Filter Media

mostlycichlids

mostlycichlids

Cichlid Specialist
Apr 27, 2006
2,664
3
38
New Mexico USA
www.freshwatermadness.com
Real Name
Paul
I use hob filters and I was wondering if there is anything else I can put in them besides the carbon cartridges. I have cell pore media in most of them for bio filteration. The others have sponges for bio filteration. Do I have to keep the carbon? I know I need mechanical filteration to keep the bio filteration clean and trap particles but I dont think carbon does much.
 
I haven't used carbon in years. It can be useful if you need to remove something specific like medicines but ultimately carbon lasts maybe a week and then is dead and really justa spot for bacteria to grow. I use sponges in my HOB and internal filters and sponges and ceramic pieces in my canister. Soemtimes I buy some filter floss to "polish" my water and get the fine particles out.
 
I use a Purigen 100 ml. w/ mesh bag on my HOB. This media can be regenerated. There is more information about this product on some older threads/forums on this website.
 
That's really the beauty of these filters...you can put anything you want in them to suit your particular needs...I use ceramic pieces, sponge, and filter floss...rarely carbon, except for occasional clarifying or med removal....various other media bags or materials can be used to suit your needs, like phosphate removers or peat...have fun!
 
I use a fine-pored mechanical filter media from Drs. F+S. It's 100 micron (= 0.1 m) pore, so gets the water very sparkling. I bought a huge roll of it from them and just cut out the size I need. I rinse the old ones when they get full of gunk and replace if they're just too clogged and my HOB's start back draining into the tank. That roll will last me forever and it only cost $7!
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4353&N=2004+113808

I'm going to try the cell pore media you recommended in another thread. It seems like it would be better than the BioFoam I have now (more surface area).
 
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