What to use as filter material?

[anark]

Hi,
I've got a aquaclear 200 and mini running in my 33gal

...currently I have 2 sponges,fine floss and biomax in each.

I was wondering what's the best ordering for my media?

I currently have floss, sponge, sponge, biomax.

this way...my floss gets clogged fast. Should I be using the floss after the 2 sponges to filter fine particles that get past the sponges? I have it this way currently because i guess it prevents the sponges from getting clogged.

suggestions?

thanks!
Allan!

 

[TonyN]

Yes, you definitely want to use the floss after the sponges. That way it's easier to take the floss out and clean it or replace it. Dont even touch the sponges untill you get a noticable reduction of water flow. Those sponges are chock full of good bacteria, so you dont want to disturb them untill you really have to.
Also you could use the blue and white filter material (cant remember the name of it), you find at your lfs. It will last longer between cleaning than floss.

 

[Hound]

By all means you should have your filter floss after the sponges. More than likely having your floss before your sponges is causing the floss to plug up considerably faster than it should.

I have a supply of Marineland bonded filter pad that is blue and white. I believe that is what TonyN is refering to.

 

[TonyN]

Yeah - thats what I meant. I had a senior moment there. Another thing you can do, is put a layer of 100 micron felt on top of the bonded pad. It really polishes the water, but you'll have to rinse it out every day or every other day.

 

[pucknut]

reply

in my 30 gallon tank, i use an aquaclear 300........i use sponge, filter floss, sponge....keeps the tank crystal clear...........i got the filter floss at walmart (1yd for $5.43, including tax)....i just cut it in strips to fit in the filter..and, i think u can even fit the biomax on top of all that.......the ups # of the floss is........2035352502412.......hope this helps