 Jump to Shopping Cart
The Oolitic Sand is an excellent choice for Marine, African Cichlid, Livebearer, and even goldfish aquariums as well as Koi Ponds.
TMC Oolitic Sand will aid in buffering as well as adding calcium, magnesium, & trace minerals back into the water (this can be especially help for ponds with high amounts of organics that are often introduced to the water and subsequent decomposition). Strongly suggested for Marine/Reef Aquariums!
*Fit ANY 16mm or 5/8" vinyl tubing
*Installation Suggestion; slip compression ring over tubing first, then screw back over threads on control valve/union.
*Optional Water Return and Intake Adapters For use as an alternative method for adding water back into the aquarium with more directional control that the parts included with the filter.
The Intake Prevents tubing "kinks" when powering a Filter placed below an aquarium with an internal filter or pump.
The TMC Fluidized Filter already includes similar parts, so these are rarely a necessary part
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NPX Bioplastics Nitrate & Phosphate Reducing Polymer
Rena XP Canister Filters
SunSun HJ-1542
Filter Max Aquarium Pre-Filters
UV Sterilizers
Frog Moss
SunSun & Via Aqua Canister Filter
Wonder Shells
Algone Nitrate Controller
Aquarium Silicone Sealant
Optional Plumbing Parts