would this work? extra filter question

[euglossa]

When I got my used 75 gal tank there were two HOB power filters. I elected to buy a new bio-wheel filter, but I have thought about setting up one of the others for added turbulence and bio-filter capacity.

Can I set one up with a sponge in each of the two compartments? I don't feel a need for any more carbon/fiber pad cartridges than the two in the bio-wheel filter. Do I get a big piece and cut it to size? Would a bag full of bio-balls work?

Ellen

 

[Marinemom]

Extra filteration is always a plus. Yes, you can cut the piece to size to fit the filter and that should work out fine. When I think of bio-balls, I think more in terms of a sump which in most cases is not necessary for a freshwater set up.

Marinemom

 

[Rallysman]

Bioballs don't work well under water. I would stuff it with sponges or biomax

 

[H3D]

I have heard these work well:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4169&N=2004+113804

 

[garbon2535]

A sponge cut to size would be cheap and effective. They sells bags of coarse blue filter pads or fine white filter pads. They come in a huge sheet folded up or rolled. You can find bags for 3-5 dollars. Not bad considering how much Marineland gets for their Emperor or Penguin cartridge replacements.

 

[garbon2535]

I have heard these work well:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4169&N=2004+113804

As for substrate, I have tried several different brands and perfer Eheim. It might cost a little more but it lasts a long, long time and there is a lot of surface area for bacteria to grow. I don't think of HOB's as bio filters as much as mechanical filters anyway.