Characteristics and functions



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Characteristics and functions of the filter granules

The Aquaviva filtration granules are not just some crushed porous volcanic rocks. We have tested various different granules, including Australian Zeolite which we found unsuitable because of its hardness and non porousity. The granules are specially imported from Europe, LAB tested and guarantee the best possible breeding ground for the micro biology to grow, as of their chemical composition.

The filter granules demonstrate a high ion exchange capability for ammonia ions as well as an exceptionally porous structure (see photo).

Therefore they are suitable for absorbing dissolved nutrients and especially as locations for micro-organisms. As filter material and also as a major part of the water plant substrate, the granules fulfil the following functions:

The filter granules draw ammonia ions from the water and release mainly calcium and potassium ions. As a result, there is strong development of aerobic micro-organisms on the surface and in the interstices between the granules (= natural pool biology). These control the presence of organic contaminants (mineralising/stabilising). Nitrogen will also be reduced through nitrification/denitrification and the biological localisation of phosphates promoted.

These functions will prevent an excess of dissolved nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphates) and algae will be extracted from the solution. At the same time, the granules function as ideal storage sites for nutrients to supply the water plants. In overview, the products offer the following specific functions:

The granule surface taken by electron microscope with 10,000x magnification.

The exceptionally porous structure, full of cavities, with cavity diameter typically
less than 1 micron, can be seen.

Product type	Function	Application
Filter granules (2 - 5 mm)	Ion exchange and carrier for nutrient absorbing micro organisms	Quantity is determined individually for the necessary cleaning performance
Plant granules F (0,6 - 2 mm)	Ion exchange and nutrient storage in the plant substrate	2 kg per plant
Cover granules(16 - 32 mm)	Absorption of dissolved ammonia from the substrate; inhibition of thread algae	3 cm cover above the plant substrate and filter zone

Technical product data

The Aquaviva-Principle filter granules are natural stone granules, with the facility for ion exchange and with high macro and micro porosity. In filter and trickle filter technology they are especially suitable as substrate for the development and fixing of the microbiology to limit and control nutrients. They are used as nutrient controlling and reliable plant substrate in aquaria, pools and base filters based on vegetation.

Chemical Analysis:

SiO2	68,40 %
Al2O3	12,00 %
K2O	4,10 %
CaO	2,10 %
Na2O	0,44 %
MgO	1,30 %
Fe2O3	1,10 %
FeO	0,20 %
TiO2	0,16 %
Evaporation loss	10,20 %
Total	100,00 %

Grain sizes and packed density

Filter granules L	2 - 5 mm	860 g/l
Plant granules S	0,6 - 2 mm	810 g/l
Plant granules	0 - 5 mm	1140 g/l
Cover granules	16 - 32 mm	880 g/l
Dust	0 - 0,1 mm	720 g/l

Density	2,0 g/cm³
Specific surface area(BET)	29m² /g
Moisture content	Max. 7 %
NH₄+ Ion exchange capacity:	1800mg/100g
Volume of stone spores with diameter 5-10 my:	0,14 cm³/g

Exchangeable ions:

Ca2+	48,10 mg/100 g
K+	14,86 mg/100 g
Mg2+	4,90 mg/100 g
Na+	3,45 mg/100 g

Water conduction:

Granulate	0,6 - 2 mm	10 m/h
Granulate	2 - 5 mm	40 m/h
Granulate	5 - 8 mm	96 m/h

nominal values for application use

The following nominal and performance data was established by introducing Aqua-Superton Filter granules 0,63 - 2 mm as the working substance of a water filtering bio filter under controlled technical parameters

Water throughput relative to days in service

(lost the diagram – the x axis legend reads ‚days in service’

Capacity to reduce N O3 within a working period of 90 days: 1-22 mg/h kg

Biological capacity to reduce PO4 relative to days of service

y axis legend: PO4 reduction: x axis legend: days of service

Technical data – pre-prepared pool granules

The pre-prepared pool granules form a planting compost for water plants, with main components being cattle dung (well rotted and odour –free), zeolite, lava and clay. It supplies water plants with all he necessary nutrients in slow-release form. It showed excellent results over a three-year test at LWG in Veitshochheim., Austria.

Technical product data

Total nitrogen	50 - 150 mg/l
Phosphorous (P₂O₅)	50 - 150 mg/l
Potassium (K₂O)	150 - 300 mg/l
Salt content	max. 1,5 g/l
pH value	6,0 - 7,0
Dry weight	65 - 75 %
Density	ca. 700 g/l

Technical application test results

The diagrams which follow show results from an extensive series of pool tests carried out at LWG in Veitshochheim with different substrates, including both sand and pre-prepared pool granules, and their effects on water plants and the growth of algae. (Fertigteichgrund = plant compound)

The following plants were planted: Juncus effusus, Iris pseudacorus, Typha laxmannii und Myriophyllum verticillatum

Filter granules (Filter zone)	Plant granules, pre-prepared granules and coco flex husks	Pump technology(P) Skimmer (S) distribution unit (V)	Anti-Algae powder	Cover granules
Fast and controlled development of a long term active and stable pool biology	Encourages healthy and fast water plant growth	Purposeful cleaning of the water surface; extraction of macroscopic algae (P,S)	Fast removal of acute levels of algae in suspension and in strings by neutralising ammonia	Inhibits macroscopic algae in the shallow areas and the water lily zones
Permanent extraction of organic and dissolved contaminants	High capacity to absorb nutrients; also acts as a nutrient source	Optional base cleaner; silt trap which can be emptied by suction (P,S,V)	Promotion of mineralising and stabilising the biomass at the base of the pond	Optically attractive cover material
Defined absorption of phosphates	Optimal conductance and aeration	Controlled flow and distribution of water in the filter zone (V,P)	Increased effectiveness when introduced simultaneously with freeze dried micro organisms
Deterrence of the development of suspended algae and unclear water	Control of pH-value	Skimmer installed above the pool cover; Skimmer-level adjustable (S)
Control of biological pH-value		Optimal aeration of the filter zone biology (S,V)
Impedes the development of macroscopic algae on the layers and in the shallow areas		Low assembly and installation cost (P,S,V)