Aquamanta Efx300 Help Please..?

[shepherd88]

Hi guys i bought an aquamanta efx300 from my local maidenheadaquatics and i think im right in saying its rated up to 300 litre tanks with a 1200lph flow rate...guessing this is without media so its going to be less in reality......
So firstly is it more than sufficient for my 180 litre tank im guessing?

Next the media in it has bio balls.( guessing they just catch large debris as they are just plastic balls)
Then a blue thick sponge pad....next is this white rock type stuff....then a carbon bag...next a phosphate foam pad and then finally a wool pad....

Now alot of people mention dont use carbon....im wondering why and if i remove it what should i put in its place in the media tray
Thanks jake

 

[Tuxyu3]

Sounds like it should be sufficient. Bio balls are where the bacteria live. The most common thing carbon is used for is to move medication so it would be wasteful to use it up when there is no need as it will eventually stop adsorbing (in case any eagles are watching- you know who you are!) chemicals. I think I would be tempted to either leave the space empty (flow won't be blocked) or replace the cargo with more filter wool or bio balls.

 

[MBOU]

The filter is perfect for the size tank

I have found (and others) that the black bioballs rattle a bit without a sponge on top of them so if not already there.... move a sponge on top of the bioballs!....

Personally, most people i talk to keep carbon, phosphate pad and wool pad in the top tray (they are the ones that need changing more regularly). And biomedia (white ceramics and black bioballs) with a sponge or two on top in the trays below. This is also how i run my EFX1500U and its great

That said, a lot run filters without carbon/polywool/phosphate pad and the filter will work just great if you swap them for more of the blue and black coarse and fine foams that dont need replacing all the time.

Depends on the tank... i use carbon as even after 4-5 months soaking and nearly the same again in the tank.... bogwood is still leaching serious tannins!! But also plants make water very green..

I dont use phosphate pad as my plants use phosphates in heavily planted tank... but without plants.... id use it...