12 replies to this topic

[Redevilz]

Hi all,

So I have a 90x45x45cm tank (180L) which I am planning to have as a planted tank. For the tank I have an Astro 2208, it came with these ceramic rings, wool and black sponge but I think I might replace it because I'm sure there are better filter medias out there.

So my question is what filter media is best and should I have different stuff on each level of the sponge bucket thing or all the same?

Thanks

[malawiman85]

I wouldnt panic too much, a low stocked planted tank isnt going to max out the media in the filter. I top up my filters when I buy them with additional biomedia and I make sure I have a good supply of thermobonded polyester on hand to replace at each filter clean.
But I do like the eheim substrat pro if you want to spend some money.

Edited by malawiman85, 13 June 2014 - 09:04 PM.

[JackMack]

I think the Seachem's Matrix is pretty good value for money based on the prices I've seen for the 4L tubs.

One media I am eager to try is the MarinePure Spheres.

[Holmzy]

Clay balls I love them so cheap for the massive bag you get and does the job .

[dicky7]

I just use small pieces of coral  works a treat

[Michael the fish fanatic]

Matrix is pretty good, fluidised bed media is also pretty good and not bad priced but you cant really use it for a canister filter

[Bowdy]

Matrix is ok but over priced and it brakes down over time so IMO not great.
If you want something that won't change ph the you can't go past expanded clay by far the best value for money with a very high performance.
Crushed coral is great media but it will raise ph.

But if you have the money substrate pro is the best there is.

[Redevilz]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think I might get wool in the top basket just to filter out any large particles in the water, then either eheim substrat pro or expanded clay on the bottom two.

[Mattr!x]

You want wool in the very top of the bottom basket NOT the top basket. (dependant on filter direction)
 

 

charcoal/media

 

media

 

wool

fine foam

med pad

coarse pad   < very bottom

 

reason being to filter out all the muck - coarse and fine particles before the water gets to the media - especially if you want to use anything like the glass spheres Marine Pure or Biohome etc... so that it doesn't clog so quickly...

[sandgroper]

That's exactly right, you want to keep your media as clean as possible to prevent it clogging up. As stated above, filter coarse to fine, then media, then chemical or more fine filtering on the very top. This is for filters that filter the water from the bottom up, if it filters from the top down then do it in reverse.   happy filtering. Oh and it pays to prefilter before hand with a medium sponge on the intake.

[malawiman85]

Prefiltering makes a huge difference with canisters that are subjected to heavy bioloads.

[Redevilz]

Thanks for the advice guys... Does anyone know if the Astro 2208s filter from the bottom up it top down? Thanks

Tank won't be heavily stocked at all, just a trio of apistos and some tetras.

[Mattr!x]

bottom up....