Help me replace cartridge filter material

[KreativJustin]

Hello all,
I use the Marineland Power Filter 200 and currently use the Marineland Filter Cartridges. I just bought some media bags and some Seachem Matrix bio media. I will start using that this weekend.

I eventually want to quit using the filter cartridges and switch to just a filter piece to catch the bad stuff before it hits the bio wheel, but what kind of material should I be looking for? Should it be coarse or fine?

I can order on amazon or see what the LFS has, I just do not always trust the opinion of the owners nieces and nephews, as why I am asking you bunch.

If you recommend me to just continue to use the cartridges, just please let me know why.

This is on a 20g tall tropical tank btw.
Thank you in advance,
Justin

[Aiken Drum]

I presume by "filter piece" you mean sponge?

You want it go through course sponge first to catch all the bigger bits of detritus, so 10/ 20 ppi. Then a finer sponge to catch smaller bits the course sponge misses, so 30/ 40ppi. If you just want 1 layer of sponge then 30ppi but you would need to rinse it more often so it doesnt clog up.

[KreativJustin]

Originally Posted by Aiken Drum

I presume by "filter piece" you mean sponge?

You want it go through course sponge first to catch all the bigger bits of detritus, so 10/ 20 ppi. Then a finer sponge to catch smaller bits the course sponge misses, so 30/ 40ppi. If you just want 1 layer of sponge then 30ppi but you would need to rinse it more often so it doesnt clog up.

Yes I did mean sponge. I do want a single layer if the sponges are thick, I don't mine rinsing frequently if needed. Do you know of a minimal thickness I should use? If I could fit 2 without issue then I will double up with different PPI as you stated.

With this option I just continue to rinse in aquarium water until they start to dissolve, correct?

[Aiken Drum]

Sponge usually comes in 1 inch thickness. 1 inch of each would be good.

I rinse mine every month or two. Ive got sponges 5 years old showing no sign of degrading.

[KreativJustin]

Thank you very much.

[KreativJustin]

Originally Posted by Aiken Drum

Sponge usually comes in 1 inch thickness. 1 inch of each would be good.

I rinse mine every month or two. Ive got sponges 5 years old showing no sign of degrading.

Have you tried any of these or think they would be worth the try?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093CXB6ZL...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[Aiken Drum]

They look fine.