Compact fluidized bed filters use sand as the filter medium. Water pumped through the filter keeps the sand suspended as a loose slurry. The sand provides an enormous amount of surface area on which beneficial bacteria can multiply. Constantly tumbled in the flowing water, the sand becomes what is known as a fluidized bed. The sand grains are always surrounded by oxygenated water, resulting in an excellent transfer of ammonia to the bacterial film. Gas exchange is also facilitated by this design.
A fluidized bed filter will respond quickly to extreme changes in ammonia levels caused by overstocking and overfeeding, but for routine aquarium filtration it may be more trouble to maintain than other types of filters.
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