Fluval Media

Eric86

AC Members
I have a Fluval 403 (ancient) and it came with BAGS of carbon... could I just put lose carbon in place? They are in there own seperate compartment inside of the filter, so I doubt it will do any harm:)
 
I'm not sure, but Hagen must have had a good reason for the bags. It would have to be rinsed first, and then make sure the water flow isn't able to force it out of the compartment. You could buy one of those media bags with the tie top and just use it over and over, but replacing the carbon as needed. Or use a piece of pantihose as a bag.
 
why do you need carbon at all? it's not a neccesary item in most cases. fill the chambers with floss or something productive. that's all i ever do with my 404's. 2 chambers of biomax on top and then 2 chambers of floss on the bottom (for lack of something better to put in them).

just for the record tho, to answer your question. the "bagged" carbon is a fluval product. if you buy or open their little box of carbon you might see something that looks familiar. i think this is their idea of pre-measured doses to make it eaiser at filter cleaning time. another thing is, these bags will degrade eventually and when they do, yuck! i had this happen before, it makes a serious mess. in the x04 series the bag is pretty neccesary, the carbon is too fine to just go in there by itself. it will get thru the slots.... maybe the cheaper carbon wouldn't because of a larger particulate size tho.....

good luck
 
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