Fluval Pre-filter vs. Fluval Bio Rings

[Jill]

I bought this:

I meant to buy this:

Will what I bought work for bio media? What the heck is it if it's not ceramic?

 

[blert]

Just about anything will work for bio media. The pre-filter stuff is not porous like the bio media so it won't work as well.

 

[Jill]

I think I'll just return it to Amazon and get the rings. Why do they make 2 products that look so much alike?? lol I guess I'll learn to read more carefully before purchasing.

Thank you for your help.

 

[blert]

No problem. It works wonderfully as a pre-filter to block larger particles from getting up into your flossy/pad media. But, if it was porous like bio media, then the pieces would get clogged up with gunk causing nitrate issues. I use similar stuff in the bottom tray of my canisters.