Filter Media

[ddm18]

Hey, it seems, based upon my post about carbon vs peat, that not very many people use either (86 views, only 6 votes... ), so what DO you use? Just sponges and stuff like Fluval Biomax (random cr@p that gives a large surface area and therefore a good biological filter)?

Basically, I've got a Fluval 204 with one big sponge (mechanical filter), then half a layer of gravel (which I took from my tank when I switched from UGF to canister, just to give the biological filter a head start, and I haven't got round to replacing it yet), then 1 and a half layers of carbon, then 1 layer of Biomax. Do people think that this is espcially good or bad, and does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[BobK]

I've just been using the pre-made filter cartridges for my external power filters. These contain carbon. I don't know if I really need the carbon though. I use the cartridges well past one month so the carbon isn't really doing anything. I do weekly 25% pwc's so my water never smells and is always very clear.

 

[CFC]

In my canister filters i use 6 layers of different medias.

The first layer (starting from the bottom of the canister) is ceramic rings for mechanical filtration, second is a high tech pourous biological media (Eheim efisubstrat pro), third is a fine mechanical media, fourth is 2 sponges, fith is chemical media for removing nitrate (KENT nitrate sponge granuals) and lastly a floss pad for water polishing.

 

[SirMinion]

Martha's tank has a Fluval 404 which has the large sponge, then a layer of peat, then carbon then two layers of biomax. Then also on Martha's tank we have the Juwel jumbo internal filter with two grades of standard sponge, a carbon sponge and a nitrate sponge.

 

[andywg]

My 4ft community (soon to be stripped and rebuilt) has a fluval 204 with sponges, then ceramic mechanical filtration followed by two doses of fluval biomax.

My 6.5 gallon mini tank just has a fluval 1Plus

My 6ft community (when finally set up towards the end of the week) will have a custom made sump containg sponge, filter floss and biological media followed by a small denseley planted tank to help with nitrate removal.

Used to use carbon, but I go for planted tanks now so tend to leave it out in favour of more biological media.

 

[rvm]

Generally in my cannisters, I start with ceramic rings for coarse filtration, then use a sponge for smaller mechanical, then I use biomedia, either fluval, eheim, or biomax, then finish with a fine floss. I use carbon, or other chemical media last if I need it.
To me the most important part of the filtration process is the biological, so I always use at least 1 full basket for biomedia alone!!

 

[Kittycat]

I use a sponge filter, corner filters (with foam, ceramic rings and wool), and an overhead filter with wool, coarse foam, ceramic rings and zeolites.

 

[Fish Buddy]

Floss, then peat, then large porus sponge, then fine porus sponge, then carbon, then ammorex

 

[maestro]

In my eheim cannister i have a prefilter sponge on the inlet which works like a treat, it stops any large waste entering the filter itself and because its in the tank i just take it off and clean scrub it each night (takes 2 secs)

Since doing that the filter is so much cleaner, inside i have 2sponges in the bottom just incase any waste gets through, then a large amount of eheim substrat and a final layer of floss

 

[freddyk]

In my Aquaclear hanging filters I use double foam pads. In my Eheim Classic I use layers of foam pads and filter floss. In my Fluvals I use filter floss and the bio-rings that come with it.

 

[ddm18]

Hmm. 3 questions:
1) Two of you (I forget who) say that you use peat and carbon together - I was under the impression that this was a waste of time, because the carbon simply removes what the peat puts in. Is this not correct?
2) CFC this is probably thick, but what does "water polishing" mean?
3) CFC you talk about a "chemical media for removing nitrate", and Sir Minion, you mention a "nitrate sponge" - what are these? Do they work? Are they good? I've never heard of them, but am interested, because my nitrates are quite high.