DIY media for AC 50

[jpappy789]

What do you guys all use for media? I switched from using an AC 20 to 50 so the established, standard media doesn't take up all the basket space. I'm wondering what are some good materials to use...thanks!

[Just Prince]

Lava rocks. CWOgunner uses it and posted about it.

[fish-n-chips]

I buy bulk filter floss from petsmart, Probably cheaper at ken's or big al's though. For bio., I put spare ceramic rings in a media bag. For a cheaper bulk route, You can always buy a bag of volcanic rock from one of the big hardware stores. There is alot of porous surface on those, if you can find them small enough for your filter. or get some aggression out beating them down to size with a 3-5 lb mallet!:duh::D

[jpappy789]

I think I'll try some filter floss since I'm actually looking for more mechanical filtration...given that I've transferred the inhabitants on a 15 to a 30 today I don't think I'll be needing more bacteria space.

[cellodaisy]

I've put all kinds of things in my AC 300---regular foam, carbon in a pantyhose foot, filter floss, plants... I found that filter floss tends to break up and get into the tank if I don't contain it somehow. I made a bag out of some nylon mesh from one of those shower poofs and that worked pretty well.

[dundadundun]

poly fill, poly quilt batting, poly crib batting (tighter weave), micron filter pad bought in a large sheet and cut to size, lava rock, ceramic rings, leca, sump filter block cut to fit, soon... floor buffing pads (since i can get several grits for cheap and layer them).

i did not like the lava rock. i found it to be inconsistent in quality due to a chemical smell. especially on the bags sold for grills. the ones sold for gardens weren't as bad but the grain size was greatly inconsistent and pounding netted the same results, but smaller.

can't think of anything else, but there's more... mostly in the trash long ago, though.

[dundadundun]

oops... for an ac50... nvm

[fishorama]

I just use 2 sponges, sometimes with floss between for fine stuff or crushed coral in pantyhose to up the KH

[jpappy789]

Haven't gotten around to anything but will need to soon since I've increased my stock quite a bit.

I've been skimming some threads on other forums concerning the filter floss material you can get at crafts stores and walmart but I'm confused as to what is safe and what is not.

Some people say so long as it is 100% polyester is is fine, others say to make sure it specifically says "hypoallergenic"...so what should I use? I just want to be cautious.

Also, what is a good DIY media then more specifically for housing bacteria? I'd like to stay away from any aquarium name brand if possible.

[Kashta]

For replacement media, I just use polyfiber (pillow stuffing). It should say it's 100% polyester. Not sure about the hypoallergetic labeling though. IMO that's just more marketing buzz than anything else. Don't get one that says it's flame retardant though for aquarium use because that would be chemically pre-treated with something.

[jpappy789]

Yeah, that was also part of the discussion I was reading. Thanks!