Americo has been the prime manufacturer of nonwoven biological and mechanical filter media for the U.S. pond and aquarium industry for over 28 years. We are truly dedicated to this industry and are proud to be an integral part of the growth and awareness of healthy ecosystems of ponds and aquariums.
Poly-Flo Filter Media Products
Our filter media, a component of skimmer, waterfall and aquarium systems, is integral to promoting a healthy ecosystem for ponds and aquariums. Our Poly-Flo Biological filter media has been designed to contain high surface area for beneficial bacterial colonization, resists clogging and channeling, is durable, long lasting and UV resistant.
Our Mechanical filter media is designed to trap debris while allowing a high volume of water to pass through. Our material is tested by an independent bioassay lab to make certain it is non toxic to fish.
About Poly-Flo Filter Media
What is Mechanical Filtration?
Mechanical filtration simply entails the removal of unwanted particulate and detritus from pond water by trapping particles in a closely-woven filter media until the particles are removed from the media by cleaning…much like an air filter. Mechanical filtration is highly efficient, and will trap all but the smallest particles, but this same high efficiency requires the pad to be cleaned at more frequent intervals due to clogging. Poly-Flo’s FM-SP is an example of a mechanical filter media.
What is Biological Filtration?
Biological filtration entails the removal and/or conversion of pond solids, along with chemical wastes such as ammonia and nitrates — by different strains of bacteria which feed on them. Ammonia and nitrites can be extremely toxic to fish, and these various bacteria eventually convert both to nitrate, which is less harmful to fish, and is readily utilized by aquatic plants. Biological filter media provides a more open density or “weave” in order to allow for the free flow of water, while simultaneously providing a high surface area for the bacteria to colonize and “scrub” the water as it passes through. (see surface area specs) While biological media will act as a barrier to larger particles, its primary function is to provide colonizing habitat for beneficial bacteria. In some systems, a mechanical pre-filter is also used in conjunction with a biological filter. Poly-Flo’s FM-JC & FM-JC-2 are examples of biological filter media.
Toxicity Testing
Poly-Flo’s toxicity tests were performed on our black filter material by BioAssay Lab (formerly Guardian Systems Leeds). The lab ran acute and chronic toxicity tests using standard EPA protocols. This test organisms were fathead minnows (Pimephales) and water fleas (Ceriodaphnia). Our products exhibited no adverse effects on the survivability or reproductive ability of either organism.
Eco Impact
Americo’s goal is to produce products that perform to the highest standards while leaving the smallest possible impact on the environment. Americo has been manufacturing filter media with 100% recycled fibers for well over two decades.
When consumers receive filter media form Poly-Flo, they will know they have a quality product while reducing mankind’s impact on the environment. Being good stewards of the environment is simply our corporate responsibility—and it’s what sets us apart from other manufacturers.
Inspiring Examples
Floating Island
This affordable, DIY project provides an insight into alternative methodology on island construction. Below shows the process on how to create your own floating island.
