Opinions on Filter Media

Hello Everyone, Im sure this has been discussed before, but what do you prefer to use as filter media?

Currently I am running 2 Emperor 400s on my 125. I have just been using the Rite-size E cartridges. I think I want to use the extra media containers that came with the filters either in addition to the cartridges, or by themselves. Any suggestions as to what combination I should use? And what I should fill the media containers with? Also, are the Rite-size E cartridges worth it? I have ideas but wanted to know what you all use.

Thanks!

-Charlie

I use Purigen and my water is remarkably crystal clear. I also use micro fiber water polishers. No carbon (purigen replaces it). In addition to those just bio material and foam.

I don't run carbon or any other extra filter media and haven't for at least 5 years now on any of my tanks. I think it's a waste of money. With the emperors I just cut my own filter bags using stuff from the pet shop that comes in bulk rolls (blue filter bag material). Cut it to fit, and rubber band it around the old black plastic filter cartridge (cut off the original filter bagging material).

You don't have to buy the crap marineland wants to sell you. AFter you buy the filter you basically never have to spend any more money on their "specific" stuff ever again.

The bio-wheels provide plenty of nitrifying bacteria in addition to the aquarium substrate - I never mess with these until they don't spin - and then I just clean the wheel axles with a brush.

I spray out the bags every few weeks for almost a year it seems before I replace them.

Change 20-30% every week or two weeks -- whatever I get around to. I haven't had any issues.

-------------------------

If you want extra bio-media, stuff some leggos or something in the gray cartridges that come with the emperors....though you certainly don't need it.

If you want more mechanical filtration, you could stuff some quilt batting materials from a craft shop in them and plan to change them frequently.

Edited by Gene2308, 25 January 2010 - 01:09 PM.

Thanks for your replies. So I can probably get away without any chemical filtration? I was thinking that because I have turtles in the tank as well, I might need to use some ammonia neutralizing product, or maybe an ammonia neutralizing and carbon mix. But if it isnt really necessary Id be happy just letting the biowheels and some filter floss do the rest, and stop paying for the packaged cartridges.

I agree that chemical media are not the best way to go, especially if you don't mind spending a little extra effort on tank maintenance. I feel that a lot of specialty filter media costs a lot more than it's worth.

Three things you can do to deal with a big bioload: increase mechanical and biological filtration, with larger or additional filters; remove waste before it breaks down via substrate vacuuming and frequent rinsing of mechanical media; and increasing size/frequency of water changes.

Also, consider phyto-filtration. Most biofilters rely on bacterial action alone, but plants and algae are also effective waste removers and can be incorporated into your tank in many different ways.

I like to cut my own filter media from bulk, too. I rarely use carbon. Usually a great big water change will take care of anything.

I was thinking that because I have turtles in the tank as well, I might need to use some ammonia neutralizing product, or maybe an ammonia neutralizing and carbon mix. But if it isnt really necessary Id be happy just letting the biowheels and some filter floss do the rest

Your biowheels are an ammonia neutralizing product, at least in the sense that they are designed to colonize nitrifying bacteria which convert it to nitrite - then nitrate. Just let water run over them and don't mess with them (i.e. - don't try to "clean" them and kill off all your bacteria) and you won't need anything else.

Also, consider phyto-filtration. Most biofilters rely on bacterial action alone, but plants and algae are also effective waste removers and can be incorporated into your tank in many different ways.

Absolutely! I would love to run a planted sump with a huge strip light and duckweed under my tank. You would probably have to dose nitrate into the tank it would be so effective.

Poret foam is excellent biofilter media. Thats what Eheim and Hagen filters use. In USA you can get it in sheets 2" or 4" thick and 10 or 30 pores/inch from swisstropicals.com in Ohio. It's stiffer and much longer-lasting than foams sold for cushions or packaging, and easy to cut with a sharp knife. Make your own permanent filter inserts and never buy disposable cartridges again.

If you're keeping turtles, then I would upgrade to something more substantial than a biowheel filter. I've been keeping them for quite a while, and I've just never been happy with the performance of the hang on back filters once the turtles get a little size on them. They work fine for small turtles, but trying to keep up with the mess largers ones make seems to take large canister filters or some sort of custom sump overflow set up.

I always just run a good bio-media in my canisters with some sort of mechanical media. If I end up needing carbon or some special chemical media for some reason I usually toss it in a filter sock and throw it in the canister on a temporary basis.

Edited by Clayton, 26 January 2010 - 11:17 AM.

Thanks for all the replies! Im sure glad I asked before I stocked up on cartridges and carbon.

I have actually been thinking of adding a canister filter in addition to the Emporer I had before I added the second Emporer. I still think It couldnt hurt to add a canister in addition to both Emporers. Ive been thinking about the Magnum 350 that comes with the Bio Wheel Pro 60. Its kinda expensive for me tho. Im sure I could get a used Magnum, but does anyone know how easy it is to find the Bio Wheel Pro 60 or 30? And how easy would it be to hook up a Bio Wheel 60 to a random canister filter? Im not familiar with canister filters at all.

Adding a mag 350 would be fine if you want to. Honestly your two emperors are just fine, but if you want the extra water polishing or movement - more power to you. The mag 350 I always found to be very quiet and easy to prime, but I hated the o-rings and the rubber bands that clamp the tubes when you first install them....they're kind of a pain.

I don't think you need a bio-wheel with a canister filter. If it has the right media in it, it will be a great biological filter.