Aquarium filter unit equipped with a biological filtration chamber containing filter media

Abstract

An aquarium filter unit (10) comprising: a container (18) in which a filtration path (12) is defined between a water inlet (11) and a water outlet (17); pumping means (16) configured to suck water from an aquarium tank via the water inlet (11) and to return the water to the aquarium tank via the water outlet (17) after it has flowed through the filtration path (12); and at least one biological filtration stage defined by a biological filtration chamber (15) filled with filter media (1) through which the filtration path (12) passes; characterized in that the filter media (1) have a chip-shaped body and are made of a polymer material that is microporous at least in a portion of the chip-shaped body.

Description

Area of ​​registration

[0001] The present invention, in its broadest aspect, relates to an improved aquarium filter unit. In particular, the filter unit comprises at least one biological filtration stage implemented by a chamber internally filled with filter media.

[0002] The technical field of the invention therefore relates to aquaristics and more precisely to filter units for aquariums, preferably those intended for domestic use. State of the art

[0003] Prior art filter units typically comprise pumping means configured to suck water from an aquarium tank, convey it through a filtration path comprising one or more filtration stages, and return the filtered water to the same aquarium tank.

[0004] The filtration pathway typically includes a mechanical filtration stage, a chemical filtration stage, and a biological filtration stage.

[0005] The biological filtration stage comprises, in a manner known per se, at least one chamber filled with filter media. Such filter media, which in the prior art are usually represented by ceramic rings or noodles, or alternatively by porous sponges, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that convert toxic substances (ammonia and nitrites) into compounds (nitrates) that are less harmful to the aquarium's aquatic fauna. The nitrifying bacteria colonize the surfaces of the media, breaking down organic waste through the nitrogen cycle.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an improved aquarium filter unit that enables optimal biological filtration through the use of alternative filter media. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem described above is solved by an aquarium filtration unit according to the appended claim 1.

[0008] The aquarium filtration unit according to the invention uses biological filter media with a chip-shaped body made of a microporous polymer material that has been proven to be particularly effective.

[0009] Although similar filter media, as described above, have been used in various filtration applications, they are typically only partially submerged in water and allowed to move freely. In aquarium filters, however, the media is fully submerged and confined within a small chamber, restricting its movement. Previously, it was believed that these two factors would reduce the filtration effectiveness of such media, which is why they were not used in aquarium filtration systems. However, through extensive experimentation and contrary to established technical assumptions, the applicant has discovered that this type of filter media is indeed effective in an aquarium filtration unit.

[0010] Dependent claims 2-9 describe further advantageous features that can be implemented in the filtration unit according to the main claim.

[0011] Additional characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of an embodiment provided below by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aquarium filter unit according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the filter media contained in the biological filtration chamber of an aquarium filter unit according to the invention. Detailed description

[0012] In the accompanying figures, reference numeral 10 generally designates an aquarium filter unit according to the invention.

[0013] The aquarium filter unit 10 comprises a container 18 in which the filtration operations of a liquid flow drawn from the aquarium tank via a water inlet 11 and returned after filtration through a water outlet 17 are carried out; pumping means 16 configured to suck water from the aquarium and return it to the aquarium after filtration; and at least one biological filtration stage defined by a space or chamber 15 for biological filtration through which the water flows during its filtration cycle.

[0014] Preferably, a filtration path 12 in the aquarium filtration unit 10 runs through further filtration stages in addition to the biological filtration stage, which may include, for example, a mechanical filtration stage 13 and a chemical filtration stage 14.

[0015] The aquarium filter unit, which is Fig.The filter unit shown in Figure 1 is an external filter unit designed to be located outside the aquarium and connected to it via water circulation pipes. However, various types of units, such as a back-mounted unit (HOB unit) or an internal unit, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0016] The biological filtration chamber 15, which is preferably designed as a basket-shaped container with open walls allowing water to flow through, is filled with a plurality of filter media 1 designed to be colonized by nitrifying bacteria.

[0017] In a novel and particularly advantageous manner, these filter media 1 arranged in the chamber 15 for biological filtration have a substantially disc-shaped form and are made of a microporous, synthetic polymer, preferably polyethylene.

[0018] The filter media 1 therefore have a thin-walled, open structure.

[0019] In particular, each of these filter media 1 comprises a microporous surface in an inner section 3. The porous microstructure provides a large surface area for the growth of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, which are responsible for nitrification.

[0020] In addition, these filter media contain an outer frame 2, which is solid or non-porous, made of the same synthetic polymer, which defines the shape of the filter body and provides high mechanical strength.

[0021] Thanks to the microporous structure, the filter media 1 have a particularly large surface area per unit volume, in particular greater than or equal to 5500 m 2 / m 3 .

[0022] Preferably, these disc-shaped filter media 1 have a concave-convex design, which is produced in particular in the shape of an elliptical paraboloid.

[0023] Preferably, the filter media have a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm, more preferably about 30 mm.

[0024] Even more preferably, the filter media have a uniform thickness of less than 3 mm and more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 1.1 mm.

[0025] The filter media 1 may have a relative density lower than that of water, but may also have a relative density equal to or slightly higher than that of water.

[0026] These filter media 1 enable the surface area of ​​the filter body to be maximized, providing a large surface area for bacterial colonization even within relatively small volumes such as those of an aquarium.

[0027] The filter media 1 of the present invention may be freely released into the biological filtration chamber or contained in a mesh or perforated bag to facilitate their replacement.

[0028] It will be understood that, in order to meet any specific requirements that may arise, one skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations to the engine and manufacturing process described above, all of which are further included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Aquarium filter unit (10) comprising: a container (18) in which a filtration path (12) is defined between a water inlet (11) and a water outlet (17); pumping means (16) configured to suck water from an aquarium tank via the water inlet (11) and to return the water to the aquarium tank via the water outlet (17) after it has flowed through the filtration path (12); and at least one biological filtration stage defined by a biological filtration chamber (15) filled with filter media (1) through which the filtration path (12) passes; characterized by that the filter media (1) have a chip-shaped body and are made of a polymer material which is microporous at least in a portion of the chip-shaped body. [2] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the filter media (1) are made of polyethylene. [3] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the chip-shaped body which is microporous is an inner portion (3), wherein an outer frame (2) of the chip-shaped body is made of a solid polymer material. [4] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter media (1) have a uniform thickness. [5] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the filter media (1) have a thickness of less than 3 mm and preferably in the range of 1 mm to 1.1 mm. [6] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter media (1) have a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm, more preferably of about 30 mm. [7] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter media (1) have a surface area per unit volume greater than 5500 m 2 / m3 is. [8] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter media (1) are disc-shaped and have a concave-convex design. [9] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to claim 8, wherein the filter media (1) are manufactured in the shape of an elliptical paraboloid. [10] Aquarium filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the biological filtration chamber (15) is configured as a basket-shaped container with open walls.

Images