Filter maintenance question.

[Malak]

I have an eheim 2217 filter and I was wondering if some of you folks were putting anything else in the canister besides the coarse blue pad, white pad, black (carbon) pad, ehfimech (little tunnel beads) and substrat (white brownish beads)?

I've heard of people adding things for clearer water etc... I'd like to get some tips. It's the white cotton thing you see at pet stores?

Also, my 55G tank has been running since July, running with the stock since mid august and I've been cleaning my filter medias in tank water from time to time and I was wondering what to change. I know I have to change only one part at a time so what is best to start with? Black, white, blue pad?

Thanks!

 

[cheizy]

As for clearing up your water, that is what your carbon is for..to give crystal clear water and clearing up meds.. As far as im concerned, you never change your bio-media, unless it is falling apart. And for your polish pad, just rinse it clean with water, you dont need to throw it away unless its breaking down. I recommend a product from seachem (which is what i use instead of carbon) to make your water SUPER clear, purigen, do a quick search up on it, good results. Good luck.

 

[Philgo]

In my non planted tank I have a sponge pre filter over my inlet which is washed every water change. My pro 2 filter has a blue sponge at the bottom, white filter wool pad at the top and it's filled with efhi substrat pro. It's serviced 2 or 3 times a year and the wool pad is renewed at those times. I did originally have the noodles in he bottom, I've been very pleased with the results since they have gone, much faster flow rate and crystal clear water.

 

[Malak]

I got some purigen and thebag to help this out, good idea?

 

[Malak]

I got a 250ml bottle of purigen and 'thebag'. It shipped today I should receive it tomorrow or wednesday. Can I use the whole bottle in a 55G? They say that 100ml treats 100G, anything bad can happen if I use the whole bottle instead? (in my mind it'll just longer and filter more, right?)

Also, when I install this in my canister, I put it at the top (last thing that touches the water before it goes back in the tank) right? And lastly, do I leave my white pad (filter floss) in there even with the purigen?