Could I Swap My Fluval U2, For A U4? Would It Be Too Big For My Roma 9

[trikidy]

Promise this is the last thing as im prob annoying you by now...

The fluval u2 comes with 3 slots, 2 are the same and 1 with them little "o"'s in (biological i think?)

the two that are the same, have a normal sponge ?? and the black slot in thing- which is carbon thing?

(I sound like a retard)

So if i replace the black slot "thing" from each, what do i replace it with? Just another sponge thing?
God ive confused myself.

like these
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-X-FLUVAL-U2-FILTER-SPONGES-NEW-/230495683765#ht_1114wt_698

Whats difference between normal sponge and poly sponge?

 

[soybean]

Poly sponge is finer than the normal sponges that you also add to that filter. It's for fine particles in the water, polishing etc. It's sewn onto the other side of those carbon cartridges in a really fine layer - not much of it!

Bottom line: don't buy any more if the fluval carbon cartridges. If you go to an lfs they'll have different sponges so you can see the difference between ordinary sponges and poly sponges.

In each dark blue plastic slot, have regular sponge (like you have already) and a layer of poly sponge where you would normally have the black slot in one. Just squish it in.

The light blue compartment is indeed for the little o's which provide bio filtration - these can be left in peace.

Does this help? Sorry if I've confused you more!

 

[trikidy]

thanks soybean

so cut the black thing to remove the small layer of sponge from it? then keep that in and add another sponge into each slot?

each slot would have 2 norml sponge and a layer of poly sponge cut from the black thing ?

 

[soybean]

No, but getting there - the amount of poly sponge on them is tiny and sewn on,really not worth cutting it off.

Buy separate, new poly filter sponges - if you go on ebay and search for poly filter, lots come up. People sell big bags of the stuff, unbranded, for a fraction of the price of what you pay now.

So each slot would have ONE normal thick sponge and ONE finer poly sponge - making a total of two of each in the filter overall.

 

[trikidy]

or would it be better to buy a new poly sponge, that is the same size as the normal sponge- the poly sponge from the black thing is pretty small.
What do you think?

 

[soybean]

If I wasn't using my phone internet right now I'd take photos of the sponges I mean and how they'd be laid out in the filter - I'll try do this later.

 

[trikidy]

post at same time!

finally i have got it! ahah


let me find a link to poly sponge and you just check it for me?

Merci

 

[soybean]

or would it be better to buy a new poly sponge, that is the same size as the normal sponge- the poly sponge from the black thing is pretty small.
What do you think?

Yes, see what I just wrote above

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Sorry. I have a U4. And the black carbon pads with a fine cotton are not worth having in there. What I'm going to do once my cycle has completed, remove both, place 2 sponges in them, and put some wool in with the o's as that is the last place the water flows through.

You should have the cotton wool type media at the end as it's only there to pick up the small amount of dust in the water

 

[trikidy]

This sort of thing?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Juwel-Aquarium-Foam-Sponges-COMPACT-Poly-Pads-x-20-/360240642999?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item53e003fbb7#ht_628wt_698

Layer of this and the sponge that comes with it in both slots?

cotton wool type media, is that the filter floss?

How much are you putting in with the little o's?

Yes soybean you have been good to me

If you could post a picture later would appreciate it, i think i get what you mean.
Do you agree with the filter floss going in with the little o's?

Also could you show me a link to where to buy decent filter floss and poly pads...hehe

 

[KittyKat]

More like this: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/260793592668

I would recommend against putting any filter wool/sponge/floss/whatever with the bio media (the little o things), they need good water movement around them as that is where most of the good bacteria live.

 

[soybean]

This sort of thing?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Juwel-Aquarium-Foam-Sponges-COMPACT-Poly-Pads-x-20-/360240642999?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item53e003fbb7#ht_628wt_698

Layer of this and the sponge that comes with it in both slots?

That's the stuff - keep looking though, I got a bag of fifty bits for much the same.

This also applies to the thicker sponge too you know - it is, after all, just sponge, there's nothing special about fluval branding it for the u2 other than it being cut to fit already. Shop around.

Remember NOT to throw out all your sponges already in the filter else you'll just crash your cycle - change over gradually over weeks, even a few months.

Also I agree to not put any floss/wool with the o's as they do need good water flow.

Forget filter wool was mentioned. I think you'll see a big enough improvement in filter function by just improving the poly sponge situation.

 

[trikidy]

Yeah i know not to throw them out

And what do you think of the one Kitty posted? It says for pond but im guessing its all the same?

Good price though!

 

[soybean]

Yeah i know not to throw them out

And what do you think of the one Kitty posted? It says for pond but im guessing its all the same?

Good price though!

Very good price. Yep, it is all the same stuff. The only reason I've never bought a massive roll is lack of space to store it, but it does mean a bargain.

You can buy big sheets of the thicker sponge too. You can easily be set up for at least a year for not much more than the cost of a couple of month's worth of branded stuff.

 

[trikidy]

Just to finish this off for me....

a layer of this
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/260793592668#ht_1548wt_698
In with the standard pads, which are these
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-X-FLUVAL-U2-FILTER-SPONGES-NEW-/230495683765#ht_1114wt_698

would be better filtration than what i have with the black things?



Kitty, do you know where to buy a roll of the standard sponge too?

Thanks for the post, just bought some!