Filter Wool

[doodleing]

Hi,
Filter is a Fluval 305.

Would you recommend putting fine filter wool in the top section now before I start a fish-less cycle or add it when the fish go in?

Also I don't intend to use the carbon bags that came with it. Would I therefore just add more filter media?

 

[DeadFish666]

Hi,
Filter is a Fluval 305.

Would you recommend putting fine filter wool in the top section now before I start a fish-less cycle or add it when the fish go in?

Also I don't intend to use the carbon bags that came with it. Would I therefore just add more filter media?

You want it now since that is where some of the bacteria will reside. For really cheap filter wool, you can use Poly-Fil (used as pillow stuffing or stuffed animals etc) from a hobby store or Wal-Mart etc. Same stuff as LFS and much cheaper.

 

[doodleing]

Cheers Deadfish666

Poly fil is a great idea

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

You can get it really cheap on ebay. I recent bought 7 foot by 4 foot for cheaper then I'd have got stuff that fits....the only thing is I need to cut it, but its not an issue

 

[KittyKat]

A polishing wool's primary purpose is mechanical filtration, so I would say it doesn't matter if you add it now or later as these are often just replaced when they get dirty, instead of being washed in old tank water.

I personally do wash it in tank water to keep the bacteria, but the bio media has more than enough bacteria to sustain the pre-filter and polishing sponges being changed given my stocking.

 

[TwoTankAmin18]

The longer you keep filter wool, aka floss, the less good it does. It is designed to remove mech waste which it does very well. However, it is an awful bio media due to the fact that is is such a good mech media. As the floss clogs up with debris, any bacteria in it will have less food and O getting to it, making it an inhospitable place for bacteria to live. Also as a mech media it is supposed to clog and thus it must be replaced or cleaned regularly.

I used to rinse the stuff out util I realized it was a waste of my time since replaciment is so cheap and easy. It is also available in different types. One is the more cottony type and the other is more of a fiber pad type. I prefer the latter as it can be cut to shape/size and works like a pad.

 

[3l3ctric]

I just wanted to say that I found this thread really useful. I use filter wool in my tank because the substrate I use releases a lot of little particles and the wool is the only thing that keeps it under control. But I've been afraid of changing it too much in case I throw out too much bacteria. It's getting rather unsightly though, so now I will feel better tossing it. Thanks