HOB Bio-Wheel filter Questions

[SayersWeb]

I have several of the Marineland HOB bio-wheel filters. I've noticed that a couple of them channel a little bit of water down the "overflow" channel even when the filter cartridges are removed. Is this normal?

What do people use in the extra media baskets?

I've been rinsing and reusing cartridges until they are worn and then replace with new ones. I've heard mention of using sponges instead. Any particular sponge that works well?

[Captain Hook]

Don't remember where I saw it but there was a good article with pics on saving the catridges and using filter floss. In it they cut the sponge off the catridge, empty the carbon and attach cheap filter floss with elastics.

I have a Penguin 330 that I have had for a couple months and have just been using the original 2 inserts. I have a third I will use then probably try the floss method. I'm also wondering what people put in the media baskets. I haven't tried using anything yet.

[Cearbhaill]

I have crushed coral bits in one media basket to raise my KH. Other than that I use filter floss in them.

I use the "rubber-band-floss-to-an-empty-cartridge" method and it works very well. I buy bulk floss from Big Al's, pre cut a bunch of squares, then just toss the old one and band on the new one once a week.
I also have replacement cartridges from Wal-Mart brand filters- they fit my Penquins and are a bit cheaper than Marinelands. I use a "real" cartridge now and then just because I have them.

[SayersWeb]

Thanks for the replies. I may add a little peat to the 330's extra media containers to bring down the KH a bit. I have bio-balls and carbon in them now... neither of which makes much sense, but the bio balls shouldn't hurt any.

Walmart cartridges, ehh? Is that the 330 you are using them in?

[Captain Hook]

I just bought some cut-to-fit pads for the media baskets. I thought I would try adding them. One is an ammonia remover and the other is for phosphates. Also have to see if I can stop the impeller from rattling :mad:

[Cearbhaill]

Walmart cartridges, ehh? Is that the 330 you are using them in?
Yes- they are identical.