Where To Buy Filter Media?

[karawr]

Hello,

I recently bought a used rena xp2 but it didn't come with any media and now I'm at a loss as to where to buy for the best price.

I can get the ceramic rings locally but they are expensive and was wondering if there is a cheaper online option?

My main problem is I can't find the sponges for it. And what's the difference between 20 ppi and 30 ppi? Which is better? How many sponges should I get? They are sold in 2pk I was thinking get 4 and the rest ceramic rings??

Unfortunately I'm not in the UK so those shops aren't useful to me. I'm in Canada.

Thanks!

 

[Hermithall]

PPI just refers to the pores per inch within the sponge. Use any filter sponge you can find to fill your filter chamber, whatever's the best bargain from your LFS, ebay or wherever - then cut it to shape if it's too big or use more than one piece if you find some sponges that are too small, it really doesn't matter. All you're aiming to do is provide material with a large surface area for your water-cycling bacteria to live on. I've even heard of people using household nylon cleaning sponges and such likes with success, but I'm not in the habit of recommending non purpose made aquarium products and wouldn't go down that route myself. If you can't find purpose made rena sponges and end up with something different, avoid over packing it into your filter, as good water flow through the sponge is critical for healthy bacteria.

 

[coldcazzie]

EBay? You don't have to use branded stuff, just whatever you can get. Pond filter media is usually reasonable cheap, and if you by stuff like floss in bulk it works out cheaper too (ie, a whole roll that you jst cut yourself instead of pre cut pads).