CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
Let me add that I do own 2 type stack-basket filters the Fluval 4040 and now the SunSun 302. The 404 I have never been able to get to filter effectively without major bypass, the reason is the side sponge section that doesn't work letting massive amounts of water to bypass and the 1/8" gap around all the baskets which also allow allot of bypass no matter what the media basket config. Of course this doesn't serve me when Im trying to sell my 404's, but I have to be honest.
The SunSun because of its tight basket config not allowing bypass plus is short stout large surface area basket config (as apposed to tall and skinny), this and its incredibly reasonable price make it an overall great filter.
Having said all that, because the SunSun filters from the bottom up I have to be careful how I configure media. starting with the bottom where water comes in I place porous media like rings, lava rock, or balls, this so that the water has a chance to quickly get started in the basket path without initial restriction.
The second from the bottom basket I place my polishing media but never batten or solid woven media because it tends to block and clog prematurely due primarily to the limited surface and footprint of the single basket which can in turn clog the rest up the line. What I use in the 2nd or middle basket is expanded Poly wool because Poly wool (as opposed to Poly batten) is high volume but low density. Low density still catches allot of debris through its entire volume but still allows flow of water much better then high density. However I sandwich this Poly wool between two tailor cut pieces of Blue/white bonded pads so that the Poly cannot mat when filthy and strangle flow through the bottom and top basket strainers.
The last and top basket I once again use porous media to allow the top motor pump enough free floating water for pick up back to the tank without restriction, usually carbon bags with rings underneath to allow better flow and keep carbon bags from matting against the basket strainer.
The SunSun because of its tight basket config not allowing bypass plus is short stout large surface area basket config (as apposed to tall and skinny), this and its incredibly reasonable price make it an overall great filter.
Having said all that, because the SunSun filters from the bottom up I have to be careful how I configure media. starting with the bottom where water comes in I place porous media like rings, lava rock, or balls, this so that the water has a chance to quickly get started in the basket path without initial restriction.
The second from the bottom basket I place my polishing media but never batten or solid woven media because it tends to block and clog prematurely due primarily to the limited surface and footprint of the single basket which can in turn clog the rest up the line. What I use in the 2nd or middle basket is expanded Poly wool because Poly wool (as opposed to Poly batten) is high volume but low density. Low density still catches allot of debris through its entire volume but still allows flow of water much better then high density. However I sandwich this Poly wool between two tailor cut pieces of Blue/white bonded pads so that the Poly cannot mat when filthy and strangle flow through the bottom and top basket strainers.
The last and top basket I once again use porous media to allow the top motor pump enough free floating water for pick up back to the tank without restriction, usually carbon bags with rings underneath to allow better flow and keep carbon bags from matting against the basket strainer.
