filtration-fluval and media questions.

Jadis

Jadis

AC Members
Jul 24, 2005
177
0
0
portland, OR
soo ok ive asked a while ago, but i got 2 filters, 304 and 404 for cheap. the 304 was brand new, bought only for the hose.

i only needed the 404 so it didnt matter. welll now after waking up on my birthday and realizing there was a 135 gallon tank sitting out side my room.
i now need both. and well i am missing a hose for one.
and pricing one out in pieces makes me realize why that guy bought a new 304 for the hose...
does anyone know where i could find the whole hose (aqua-stop, intake, output lock-nuts ect?) for less than $60?

also, im finding buying media for both filters rather painful (as this month i am also investing in a pressurized CO2 system, heaters, sand ect)

so got any alternatives to those ceramic chips? i need to start seeding a filter before my huge tank is ready for my fish.

thank you.
 
big als doesnt have all the parts i need, and the ones they do have will cost me near $45 plus shipping....
as for the ceramic chips, i know one box is about $6 and i need 4.

im just trying to cut costs where ever i can :) this thing is such a monstrosity that costs of lighting and decorating are killing me :)
 
The best place I have found to get parts for a Fluval is PetSolutions. This link will take you right where you want to go.

http://www.petsolutions.com/Fluval+304+Parts-I-15520140-I-.aspx

They have everything (except impellers, which are generally on backorder) and are pretty inexpensive. I think you should be able to get everything you need for $35+ S&H (figure around $10-$12 for S&H). The Hose Elbows are currently on BO there, but you can get by w/out that if need be.

As far as media goes, I buy all my Carbon, Peat, etc in the bulk containers from PetsMart. It is much cheaper that way. True, it doesn't come in the nifty little media bags, but that is easy to remedy. Just go to the store and get some Cheese Cloth or any breathable fabric without dyes in it, cut it to size, put your media in it, and then tie it up with a bit of string. Tada!!! Instant media bags for cheap!!

For the ceramic chips, I would recommend finding some small volcanic cinders like the ones they put on the highways when it snows. These will work the same as BioMax or whatever other ceramic chips you can buy and will cost you just a few dollars for a couple of pounds (assuming you actually have to pay for them). The important thing is to have a material that is porous and rough enough for the beneficial bacteria to be able to grow on effectively. You can also use them as a prefilter.

Hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom