Filter Media Layering

[ALEXF]

hello, i have a question and hopefully someone will be able to help.

I have penguin 350 filters with bio wheels. Well each of the 2 filters has four slots to insert cartiages. And instead of wasting money on carbon ive decided to use these....

http/www.petdiscounters.com/c314/Penguin...tpn7tmu13ktgdp3

now right now my filters are full of other and im planning on moving them to one of the filters and using four of these in the other.

Now my question is what should i fill them with and in which order should they be. Im thinking the top closest to the out put to put the filter pad type stuff, and in the one of back two maybe some little bio balls, or fluva biomax ceramic cylinders, and leaving the other backone open incase i need to use carbon for something? does that sound like a good plan? and in the right order???

thanks ill be checking back in a few hours to see what you think until i get to work tonight which ill be on constantly.

 

[ALEXF]

so four hours and noone has any ideas?

 

[ALEXF]

ok so after reading... ive found in canisters, it normally goes mechinical (sponge) bio (ceramic rings) the mechinical again... but if i only have to slots.... ummm help please?

 

[jourdy288]

I think you should go biological, coarse mechanical, biological, fine mechanical. That should work.

 

[ALEXF]

ok but the four slots that i have are two on the right, and 2 on the left side of the imprepllor. so should i go bio, mechianical back to front on both sides then? if than makes sence???

 

[jourdy288]

It should alternate between bio and mechanical.

 

[ALEXF]

i have 2 slots.... water should go through bio first is what your saying correct? im pretty sure your right as thats what i originally said of ow i was planning on doing it but im going to have to wait for a more credible source. no offense but the fish eye surgury thing you just said made me question you a bit. I really do appreciate your input thou as your the only one who has responded in.... 6hrs. thanks

 

[jourdy288]

Oh, sorry, just a joke, but yes, bio first.

 

[ALEXF]

http/www.fishforums.net/content/Beginner...r-Filter-Media/

just found this. Very good info, most of which waterdrop and a few others helped me with a week or 2 ago, but it also gave me reassurance as to order. Thanks for replying.

 

[andywg]

For the most effective filtering you go mechanical then biological. Any mechanical after biological will cause the biological to get clogged up with mechanical waste and have reduced efficiency as biological media. In theory you go from the coursest to the finest mechanical filter media before your biological.

 

[pastabake]

I agree with andy ... otherwise your biological will be doing all the mechanical and you'll be constantly needing to clean it.
The website gives a clue ...

Features three stages of filtration to maintain a clean, healthy aquatic environment. First, the Penguin filter cartridge mechanically traps dirt and debris. Second, the premium activated carbon removes odors, discoloration, and impurities. Lastly, the extra-large Bio-Wheel eliminates toxic ammonia and nitrite on contact before returning the water back to the aquarium.

 

[jourdy288]

For the most effective filtering you go mechanical then biological. Any mechanical after biological will cause the biological to get clogged up with mechanical waste and have reduced efficiency as biological media. In theory you go from the coursest to the finest mechanical filter media before your biological.

Ah yes, that makes sense. I do think, though, that coarse biological could breakdown particles. Ammonia will result, though, so extra bio is important.

 

[Tobigara]

are you using the actual bio-wheels on both of the filters? if you are then you have plenty of biological filtration and hardly need more. if i were you i'd pack those things with more and better mechanical filtration.

 

[andywg]

Ah yes, that makes sense. I do think, though, that coarse biological could breakdown particles. Ammonia will result, though, so extra bio is important.

Or, as I do with my trickle towers, take a mains pressure shower to the mechanical media every time you do a water change. It is mechanical media so killing bacteria doesn't matter and by getting the solid matter out frequently there is less waste breaking down.

 

[ALEXF]

are you using the actual bio-wheels on both of the filters? if you are then you have plenty of biological filtration and hardly need more. if i were you i'd pack those things with more and better mechanical filtration.

actually yes i am, each filter has 2 biowheels, so your saying i should pack them full of foam, or some similar material?