Order Of Filter Media In All Pond Solutions External Filter 2000 L/h

[blagger]

Sorry this maybe a stupid newbie question. Am in the process of setting up a Cichlid Aquarium and recently bought an All pond Solutions External Filter 2000 L/H (media comes with it). What I need to know is the order I need to put the filter media in.

The flow of water goes from bottom to top and then back into the tank. There are four media trays that sit on top of another.

http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-filters/external-filters/aquarium-external-filter-2000-l-h.html

Am I correct in saying it is this order (from bottom to top)

1. Fine Filter Foam (x8 sheets)

2. Bio Balls - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-accessories/filter-media/bio-balls-x-40.html

3. Ceramic Bio Rings - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-accessories/filter-media/ceramic-bio-rings-400g.html

4. High Grade Activated Carbon - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-accessories/filter-media/high-grade-activated-carbon-400g.html

When I first opened the filter up it had 2x sheets of fine media filter in each tray and then another type of media on top of it.

Also on the packaging it states the Bio Balls neutralise the PH level, so do I need to put them in because I know African Cichlids prefer a higher PH.

 

[the_lock_man]

I would say don't use the bio-balls, if it's going to prat about with your pH, especially if you want a specific pH for cichlids. Also don't use the Carbon, keep it for when you need to remove old medication from the water.

The order I have in my filters is

1) Coarse sponge
2) Ceramic bio-media (I have noodles, you have rings)
3) Fine sponge.

 

[blagger]

Ok nice one. Need to get hold of some coarse sponge then.

 

[Tizer]

1. Fine Filter Foam (x8 sheets)

2. Bio Balls - http/www.allpondso...balls-x-40.html

3. Ceramic Bio Rings - http/www.allpondso...rings-400g.html



top to bottom

filter wool
fine sponge
fine sponge

fine sponge
bio balls

fine sponge
ceramic rings

Fine sponge
ceramic rings


thats how my two tetratecs are setup, with 4 trays.

 

[blagger]

Thanks Tizer. I have got so much media (the tank also has a top filteration system which came with double amount of media), I may as well use it!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Also on the packaging it states the Bio Balls neutralise the PH level, so do I need to put them in because I know African Cichlids prefer a higher PH.

Wow, completely missed this point on my two APS2000EF filters. How big a pH drop have others noticed using the bio balls and in what volume of tank? This might explain the ~0.2 pH (to ~7.8) lower value in my 48x12x15 compared to my other tanks, when I was thinking it was the bogwood.