what media do u use in your aqua clear

[danski]

well after reading up im ready for my first carbon replacement and actually im going to remove the carbon from my aqua clear 20 and 50. i know some people use two sponges and then the bio max which is what im planning but i also had someone reccomend quilt batting for the top layer. just wondering what others do to keep cost down, bacteria up ,and water still clear. thanks

 

[freddyk]

Generally I use two sponges and the filter batting on top, though in the AC 500 there's only room for the two sponges. Seems like a waste of money to buy fancy medias when those cheap sponges are so effective in the first place.

 

[abstract]

i just use a single sponge and a handful of filter fiber (polyfill)....the sponge is porous enough to catch larger particles and hold most of the bacteria....the filter fiber which i change just about weekly is sooooo cheap (you can buy a huge bag about the size of 2 pillows for $2 US at craft stores - its used for stuffing pillows )....it has very small openings so traps almost all the other particles and helps retain the water quality...

in my penguin biowheel filter i just use the biowheel and a handful of fiber inside the main compartment - unfortunately if i put in too much it slows down the flow considerably and sometimes will even cause it to overflow if it gets too dirty

 

[danski]

okay(freddyk) so are you saying that all you use is two sponges and then quilt batting in place of the bio max? on top of the sponges? thanks

 

[abstract]

not gonna answer the question for him, but...

the bio balls just create more surface area for beneficial bacteria....IMO with the two sponges there is already plenty of surface area for bacteria, so he uses the quilt batting on top of that (in place of the bio balls), for added mechanical filtration (mechanical means it is physically removing debris from the water) as well as providing another refuge for benefical bacteria...the bio balls are more intended for bacteria growth than mechanical filtration

 

[danski]

much appreciated..thank you

 

[Gazoo]

I use:

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BioMax
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Sponge
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Sponge
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[freddyk]

What abstract said