Nature Works in Aquariums and Aquaculture

Faunia case study, previous water condition, using silica sand

Replacement of traditional silica sand filter media with Nature Works filter glass

Water quality is the decisive factor for the health, productivity and sustainability of aquatic systems, whether they are domestic aquariums, commercial facilities or aquaculture farms. Nature Works offers technical, health and environmental advantages that make it one of the best options available on the market.

A particularly illustrative example is the trial carried out at Faunia, one of Spain’s leading zoos, which served to validate the effectiveness of the filter media under real conditions.

Faunia is home to complex aquatic ecosystems with a high density of living organisms. In this context, the technical department decided to replace traditional silica sand filter media with Nature Works filter glass. The aim was to measure the impact on water clarity, biofilm formation, resource consumption and animal welfare.

The results were clear:

Greater transparency: after replacement with Nature Works, the water achieved a significantly higher level of clarity, reducing turbidity and suspended solids.
Less biofilm: the micro-polished surface of the glass prevented bacterial colonisation to a greater extent than sand, which reduced biofilm accumulation and improved system hygiene.
Animal welfare: carers noted a positive impact on the overall health of fish and other aquatic organisms, thanks to the improvement in water quality.
Resource optimisation: backwashing frequency was reduced, resulting in water and energy savings. In addition, filter maintenance was easier and less frequent.

This case study demonstrates that, beyond laboratory data, Nature Works provides tangible benefits in demanding facilities where stability and biosafety are priorities.

Filtration performance and water quality with Nature Works

Water clarity in aquariums and aquaculture is not only aesthetic, but essential for oxygenation, bacteria control and algae prevention. Nature Works achieves very fine filtration, capable of retaining particles down to 1 micron according to studies conducted by IFTS laboratories.

The calibrated particle size and polyhedral particles with polished edges prevent compaction, keep microchannels open and allow for a more uniform water flow. This translates into more effective solids retention and stable performance for years. In addition to a notable reduction in biofilm accumulation and proliferation, one of the main problems with silica sand in this application.

Reduced operating costs

One of the greatest benefits for aquarium and aquaculture facilities is operational efficiency:

Fewer backwashes → water savings.
Lower pressure loss → energy savings in pumping.
Reduced chemicals → less need for flocculants and disinfectants by reducing biofilm and contaminants.

In recirculating systems or large volumes of water, these advantages represent considerable savings and a direct impact on economic and environmental sustainability.

Durability and easy maintenance

Unlike silica sand, which loses effectiveness over time and requires periodic replacement, Nature Works filter glass maintains stable performance for decades.

Hygiene and biosafety

The proliferation of biofilm and bacterial colonies is one of the major challenges in aquariums and aquaculture. Nature Works addresses this problem with:

Smooth surfaces that hinder bacterial adhesion.
Less accumulation of toxic compounds derived from organic matter.
Reduction of pathogens and less need for chemical treatments.

This results in greater biological safety for fish and sensitive organisms, and a reduction in health risks in intensive facilities.

Result after replacing the filter medium with Nature Works

Environmental commitment

Nature Works also offers ecological benefits:

Made from recycled glass and fully recyclable.
Produced in facilities powered 100% by renewable energy.
Reduces environmental footprint by decreasing water, energy and chemical consumption.
Does not contain free silica, avoiding risks to operators and the environment.

This makes it an option that is aligned with the principles of sustainability that are increasingly shaping the agenda for aquariums, aquaculture and zoos.

Certification and endorsements

Finally, it is important to note that Nature Works is the only filter glass in the world certified according to the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standard, an international benchmark for the safety of water intended for human consumption.

This endorsement ensures that the product does not release contaminants or heavy metals, offering an additional level of safety in facilities where organisms that are highly sensitive to water quality coexist. The certification, together with the success story at Faunia and other references in aquariums and zoos, consolidates Nature Works as a trusted filter medium for critical applications.

Nature Works combines efficiency, durability, biosafety and sustainability, characteristics confirmed both in technical trials and in real-world tests, such as the one carried out at Faunia. The benefits observed — greater water clarity, less biofilm, resource savings and animal welfare — make it the best alternative to traditional media and other lower-quality glass with poor calibration control.

Backed by its international certifications, Nature Works is positioned as a robust, cost-effective and safe solution for aquariums, aquaculture and zoos, where water quality is synonymous with life.

Success Stories

UNIQUE QUALITY

Glass Filter Media Certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 for drinking water

Nature Works Glass Filter Media, the flagship of the company, is exclusively made from contaminant-free virgin glass, making it the only product that fully complies with the high standards of quality and safety set by the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standard, the most demanding in the field of water filtration for human consumption.