Due to its unique shape, the Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter is an extremely efficient, high capacity "biological" filter. Aquatic organisms excrete toxic ammonia as a metabolic waste product with additional ammonia produced as food and other organic matter breaks down and decomposes. This toxic ammonia (NH3) is converted to another toxic compound nitrite (NO2) by the Nitrosomonas species of bacteria. The nitrite is then converted to a relatively non-toxic compound called nitrate (NO3) by the Nitrobacter species of bacteria. This process is known as "nitrification".
A "biological" filter is a vessel where nitrification occurs and soluble waste is removed. Beneficial bacteria attach to the media within the Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter creating a thin film around the sand grains. Water is pumped up through the unit lifting the sand into a "fluidized bed". The beneficial bacteria attached to the media draw in dissolved wastes (ammonia and nitrite), oxygen supplied by Lifegard Aquatics' exclusive water fall device and other required nutrients from the passing water converting them to relatively harmless nitrate. The sand grains are in continual free fall through the water resulting in an excellent transfer capability between the liquid and the bacterial film on the media.
The enormously high surface area combined with this excellent transfer capability creates the perfect habitat for bacterial growth. In addition, the sand grains bump into each other frequently knocking off excess debris and providing a self-cleaning function which allows new areas for bacterial growth. The Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter has been tested and proven to supply the highest level of effluent water quality and will respond quickly and efficiently to severe changes in ammonia levels caused by over feeding or the addition of too many fish at one time. To obtain highest water quality a Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter should be part of the system.
Specifications:
- Tank Size: up to 300gal (1140L)
- Surface Area: 214ft2 (19.26m2)
- Dimensions: 3" x 7.5" x 17"
- Weight: 3lbs (1.35kg)
- Filter Media Included
Manufacturer Info
Lifegard Aquatics Aquarium Supplies
Lifegard Aquatics manufactures and supplies a complete line of aquarium, pond, water garden and aquaculture products for the advanced aquarist, pond owner, professional landscaper or contractor. Their proven quality products include life support systems for salt or freshwater use in large or small aquariums, outdoor ponds, fountains and water gardens, as well as fish hatcheries or other commercial installations. Lifegard Aquatic’s product line features filtration units, ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers, pumps of every conceivable size and performance, automatic fish feeders, digital thermometers, filter media, Fittings, valves and other support equipment required for maintaining indoor or outdoor installations.
Lifegard Aquatics FB-300 Fluidized Bed Filter
Reviews
ICHTHYOLOGIST
by
MICHAEL SZCZEPANSKI
Excellent!
Posted: 1/19/2013 from CRESTWOOD, IL UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I can't see an aquarium of size without one. I have a 900 for approx. ten years without a problem. When a power outage happens and the sand got into the center chamber I used to hose it through until I tried tipping the unit almost upside down with the inlet water running(mine is off a powerhead which makes this possible) and the pressure from the bottom pushes the sand through the chamber to where it belongs and a hard problem is solved very easily. Be careful to watch that the sand doesn't rise to quick then it flows into the aquarium, with practice it's easy. I love this filter it's maintenance free. I have never had a problem with it ever. The smaller model should be even easier if it is not plumbed together with PVC. That would be where the problem lies with this filter.
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
Great Product
by
Sigp29
Great
Posted: 11/29/2011 from WICHITA, KS UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I have this installed undertank in-line with my canister filter. Works great! My only issue is that it didn't come with the needed "T" fitting and control valve for my particular instalation.
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
Great!
by
LOREN JOHNSON
Great
Posted: 3/12/2009 from GIG HARBOR, WA UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I use it standalone and hang-on in a 160 gallon tall marine wall installation ( 2 sided view ). What a great device, so simple and effective, the filtration action cleans the media.... wow! I wish there were more quality in the body... I am on my 4th unit... all leakers eventually.
4 of 5 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
Rainbow Lifegard FB-300 Fluidi
by
KEITH FINK
Great
Posted: 1/20/2009 from SAN DIEGO, CA UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
The product performs as advertised.
When I purchased my first one 6yrs ago, it was for a 250 gal chilled salt water tank that went from freshly set up one day to having over 100 tuna crabs in it the next.
Needless to say, we got an immediate ammonia spike.
I purchased this product from a local store that day and within two days, the ammonia problem was gone.
My only complaint is that it isn't very robust--I have had to purchase three replacement units over the last 6yrs.
2 of 2 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
Rainbow Lifegard FB-300 Fluidi
by
EDWARD
Excellent!
Posted: 9/27/2008 from SIMI VALLEY, CA UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
WELL WHAT CAN I SAY.....THEY HAVE THE VALVE THAT COMES WITH IT SO IT DOESNT RETURN THE SAND BACK INTO THE AQUARIUM IF THERE IS A POWER SHORTAGE, THATS A PLUS....ANYHOW SO FAR SO GOOD,BUT IT TAKES A GOOD MONTH FOR THE BIOLOGICAL PART TO TAKE AFFECT, BESIDES THAT I GIVE IT 5 STARS ON PREFORMANCE AND EASE OF USE!!!
2 of 2 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
FB-900
by
GEIR KATO STOKKE
Excellent!
Posted: 9/9/2008 from SARPSBORG, NORWAY
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I have recived the filters yesterday, and was positiv surprised that sand followed the packed. After reading so much about these filters, I am lokking forward to use them. A couple of frends recommanded them, and the price in USA is a lot lower than in Norway, even when I had to pay for the freight.
4 of 4 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
DO NOT BUY
by
JACK JACOBUSKY
Unsatisfactory
Posted: 8/9/2008 from SAYLORSBURG, PA UNITED STATES
1.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I have purchased this about a year ago.It is a HUNK of you know what.If any sand gets into that middle tube you have to disconnect it take it outside to a hose to clear that middle tube.If you are like myself the power goes out & when it restarts that sand just flies into that tube.So unless you remeber to disconnect it you will be taking it out to get that sand out of the tube.I have had to do this about 8 times within the last year.So I have got fed-up & took it off the tank.
4 of 9 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
FB-300
by
JASON LA BOU
Excellent!
Posted: 2/11/2008 from Novato, CA UNITED S
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
This unit has worked well for me for 2 years. It is well constructed and thoughtfully designed. It generally never gets impacted. In conjunction with this companies UV sterilizer my mortality rate dropped to zero. If your thinking of getting this unit, it's not that much more to get the UV also. Setting them up is easy. Just remember to put the UV first and keep the flow on the lower side for exposure time. It's nice to have your fish die of old age.
12 of 12 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
Rainbow Lifegard FB-3
by
JONNE BERNING
Excellent!
Posted: 12/17/2007 from FORT PIERCE, FL UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I found this unit to be well constructed and came with all of the necessary hose clamps and hose fitting for a variety of tank installations. The unit is operating well and I am very happy and would recomend this unit.
5 of 6 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No
Very easy install
by
HOWARD PETERS
Excellent!
Posted: 9/20/2007 from LOS ANGELES, CA UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
Product was a snap to install! I have it outside my sump with 1/2" tubing returning water below sump level (no splash). Regulator controls water input by slight turns. My only regret is that I didn't buy the taller 900 model.
4 of 4 People found this review helpful, did you?
Yes
No