Filter media expensive... Solutions?

A

alphahydrox

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Aug 23, 2007
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I have this power filter, whisper 30, and it seems that I have to change the media every 3 - 4 weeks because it gets nasty and water can't pass through. The problem is that the media is pretty expensive. The one I buy costs around 20 dollars and comes with 12 cartridges and you have to assemble it. http://www.aquariumpros.com/Merchant.../TET26164X.jpg

So I was wondering how you guys deal with this over time. Do you guys make your own media? Perhaps washing the spongy bag while help? How about using a normal sponge, the ones people use to wash dishes to filter the water?
 
well you don't have to throw it away. You just squeze it in a bucket of old aquarium water and shake it in the water to get the gunk out.
 
I never thought of that before. Lol. But those bags look terrible. I'll give it a shot next time water overflows the top of my filter.

Any more tips/advice/ideas?
 
I wouldn't use dishwashing sponges in your tank or filter. They can contain antibacterial and antifungal chemicals that can kill your fish and good bacteria. Rinsing and reusing the Bio-Bags multiple times is a good option, or put in a chunk of aquarium sponge, like what the Aquaclear filters use. You can get a big chunk and cut it up yourself to save a bit of money.
 
petsmart carries a filter fiber in a sheet like in a plastic bag for $3, just wrap it around those existing frames of you cartridge, thats what i use in all 18 of my filters, all different brands and it works out fine, its from HBH, brand, or any catalog has similar stuff or just use top fin brand petsmart brand, filters a little cheaper but will fit in whisper, top fin is actually made by whisper, at least thats what i've been told and they are very similar,.. and most brands similar to these,. "think out of the box" use your imagination...
 
Yes...it is expensive...

Mine are cheap...

I use a piece of nylon stocking (pantyhose, etc) over the filter frame. i don't run carbon unless I need it, so that saves me a lot of bux. just tie it off closely top & bottom...rinse well before putting in your filter box. I usually can get 8-10 filters out of a pair of pantyhose. Cheap or expensive hose works fine...OK if it's got a run in it too...cuz you are filtering 2 layers anyway. Does a fine job of water polishing. Rinse-able and easily replaced.

If you want something more sophisticated with carbon:

"Imagine" makes an exact fit replacement that is much cheaper than whisper brand...see www.petsolutions.com or your favorite retailer.
http://www.petsolutions.com/Imagine-Filter-Cartridges+I79277204.aspx
 
alphahydrox said:
The problem with the filter bags that I have is that they easy to rip after being weeks underwater.

P.S. Are these the sponge/foam you are talking about http://www.petco.com/product/13584/Hagen-AquaClear-Filter-Inserts.aspx

Are these sponges tougher, more durable, longer lasting, better filtering media than the filter bags I use?
Click to expand...


Yep, that's the stuff, but I just use the plain foam, not the carbon ones. It's definitely more durable than the Bio-Bags. I don't normally run carbon in my tank, but you could add some in a mesh bag if you wanted to.
 
How often do you buy a new foam? Is it hard to clean them?

By the way, great ideas guys. Can't you even use those filter paper for coffee? :laugh:
 
coffee filters aren't meant to be wet forever...they are made for ONE use... plus they wouldn't flow enough.

Why not try the pantyhose...even if you have to pick up a cheap pair at the dollar store...'natural' or 'nude' always seems to have less dye in it...less to rinse IMHO.
 
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