Filter media

[koeppen]

Hey so I have a rena xp3 running on my 56 gallon tank and was wondering what media would be the best. What I have in it now are. Tray 1. 2-20ppi pads, 2-30ppi pads. Tray 2. Ammocarb. Tray 3. Bio stars and 2-polishing pads.

 

[Convict2161]

Poly fill is cheaper then the polishing pads. But I like your setup. If it ain't broke why fix it right?

 

[phin]

you could add some purigen.

 

[koeppen]

What does the purgin do.

 

[Cornstar]

What does the purgin do.

It is supposed to make your water crystal clear. And it is rechargeable so you can reuse it. I don't think it's that effective.

 

[Convict2161]

It works but its not as great as they make it out to be. I use it however.

 

[koeppen]

So compared to activated charcoal how does it stack up.

 

[phin]

It lasts much longer than carbon. 6-12 months depending on the bioload and size of your tank. Plus it is recharged easily, 3 times I believe. I bag of purigen can easily last you 2+ years.

Purigen is marketed as an "organic scavaging compound" it is more selective and the pores in the purigen beads are smaller than the pores in activated carbon. Purigen doesn't remove heavy metals (ferts, minerals), but binds to soluble & insoluble nitrogenous organic waste. Just like you do water changes to remove more than just nitrates, purigen helps to remove those impurities.

I think purigen is worth every penny, and I don't spend very much (compared to others) on my hobby (obsession).