The filter in question is a magnum 350 canister filter with a retrofitted external pump (the unit was purchaced used and did not have the OEM pump). The unit is marked for use with diatomatious earth, however I do not plan on using this. What sort of bio filter media would you recommend for this filter? Thanks.
Bio media for Magnum 350?
- Thread starter QCppg
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I put a sponge prefilter on the intake and small lava gravel as the bio media. Rarely have any clogging if the prefilter is maintained regularly which I do since I hate taking Magnums apart.
Lava rock is good, and if you have a hardwater tank (like an african cichlid or livebearer tank) you can use very coarse crushed coral, or a mix.
I have seen people go to hair stylish supply store and buy a big bag of cheap plastic hair curlers (little plastic tube-thingies) but make sure they are pure cheap plastic.
I have seen people go to hair stylish supply store and buy a big bag of cheap plastic hair curlers (little plastic tube-thingies) but make sure they are pure cheap plastic.
You could also use EHEIM EhfiSubstrat. Total available surface area is 18,300 sq. ft per US gal. Of course, you can't fit a whole gallon in you Magnum but I believe it's the best thing you could use. Change 1/3 every 6 months.
The pre-filter seems like a great idea, it will prevent cloging of the media and extend between maintenance.
The pre-filter seems like a great idea, it will prevent cloging of the media and extend between maintenance.
I used the Efhisubstrate for a couple of my experiments, it is good stuff, but efhimech has a high surface area (although not as high as efhisubstrat), doesn't clog and therefore won't need to be replaced. it is also cheaper, it would get my vote. If you use the intake sponge, you won't have to rinse it with any frequency at all.