Help with Filter Media (Fluval 405)

[-=Jeff=-]

This is my first Canister system..

I am getting ready to fill my 50g but wanted to figure out what media to use

According to Fluval I have the sponges on the side and then 4 compartments. 2 Have BioMax and 2 have Carbon, is this okay to start with?

Also I wanted to use some media from my sons tank to seed my new tank. Question is where do I put it?

(he has a 10 Gal with Aqueon Filter) so I would cut the media off the plastic mount to put it in the Fluval. I think it would go with the BioMax but wanted to check

 

[jcolon]

Skip the Carbon ... only really needed if you need to remove meds or tannins from the water. I have 100% Poly-fill on my bottom tray, carbon in my middle (added it before I joined AA ... by now it's become part of the biofilter) and Biomax in the other 2 trays in my 404.

Don't bother buying any water polishing pads ... Poly-fill works just as good for less than 1/2 the price for a 20oz bag that'll last you months.

Any media from your son's tank can be stuffed with the biomax.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Poly-fill like what you stuff pillows with?

So poly fill in bottom.. Bio max in top 2.. then leave the other middle empty?

 

[jcolon]

Yep .. just like pillow stuffing. I bought a 20oz Fairfield Brand in Michaels arts and craft for like $6- $7 around 3 months ago and I still have at least 80% of the poly-fill left ... and that's replacing my bottom tray every 2 weeks ... I stuff that bottom tray .. not just throw a few dabs. It's amazing the micro stuff it catches that gets by the foam pads ... really helps to "polish" the water. Just make sure it 100% polyester-fill ... with NO fire retardants or additives.

As for the other 3 trays ... you can leave one empty ... but I'd say fill them all with Biomax .... I figure by the end of sept I'll buy another box of it to replace my old carbon.

 

[Mogurako]

From bottom to top in my Fluval I have, polyfill, biomax, biomax and crushed coral to buffer ph.

 

[jcolon]

Not a bad idea .. crushed coral in the top tray to provide buffers ... especially if the OP has naturally soft tap water. On L.I. I naturally have hard ground water... so buffers is not an issue for me.

 

[bless_one]

Quick question.how does one know if indeed the polyfil hasn't been treated with fire retardant chemicals?bcuz the bag doesn't state otherwise...

 

[Mogurako]

Correct it has to say if its been treated.

 

[jcolon]

Correct it has to say if its been treated.

Yep ... The bag will say if it's been treated.

 

[bless_one]

Sweet.thanks for the heads up guys*thumbup

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Okay tanks is running.. but why does it have a bluish tint to it? My other 3 ( 2 10g and 1 40g Long) don't

Other 3 have HOB with Carbon still while this one does not.. Any other thoughts?

 

[Dale_I]

Fluval makes some cylindric items called PreFilter I use in the bottom of my 304. The upper two baskets have Biomax. Although, I've been considering a half layer of carbon since the recently introduced Mopani wood is tinting the tank slightly tea colored.

Not sure why you would have a blue tinge. Could it be a lighting effect?

 

[Mogurako]

Look like Antic bulbs to me.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Look like Antic bulbs to me.

I took a couple pics of the bulbs, I could not find a markign on them.. I did get the light free with the tank

So I am not too concerned with the tint, I think it is the light. I moved the intake and outlet around as I did not want to have the hoses int he back cross the way they did (I have them backwards at first)