Best Media for a small DIY freshwater sump

[jlederma]

Hello,
I am setting up a 24 Gallon tank and plan to build a DIY sump out of a 5 gallon bucket. I am looking for inexpensive long lasting effective filter media. I was thinking about two stages, one using fiber fill for physical filtration and then the 2nd stage with bio-balls, ceramic rings, scrubbies or something similar.

What are the best choices and where is a good place to buy them?

Thanks in advance!

[fishwonder]

The best media to use would be simple plastic pot scrubbies. Just put as many as you can in and you are done. Won't have to clean for 6 months or more.


https://www.amazon.com/Assorted-Colo...2477616&sr=8-1

[jlederma]

Thanks, I'm planning to run by a dollar store looking for scrubbies today and if I don't find them I'll order those. For the physical filter, I assume that fiber fill (or something similar) is the best choice?

[fishwonder]

Well fiber fill or poly fill will clog quickly and will need to be replaced sooner. If you want more I would use 10/20 ppi foam with the pot scrubbies. Still won't need any cleaning for 6 months.

[jlederma]

I had no idea that I could just buy foam like that. Very cool. The best part is that I can buy a large sheet and cut it to fit my filter exactly. Thank you VERY much!

[fishwonder]

Originally Posted by jlederma

I had no idea that I could just buy foam like that. Very cool. The best part is that I can buy a large sheet and cut it to fit my filter exactly. Thank you VERY much!

That would work just fine! I use Poret foam exclusively because it's made for aquarium use. But you can find large sheets on Amazon too. Make sure it is aquarium safe.