Filstar XP media...

[BettaFishMommy]

instead of buying the expensive media at the lfs (big al's or wherever), i would go to a craft store, walmart, zellers, etc and get a big bag of the polyester batting. just make sure it says 100% polyester and doesn't have any anti-mildew agents added. a big bag should cost way less than the stuff from the lfs, and you know what? it's the exact same thing as filter floss.

 

[ChrisK]

Well that set up is completely different from your first post. That's all I had to go by at the time. When you say "micron pad" as you did it's only natural that I would think you were usings Rena's stock micron pad which definitely should be the final mechanical stage, unless of course you're using their SuperMicron pad, or a fine filter felt. The second description is indeed the correct way.

I see...meant the foam pads...sorry for the confusion

 

[tarquin375]

I see what your asking, the Rena "Foam Pads" are worth the investment IMO, you never have to replace them just squeeze them out every now and then I would not use floss in there place. I run big al's floss at the top of the filter to catch anything the foam pads leave.
I use these from rena http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752394
I use big als floss in the place of this http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752395&keepsr=0&clickid=prod_cs

I've used the foams since I got the xp3s. So then, the Big Al's floss is pretty much the same thing as the Rena Micro pads as far as "fine-ness"? How thick is the BA floss?

 

[fishorama]

Floss is just a big bunch of fibers. I just grab a handful & pull it into the shape I want, trying to get the thickness fairly even. Quilt batting comes in a bed size roll 1/4-1/2 inch thick but isn't as dense as a purchased Rena pad. It flattens out some with water flow so I use a couple layers.

 

[ChrisK]

I've used the foams since I got the xp3s. So then, the Big Al's floss is pretty much the same thing as the Rena Micro pads as far as "fine-ness"? How thick is the BA floss?

The big al's floss is thicker than the rena floss

 

[tarquin375]

Thanks ChrisK

 

[ChrisK]

welcome