Scrubbie pads for filter?

[Taari]

I've heard a few people say that they use scrubbie pads as filtration media. Is this safe? What kind are ok to use? I have a Scotch Brite pad, type A Very fine, the deep red/burgundy colored one. Would this be ok to use as a filter pad?

 

[spencerguy1]

its basically a sponge. so, yes. you probably could, just make sure its super washed if its been used be fore.

 

[Taari]

It's brand new. I just wanted to make sure that it's safe because there might be harmful chemicals mixed in with the fibers or something.

 

[spencerguy1]

i dont think there would be any, but ive never used one, so im not the most reliable source. either way you should give it a good washing. i dont think u should use soap because that would take a long time to get all the soap out.

 

[BettaFishMommy]

these are the scrubby pads that people use in their filters:

 

[Taari]

Ah ha! Ok, that makes sense. thanks!

 

[BettaFishMommy]

no problem. quite often you can get a large package of these scrubbies at the dollar store. just be sure to rinse them really well before adding to the filter.

 

[Taari]

Looks like I will have to visit the dollar store then! I don't like the poly fiberfill because it seems to compress too much and really slow down the filter because it gets really clogged, same with the quilt batting, and this seems cheaper than buying a sheet of cut-to-fit filter pad. We've had good luck using furnace filter (not the fiberglass kind) in our pond filter, but I think that is also expensive.

 

[BettaFishMommy]

the pot scrubbies won't do the fine particle filtration that i think you are looking for. they are mainly for biological filtration and a bit of mechanical.

your polyester batting may be clogging too quickly due to it's placement in the filter. what is your filter media configuration?

 

[Khemul]

They can be used as biomedia. They arn't the most efficient though in a normal filter. They are better as a bioball replacement in wet/dry filters, rather then an underwater media. Not that they won't work submerged (I still use them in some filters submerged) but you seem to get the most out of them in a wet/dry environment.