What Is Filter Media?

[bummen]

forgive me for asking which is probably a silly question, but I couldn't find anything on google.

What is filter media, how do I remove mature filter media (from an external filter) and place it into my internal filter? If that's even possible?

Thankyou for any help!

 

[the_lock_man]

It's the stuff that's in the filter, like the sponges, ceramics, carbon, etc.

It sounds posher to call it "media" than "stuff".

 

[moochy13]

as for removing it, i guess it depends what it is and what you're putting it in ?

will depend on how the internal filter is designed, whats in it at the moment ? generally a like for like swap is most normal. if the internal has sponges, you can take them out and cut to fit your external sponge, obviously putting a new sponge in the external to replace it. if the internal has some ceramic media, like the little bio-ring hula hoop things, and so does your external, just swap them over. the only thing is to make sure you leave enough mature media in your external so as not to impact its ability to filter the water.

what are the filters in question ?

 

[bummen]

ok thanks guys! Somebody on here suggested taking some media from my in laws filter (external, not sure what type) and placing it in my internal (tank maid 2000, with activated carbon and bio sponge. Just wondering how to go about this, as obviously I don't want to upset their tank!

 

[HayzH]

you can take 1/3rd mature media from a fully cycled filter without harming the bioload, always replace with new sponges so the bacteria have room to breed again. They "may" experience a mini cycle ...but they just need to keep an eye on their stats.
Lucky you having free mature media

 

[moochy13]

ok what you need is a chunk of your in-laws sponge the same size as your sponge, and simply swap them over.