Does It Matter How Thick The Filter Floss Is?

marieukxx · May 12, 2011

I put it in the bottom of my filter as instructed. But it's a bit thick, the sponge that goes in the filter was poking out the top so I had to squash it down a bit to get the lid on. Does this matter?

StandbySetting · May 12, 2011

Try to use a thin layer, it's only trapping fine particles so only a thin layer is required, if you use too much it will slow the filter flow down quite considerably.

marieukxx · May 12, 2011

I'll take it out again and take some off.

marieukxx · May 12, 2011

Just changed it to a thin layer.

anon02 · May 12, 2011

marieukxx said:
Just changed it to a thin layer.

If you look on ebay under filter media you can buy filter matting in bulk in thicknesses from 5mm to about 30mm very cheaply.
I think the company I used is in Merseyside, cost about a fiver for 10ish sq metres

marieukxx · May 12, 2011

I got mine on ebay a big bag of it but it's not sheets it's all fluffy like stuffing in duvet. So I just tore a bit off.

CrazyAirborne · May 12, 2011

I need to get some from ebay

Tizer · May 12, 2011

not sure why need need filter floss but dont leave it in there for too long as it will capture lots of small bits and eventually block the filter, take it out after a week and rinse it out in tank water and you can reuse it.

marieukxx · May 12, 2011

Tizer said:
not sure why need need filter floss but dont leave it in there for too long as it will capture lots of small bits and eventually block the filter, take it out after a week and rinse it out in tank water and you can reuse it.

I need it to catch all the little bits in the water

OldMan47 · May 18, 2011

Filter floss is not your main filter media, it is just used to remove the last traces of fine particles. If you trace the flow path through the filter, the thin floss layer should be the last thing in the path. Other filter media should be in front of it so that it does not plug up quickly. Most of my larger filters have 4 or 5 layers of materials before the floss and the floss gets plugged so slowly that I need only clean it every couple of months.