22 JAUBERT system

The JAUBERT system is a passive biological filter and a further development of the Deep Sand Filter and can be controlled.

The sand bed consists of fine sand and has a layer height of at least 10 cm. There is a grid in the upper part. It prevents digging animals from penetrating into deeper layers. Underneath the sand layer is a water-permeable barrier layer that allows a water-filled plenum below the sand.

Over time, organic matter and bacteria penetrate the soil layer. The bacteria break down the organic matter using oxygen, creating anaerobic conditions in deeper layers. Here, bacteria can also break down organic matter, but due to a lack of oxygen, they consume nitrate.

If the organic matter load rises too high, zones with hydrogen sulphide formation can be prevented by pumping very small amounts of water from the plenum into the aquarium water. The water that flows in from above through the sand prevents the formation of hydrogen sulphide. Controlling the system is not easy and therefore we cannot recommend this method for beginners.