7Enigma
Aquarium Advice Addict
Folks I just had to post how incredible filter floss is as an insert. I have the AC HOB filter and use a foam pad, ceramic media, and another foam pad. I've read about filter floss but never got around to actually putting it in my filter. So yesterday when doing a large PWC and cleaning I decided to use some.
A couple weeks ago (yes I'm kicking myself for having this just sitting around) I had purchased the polyester fiber fill (that's what filter floss is sold as at local arts and craft shops), a huge 16oz bag was $3.
I grabbed a small handful of it, rinsed it under tap water and shook it out. I then added it to the filter. I did not remove any of the inserts, just mashed it in between the ceramic media and the final foam pad. This allows me to keep all the filtration and bacteria on the inserts (so no possible mini-cycle), and add in another level of filtration.
I did not expect much from the floss as I assumed the foam pads adequately filtered out fine particles, especially as they get dirtier (as junk begins to clog the pores it should filter finer).
To my complete amazement the difference is night and day. I used to constantly see small particles floating in the water (almost like a VERY minute case of GW). The worst was the algae problems that could arise on my slow growing leaves because there was a slight buildup of debris. I'm wondering now if some of those bouts with algae weren't from a deficiency but from extra debris building up on the leaves (not that it CAUSED the algae, but why it was difficult to get rid of). I thought this was just a result of lots of plants/ferts/fish.
Now my tank looks like it was just diatom filtered! I mean crystal clear!
With the addition of the filter floss it had definitely reduced the flow of water. I have an AC50 filter for my 20 gallon tank so it doesn't effect me, but if you have a filter rated just for your size tank it might not be a good idea (actually replace one of your current inserts or use a very small layer).
It was also tricky to use the proper amount. Too much and the top foam pad would push up towards the top of the filter and could possibly allow for water to leak out of the filter (I tilted the filter slightly more towards the tank so if this was to ever happen it should run into the tank and not off the back). Too little and I was worried (I've read on here) that it can get into the tank and make a real mess trying to clean it up. I did not put it in a bag so its just free filter floss, but I can't imagine it could get into the tank since there is another layer on top of it.
So for less than $3, I feel my filter is much better then it was the day before, and I've had this tank now for over a year! Wish I would have added some of this before...
Thanks everyone for recommending it! 8)
So just shove it in between there? That sounds sort of messy.
