Characterstics/Functions
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 | 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
