Homemade Filter Pad

[LyraGuppi]

I fold a piece of thick quilt batting up with some activated carbon inside it to use as a filter pad. Anyone else heard of this/ done it?

 

[RRaquariums]

I use cotton filling in one of my diy filters and it works great.

 

[fluttermoth]

Loads of people do it

 
Just be very careful as some batting (and cushion/pillow/toy stuffing/fillers) is treated with a flame retardant, which is toxic to fish. Personally, I buy a big roll of proper filter floss (well, I bought one roll; I've still got most of it left!), as I don't have to worry then.

 

[ADW1988]

Loads of people do it

 
Just be very careful as some batting (and cushion/pillow/toy stuffing/fillers) is treated with a flame retardant, which is toxic to fish. Personally, I buy a big roll of proper filter floss (well, I bought one roll; I've still got most of it left!), as I don't have to worry then.

 
I have a Marina S15 (I think) filter with cartridges (which Marina try and get you to change EVERY MONTH!!! as a cash cow - hehe) where the ceramics etc are with the floss held together on a plastic cartridge...
 
I've seen people make their own filters with the casing and sponges with the ceramics inside.. If I was to cut mine open, how would you suggest making my own
 
ie the components,
if I keep the ceramics wet, will the good bacteria remain
would you use sponge - I've heard it's more durable than filter floss?
 
Apologies if you're not familiar with this filter type..
 
ps sorry Lyraguppi tagging onto your post

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, your good bacteria will survive, if you keep the media wet.
 
Sponge is a very good home for bacteria (floss isn't) and it doesn't need replacing (floss does!). Floss is really only there as a mechanical media, to physically remove any fine particles from the water. You only need a thin layer of floss, somewhere in the filter, if you use it at all; not everyone does.

 

[ADW1988]

Yes, your good bacteria will survive, if you keep the media wet.
 
Sponge is a very good home for bacteria (floss isn't) and it doesn't need replacing (floss does!). Floss is really only there as a mechanical media, to physically remove any fine particles from the water. You only need a thin layer of floss, somewhere in the filter, if you use it at all; not everyone does.

 
thanks very much, most helpful..
 
I'm planning a mass re-structure of my tank, but don't want to do too much at one time...
 
You learn new stuff everyday about keeping an aquarium.. is great

 

[LyraGuppi]

Okay, thanks! Just didn't know if this method was safe. Thanks again!