Why does BRS recommend this?
Biological filtration is the number one key to a nice and stable reef tank, and anytime we can sneak in some MarinePure Biomedia into an All in one tank, sump, or even overflows we will. We have run density tests and they have proved to be more porous than any live rock we could find. They are a great base for sponge growth, microfauna, and even coral frags.
MarinePure is an inert ceramic material with open flow architecture, extremely high surface area and natural wetting properties. 5,750 square feet of surface area. Resistant to clogging and greatly reduces tank maintenance.
The media’s composition is similar to natural rock formations. MarinePure provides approximately 150,000 sq. Ft per cu. Ft (510 m2/L) of accessible surface area. The properties of MarinePure create a stable home for a dense population of beneficial bacteria that remove ammonia and nitrites from your aquarium. Some systems will also see a decrease in nitrates. MarinePure will work in sumps, trickle filters, wet/dry filters, hang on the back filters or directly in the tank.
- 100% Tank Tested
- Most technically advanced bio-filtration substrate
- High usable surface area for beneficial bacteria growth
- Open porosity means maximum bacteria exposure to contaminates and promotes excellent water circulation and less clogging
- Designed specifically to target ammonia and nitrite removal and minimizes nitrates
- Inert and chemically stable
- Greater than 80% open porosity
- Provides consistent water chemistry
- Reduces tank maintenance
- Able to support large fish loads
- Can be cleaned, reused and sterilized
Compare MarinePure Products
Surface area (per indvidual piece)
1½” Marinepure Sphere: 240 sq ft
2" Marinepure Cube: 720 sq ft
8"x8"x1” Marinepure Block: 5,750 sq ft
8"x8"x4”Marinepure Block: 23,000 sq ft
Spheres & Cubes
MarinePure Spheres are small, spherical filtration media for use in canister and similar filtration systems. Perfect replacement for bioballs. They are available in 1½” diameters spheres or 2" cubes.
• over 100 times the surface area per cubic inch than any other biomedia such as bioballs
• Stays wet during power outages or pump failure which will keep your nitrating bacteria alive
• Perfect area for copepods and amphipods to thrive and reproduce
• Wet-dry filters
Owners Manual| SKU | MarinePure Ceramic Biomedia Plates |
|---|---|
| Aquarium Type | Saltwater, Freshwater |
Write Your Own Review
Product Questions
How long will it last? Many of the reviews say it will turn to sand in months.
Question by: Dustin Head on Oct 21, 2019, 10:26 PM
Hey there!
They are very brittle but they do not turn to sand, I have kept the same ones in tanks for multiple years.
Take care
They are very brittle but they do not turn to sand, I have kept the same ones in tanks for multiple years.
Take care
Answer by: Thomas Billington on Oct 22, 2019, 4:35 PM
I'm currently cycling a new Triton tank and have heard that Marine Pure might not be the best choice for a zero water change tank (results in high levels of aluminum or other undesirable elements per some forum discussions I've seen). Have you guys found any truth to this and are you running Marine Pure on your BRS 160 Triton?
Thanks
Thanks
Question by: Chad Owens on Jan 19, 2018, 4:06 PM
Thanks for contacting BRS!
We have used this product in many of our tanks here in the office and have not seen any negative effects so far. There has been no conclusive data on whether or not this product releases a toxic level of aluminum into a system. We used to run it in that system, but it was removed to make room for macroalgae.
Have a great day!
We have used this product in many of our tanks here in the office and have not seen any negative effects so far. There has been no conclusive data on whether or not this product releases a toxic level of aluminum into a system. We used to run it in that system, but it was removed to make room for macroalgae.
Have a great day!
Answer by: Noah Winn on Jan 29, 2018, 10:36 AM
can the marinepure plates be cut to fit in a sump.
Question by: joe reagan on Nov 22, 2017, 10:03 PM
Absolutely! The marinpure plates are actually very easy to cut and any bandsaw, tablesaw, or even a hacksaw could probably be used to make a custom size/shape.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Answer by: Zack on Nov 24, 2017, 9:54 AM
Hi guys, I'm new at this so please forgive me if my question turns out to be a silly one! 100% inspired by Ryan I'm about to embark in a 300 gl reef tank based on the Triton method. Already built my tank and now need to design my sump tank. My question is as follows: Because of the Triton method, can my refugium consist only of 10 Marine Pure 8x4 blocks and no algae, no nothing else at all?
Question by: Armando Pacheco on Nov 5, 2017, 9:49 AM
Hey there,
The Triton Method utilizes a refugium with algae for nutrient control. Ceramic media does not remove nutrients in the same manner that macro algae does and couldn't be considered an alternative to a refugium. You could absolutely try it out to see if it will work for you, however to follow the Triton Method in its entirety you would need to follow their specific methodology which includes a refugium. :-)
The Triton Method utilizes a refugium with algae for nutrient control. Ceramic media does not remove nutrients in the same manner that macro algae does and couldn't be considered an alternative to a refugium. You could absolutely try it out to see if it will work for you, however to follow the Triton Method in its entirety you would need to follow their specific methodology which includes a refugium. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Nov 26, 2017, 10:33 AM
How much marinepure should I get for my biocube 32? I am primarily interested in the denitrification
Question by: Christopher Jameson on Jun 2, 2017, 1:33 PM
Marinepure media has extremely high porosity and resulting surface area, so it takes very little to provide the needed biomedia capacity. Even a smaller 2qt box of spheres would be more than enough. Unfortunately all the media can do is provide surface area, which is does well, but denitrification is something that does not occur very readily in most aquariums as the environmental conditions for this to occur are not easy to provide efficiently. Generally I wouldn't recommend purchasing Marinepure or any other media with the specific expectation of denitrification.
Happy reefing!
Happy reefing!
Answer by: Zack on Jun 8, 2017, 3:51 PM
Does the 8x4 block interfere with Zeovit system? I am currently using the marine pure block (8x4) and I am considering converting to zeovit.
Question by: Reza S on May 26, 2017, 3:31 PM
The Marinepure media will function much like live rock by providing surface area for bacterial colonization. While it shouldn't interfere with the Zeovit system, it's likely unnecessary as the zeolites take up much of the ammonia directly and provide an area for bacterial growth inside of the reaction chamber.
Happy reefing!
Happy reefing!
Answer by: Zack on Jun 5, 2017, 12:01 PM
Can anyone confirm that Marine pure releases aluminum in your REEF tank!
Question by: Matt Paul on May 25, 2017, 6:12 AM
This is a popular topic of debate over the last couple of years on public forums, and up to this point there have been no conclusive findings. We've actually be doing some research here at BRS on this very subject, but don't have any definite findings just yet. The issue is not only whether or not aluminum is leached, but whether it is toxic, and and what levels. This issue is mostly speculative at this point, and was raised because some people got their water tested and found elevated aluminum in their tank water, and suspected Marinepure blocks as the source. Whether or not they do leach, we don't know if this is an issue right now as we don't know toxicity, but what we do know for sure is that there are many, many successful reef tanks operating in the reefing community with Marinepure blocks, including several tanks here at BRS.
Happy reefing!
Happy reefing!
Answer by: Zack on Jun 1, 2017, 5:03 PM
Quick Question.
Would you guys prefer this media before or after cycling of a new aquarium?
Is there any difference on wheter i put it in now or wait til' the cycling period is finishe
Would you guys prefer this media before or after cycling of a new aquarium?
Is there any difference on wheter i put it in now or wait til' the cycling period is finishe
Question by: Alexander Lor on Jan 8, 2017, 10:37 PM
Great question! Either way will work just fine. I typically use them right from the start, so that they populate with beneficial bacteria with the rest of the tank. :-)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Answer by: Randy on Jan 10, 2017, 12:05 PM
I didn't do what the instructions said, all I did was rinse the plate for 1 minute. Am I fine? Also this thing is making lots of dust in my sump. Is that normal? My tank was recently setup.
Question by: Anthony Almirall on Dec 18, 2016, 10:18 AM
Great question! The purpose of rinsing is to remove those dusty fines that are in the block. If you have some left over after rinsing, you will be fine. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Dec 22, 2016, 6:25 PM
Hello BRS. I would like to put 2 of the 8x8x1" MarinePure blocks into my Emerald 39 Sump. I was thinking of putting them on edge standing up on the baffle between the skimmer and fuge sections, where the Trigger symbol is cut out. This would put some in a higher flow area and some in a low flow area. I am running about 4-5 x turnover through my sump with about 130 gallons of water in the system.
Question is, will these allow enough flow through the sump or will they block the flow through the Trigger symbol and cause the water to flow over the blocks?
Thank you.
Question is, will these allow enough flow through the sump or will they block the flow through the Trigger symbol and cause the water to flow over the blocks?
Thank you.
Question by: William Swartout on Dec 1, 2016, 2:23 PM
Great question! Ceramic media could be thought of much like adding more rock to your aquarium. With this in mind, as long as the media is in the water column it will be an effective place for beneficial bacteria to grow and colonize. With the location you are suggesting, you may find the media becoming clogged over time and impeding the flow through that section of the sump. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Dec 13, 2016, 8:44 PM
I want to purchase some MarinePure I have a 150 gallon tank would one plate be enough or should I
get a block, is there such thing as over kill?
get a block, is there such thing as over kill?
Question by: Richard Davis on Nov 30, 2016, 10:14 PM
Great question! Ceramic media like these add additional surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and live. These surfaces exist in both live rock and sand in our tanks. This media acts much like adding more rock or sand would. There isn't a point of overkill, nor a recommended amount per tank volume. As a reference point, our BRS frag tanks have (8) 8x8x1 blocks as it's only bio-filtration. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Dec 13, 2016, 8:38 PM
Can this material be cut or broken to a specific size?
Question by: Adam Bouziane on Nov 27, 2016, 7:59 PM
Great question! This material is very soft and very easily shaped to fit your needs! :-)
Answer by: Randy on Nov 28, 2016, 8:11 AM
I want to add a block to my system. I have a JBJ45 gallon AIO tank with a trigger systems cube sump.
Can I put marine pure in the center section of the JBJ or down in the skimmer section of the sump? I don't want to put it in the refugium section as I'm concerned about the size
Can I put marine pure in the center section of the JBJ or down in the skimmer section of the sump? I don't want to put it in the refugium section as I'm concerned about the size
Question by: Bob Escher on Aug 12, 2016, 2:38 AM
Thanks for reaching out to us! The great thing about these Marine Pure blocks is that they are pretty brittle and can very easily be shaped and cut to fit your exact needs! :-)
Answer by: Randy on Aug 16, 2016, 1:59 PM
Do you need to occasionally wash these down or clean them?
Question by: Mark Steffen on Jul 23, 2016, 1:15 AM
Hi there,
It is recommended that they get rinsed once every couple months however not completely needed. We like to rinse them in a bucket of old tank water every now and then to release any loose detritus that may be trapped.
Thanks for the question and have a great day!
It is recommended that they get rinsed once every couple months however not completely needed. We like to rinse them in a bucket of old tank water every now and then to release any loose detritus that may be trapped.
Thanks for the question and have a great day!
Answer by: Charlie on Jul 24, 2016, 10:54 AM
Is it best to cure the marine pure first and then seed it separately? Rather than just placing in in the sump? Or is either way good?
Question by: Curious on Jul 11, 2016, 8:33 PM
Thanks for the question, and you can really employ the Marine Pure Plates in any way that you wish. You could cure, and seed the plate first if you want to however in our experience, we normally will just rinse the plate in a bucket of RODI water to remove any dust and fines that will be in the block, and then simply just stick it in the sump or where ever it is intended to go. The blocks are ceramic and that means there is no fear of organic matter, and therefore no ammonia.
Answer by: Charlie on Jul 12, 2016, 7:41 AM
I am considering placing a bio block in my sump tank. How often and how to properly clean these blocks?
Question by: Dave on Jul 7, 2016, 1:42 PM
Hi Dave,
There are a few different ways and methods to clean the blocks. First of all if you have passive flow going around the blocks you may never need to clean them. We do suggest every month or so giving them a rinse to remove any built up detritus and other matter that will settle in the block. I personally will just fill a 5 gallon bucket during an water change and give it a good rinse while swooshing it around in the bucket. Then simply just placing the block right back where I took it from. Others like giving them a rinse in fresh salt water a bit more often but that is most likely just more work than you need to do.
Have a great day! : )
There are a few different ways and methods to clean the blocks. First of all if you have passive flow going around the blocks you may never need to clean them. We do suggest every month or so giving them a rinse to remove any built up detritus and other matter that will settle in the block. I personally will just fill a 5 gallon bucket during an water change and give it a good rinse while swooshing it around in the bucket. Then simply just placing the block right back where I took it from. Others like giving them a rinse in fresh salt water a bit more often but that is most likely just more work than you need to do.
Have a great day! : )
Answer by: Charlie on Jul 7, 2016, 2:13 PM
Is there any way to cut an 8x8x1 plate?
Question by: Evan on Jun 19, 2016, 5:24 PM
Sure is!
This is fragile enough to be broken by hand if needed, otherwise a simple hack saw can be used for an even cut.
This is fragile enough to be broken by hand if needed, otherwise a simple hack saw can be used for an even cut.
Answer by: Connor on Jun 21, 2016, 12:45 PM
I have read that MarinePure leaches aluminum into the water, i am going for minimal amounts of live rock in my DT. I would like to make sure that i have enough biological filtration in my tank by adding MarinePure to my sump. Have you heard of MarinePure leaching aluminum and what is your opinion on this? I am a big fan of BRS and really appreciate the information you provide, thanks in advance!
Question by: joe hall on Jun 12, 2016, 4:26 PM
Great question!
We have indeed see the posts on the aluminum leeching however to that we have used MarinePure for several years on every office tank without side effect. While the test may still be out we have not found a negative impact of Marinepure and still recommend it for supplementing the biological filtration. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions and we will be more than willing to help.
We have indeed see the posts on the aluminum leeching however to that we have used MarinePure for several years on every office tank without side effect. While the test may still be out we have not found a negative impact of Marinepure and still recommend it for supplementing the biological filtration. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions and we will be more than willing to help.
Answer by: Connor on Jun 14, 2016, 6:45 PM
I have a small sump but would like to place a 8x8x4 block on it's side rather than flat. Will this work this way?
Question by: Keith on Jun 11, 2016, 11:05 PM
Hey there,
These will of course work as live rock media and can be placed in any position. Just serves as surface area for the system to grow healthy bacteria.
These will of course work as live rock media and can be placed in any position. Just serves as surface area for the system to grow healthy bacteria.
Answer by: Connor on Jun 14, 2016, 6:06 PM
Does the Marinepure material absorb phosphates? I would like to add the Marinepure to my tank which has >5 ppm phosphates prior to removing my live rock that is loaded with phosphates. My challenge is that this is a 300g tank and I do not want to tear the tank down. Once I remove the live rock, my plan is to use your GFO.
Question by: Will on May 17, 2016, 8:02 PM
Great question! Marine pure will function with surface area just like live rock and does not remove phosphate. The marine pure will work in conjunction with the nitrogen cycle to convert ammonia and nitrite. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on May 18, 2016, 4:13 PM
Where did the cubes go?
Question by: Eric Kuchan on Apr 7, 2016, 10:27 AM
Great question!
I have included a link below to the Marine Pure cubes. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/marinepure-ceramic-biomedia-2-cubes.html
I have included a link below to the Marine Pure cubes. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/marinepure-ceramic-biomedia-2-cubes.html
Answer by: Connor on Apr 7, 2016, 10:36 PM
What is the weight of the 8x8x4 block?
Question by: Staci on Mar 30, 2016, 3:49 PM
Great question!
The large block will weight just under 3 lbs. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The large block will weight just under 3 lbs. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Apr 4, 2016, 10:23 AM
Can I cut the 8"x8"x4" block into smaller pieces? It's really a big piece and takes up a good amount of space.
Question by: Mills on Mar 12, 2016, 11:49 AM
Great question!
These can be cut using a hack saw if needed! Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
These can be cut using a hack saw if needed! Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Mar 14, 2016, 11:40 AM
Can the blocks be cut in a way that they won't crumble or fall apart?
Question by: Stace on Mar 12, 2016, 7:28 AM
Great question!
These blocks can be cut rather easily with items as simple as a Hack saw. Unfortunately they are still a little fragile with the amount of surface area and breakage may occur while cutting. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
These blocks can be cut rather easily with items as simple as a Hack saw. Unfortunately they are still a little fragile with the amount of surface area and breakage may occur while cutting. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Mar 14, 2016, 10:48 AM
Researching these blocks online one of the issues could be leaching aluminum causing coral health issues. Have you seen any issues with this?
Question by: Chris on Mar 11, 2016, 8:07 AM
Great question!
We have been using MarinePure in our systems for several years and many of us use them on our personal tanks. We have not found any issue from running the MarinePure. We have seen posts about testing showing a form of aluminum silicate however this has not impacted the health or growth of our tanks. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
We have been using MarinePure in our systems for several years and many of us use them on our personal tanks. We have not found any issue from running the MarinePure. We have seen posts about testing showing a form of aluminum silicate however this has not impacted the health or growth of our tanks. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Mar 11, 2016, 9:23 AM
Will this media have to be removed at some point for cleaning?
Question by: Billy Danz on Feb 24, 2016, 9:15 AM
Great question!
It does not need to be cleaned and can be left just as standard live rock would. However sometimes detritus and other elements can grow on it which may make cleaning nicer to keep the sump or area clean. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
It does not need to be cleaned and can be left just as standard live rock would. However sometimes detritus and other elements can grow on it which may make cleaning nicer to keep the sump or area clean. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Feb 24, 2016, 2:51 PM
I am thinking of getting an 8x8x1 plate of this to put in the back chamber of my AIO nano tank, but I don't think any of the chambers are big enough. Is it possible/adviseable to cut the plate down to size?
Question by: Mike on Jan 28, 2016, 2:30 PM
This certainly can be cut or broken!
There is no positive or negative to using broken marine pure, the surface area will remain the same. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
There is no positive or negative to using broken marine pure, the surface area will remain the same. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Feb 4, 2016, 6:19 PM
Its seem this product could be used as both a denitrification tool and a nitrification tool. So with that being said should we purchase two, one for a high flow area and the other for a low flow area so that we can take advantage of both of its abilities? I'm thinking of using this product in a new 90g build with a large sump. Please advise how you would set that system up using this product.
Question by: Jason Craig on Jan 28, 2016, 12:46 AM
Great question!
You can certainly use this in both high flow and low flow areas to create the different environments within the system! You can select 2 different plates in the different areas to attempt to achieve a low oxygen environment to help convert some nitrate into nitrogen gas. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
You can certainly use this in both high flow and low flow areas to create the different environments within the system! You can select 2 different plates in the different areas to attempt to achieve a low oxygen environment to help convert some nitrate into nitrogen gas. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Feb 4, 2016, 4:50 PM
I'm setting up a 300 gallon tank using 250 lbs of reef saver and 50 lbs of tonga plate for the display tank. If I wanted to add marine pure as a supplement for biological filtration to the sump would 1 8x8x4 be sufficient?
Question by: Christopher Peters on Jan 25, 2016, 10:51 PM
Great question!
From the Marine Pure site 1 block will be just perfect for you!
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-technical.php
From the Marine Pure site 1 block will be just perfect for you!
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-technical.php
Answer by: Connor on Feb 3, 2016, 12:39 PM
Do I need to cure this marinepure? Can I put it straight into my sump?
Question by: Fairway on Jan 14, 2016, 7:09 PM
Can I put this in my fuge with about 5 lbs of live rock on top of it and still be ok
Question by: Ryan Edmondson on Jan 14, 2016, 2:37 PM
Great question,
You certainly can add this into your refugium under the live rock. Depending on the placement the marine pure can work to replace the live rock as surface area for bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrate, or in low flow anaerobic environments can convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
You certainly can add this into your refugium under the live rock. Depending on the placement the marine pure can work to replace the live rock as surface area for bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrate, or in low flow anaerobic environments can convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jan 14, 2016, 6:30 PM
Maybe a good addition would be to list on the description is how many gallons the 8x8x1 slab is rated for? Same with the 8x8x4 and each sphere, obviously some live rock will need to be used in the DT, but if I only want a minimal amount, knowing how much marine pure I can use in place of LR would be helpful, surface area isn't helpful as the recommendation is in pounds of LR per tank size.
Thanks, love the services you provide, and I am following the BRS 180 diligent each week.
Thanks, love the services you provide, and I am following the BRS 180 diligent each week.
Question by: Joe on Jan 13, 2016, 11:31 PM
Hey there!
That is a great idea! In the meantime to help I have included a link to all of the information about tank size and marine pure size. It is divided by Nitrification (the same as live rock to convert ammonia to Nitrates) and Denitrification ( in an anaerobic environment to convert Nitrates to Nitrogen gas) Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-technical.php
That is a great idea! In the meantime to help I have included a link to all of the information about tank size and marine pure size. It is divided by Nitrification (the same as live rock to convert ammonia to Nitrates) and Denitrification ( in an anaerobic environment to convert Nitrates to Nitrogen gas) Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-technical.php
Answer by: Connor on Jan 14, 2016, 11:47 AM
The product description mentions I can place MarinePure plates below the substrate in my new tank. By using this method versus placing them in my sump, how much (if any) of the plates effectiveness am I losing?
Question by: Andre on Dec 21, 2015, 4:37 PM
Great question!
The performance will not change however the type of bacteria may change. With the buried media it will possibly harbor anaerobic bacteria which can convert Nitrate into Nitrogen Gas. If the media is left in a high flow area of the sump it will act just like standard live rock and harbor bacteria which can convert ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The performance will not change however the type of bacteria may change. With the buried media it will possibly harbor anaerobic bacteria which can convert Nitrate into Nitrogen Gas. If the media is left in a high flow area of the sump it will act just like standard live rock and harbor bacteria which can convert ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jan 6, 2016, 6:09 PM
I am looking to slowly trade out some of my rock in the display for marinepure in the sump to open things up a bit. Is there any ball park estimate on how many pounds of Fiji rock one of the 8x8x1 plates will replace?
Question by: wes on Jul 20, 2014, 12:35 PM
Hey Wes,
Generally speaking the 8x8x1 plate is enough surface area to handle a 100g tank on its own, so you should have the ability to remove quite a bit of rock. Just make sure to do it slowly so that the tank has time to adjust and the bacteria that are getting removed have time grow in their new substrate.
Generally speaking the 8x8x1 plate is enough surface area to handle a 100g tank on its own, so you should have the ability to remove quite a bit of rock. Just make sure to do it slowly so that the tank has time to adjust and the bacteria that are getting removed have time grow in their new substrate.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Jul 20, 2014, 12:35 PM
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