View Full Version : 'fiber-fill'?
125gJoe
12-21-2002, 11:10 AM
Is the polyester stuff at craft stores the same stuff at LFS's for filter fiber? Seems like it's more $$ at LFS's...
pinballqueen
12-21-2002, 1:19 PM
It isn't the same stuff. The stuff at the lfs is a lot stiffer and coarser than the stuff that goes in quilts. From experience, when the quilt stuff gets wet, you have fuzzy stuff in your water. (I found this out when trying to wash a spilled coke off of the quilt batting I was getting ready to put into a blanket....)
Go ahead and spend the extra money.
I use 100% polyester fibre-fill from Wal-Mart or any craft store all the time and can't see any difference between it and the pricey LFS stuff. Check the bag to make sure there are no fungicides and that it's just plain polyester, not bonded... "hypoallergenic" usually means there is nothing in it but fibre-fill. Never had a problem with fuzzy stuff in the water, I just rinse it before I put it in.
pinballqueen
12-21-2002, 4:11 PM
Well, color me educated! That's a good tip!
JamisonBWolsh
12-21-2002, 4:14 PM
Plus save you TONS of money .... and we all LOVE that.. No debate there...
There may be different kinds, and some may be more dusty or linty than others, which is why I rinse it, but I've never had any problem with the ones I get (cheapest I can find...) If you want a brand name let me know and I'll go look at the bag I have :) (too lazy to walk downstairs...)
sparky7
12-22-2002, 6:41 PM
Yes, please tell us what brand you use, everylittle bit helps....
The bag I have now is "Sunburst" fiber-fill.
JamisonBWolsh
12-22-2002, 7:42 PM
from walmart?
redwing
12-23-2002, 6:17 AM
I've used the brand Soft Touch (poly-fil supreme) for several months with no problems. Got it from Michael's.
undertow
12-24-2002, 3:02 AM
I use Poly-Fil by Fairfield. It is SO much more economical than the LFS floss. I haven't noticed any particles in the water either.
It's such a great value, too. 20oz. for about 2 bucks!!! VIVA Poly-Fil!!:D
JamisonBWolsh
12-24-2002, 8:00 AM
Are you using this floss in the empty cartridge provided with the emperor? Sounds like a great deal... 20 oz for 2.00 at walmart. Better then paying what they want for the emperor cartridge pads.
Quesion: The empty cartridge does not "snap" togethor really easily.. can you use a Rubber bad to tighten it close or is a rubber band bad for the water?
Tiger15
12-24-2002, 8:12 AM
There are different kind. Those packaged in bags from Wallmart and craft shop are softer and they do come off in fluffy stuff. Craft shops like JoAnne Fabric in my area sell stiff Polyester Batting in big rolls cut by yard that are no different from pet shop padding. They come in different thickness from 1/4 to 1/2 inch and I always buy the thinnest 1/4 inch batting. For mechanical filtration, there is no need for great thickness because once the surface is clogged, the rest of the thickness is useless. I just trash it because it's not worth to clean it for less than a nickel per piece. For my Whisper, I wrap the pad over the bioframe and clip it. For my Penquen, I clamp the pad inside the filter box I purchased separately.
morleyz
12-24-2002, 8:52 AM
Jameson -
A rubber band wouldn't be harmful, but it will weaken very quickly in the water. When I crammed stuff into the extra media containers in my emps, I just tried to hold it together while I shoved it into the slots...and let the slots hold it together.
JamisonBWolsh
12-24-2002, 11:02 AM
Originally posted by Tiger15
Craft shops like JoAnne Fabric in my area sell stiff Polyester Batting in big rolls cut by yard that are no different from pet shop padding. They come in different thickness from 1/4 to 1/2 inch and I always buy the thinnest 1/4 inch batting. For mechanical filtration, there is no need for great thickness because once the surface is clogged, the rest of the thickness is useless. I just trash it because it's not worth to clean it for less than a nickel per piece. For my Whisper, I wrap the pad over the bioframe and clip it. For my Penquen, I clamp the pad inside the filter box I purchased separately.
This pad sounds interesting.. what do you ask about Dies/perfumes/alergey free? do you know the name of that stuff..I have a Jo-ann's near me...
The other stuff from walmart does seem very easy to get out of the cartridge.
Tiger15
12-24-2002, 8:27 PM
The stuff is called "Polyester Batting" which you will find big rolls in JoAnne Fabric. I have used the batting for years and if there is anything toxic, I would have known it long time ago. When you use the batting substitute, make sure you have a good seal on the edge or else water will bypass the padding. Marineland has the filter box that you can open up and clamp down on all 4 sides of the padding. Whisper comes with the bioframe which you can fold the padding and clamp on top. For AC, you can wrap the padding around the foam as a prefilter.
wetmanNY
12-24-2002, 8:37 PM
It's important to note that you avoid "cotton/poly" batting and go for 100% polyester. "Hypoallergenic" always means free of perfume, etc.