DIY filter media?

[KristaLynn]

Can I replace my current filter media with a DIY to save money? I've attached a picture of what's currently being used.

[Bina]

I'm curious about this also.....I just bought a sponge from the dollar store to make an intake tube cover so that no future fry get sucked up.
This sponge would be the perfect size to use in the bottom of the A.C filters too.

[AdamsB]

The only DIY filter media I've used is the fluff from inside pillows. That was back in Ireland so I'm not sure what North American Pillows are like :P

Scrubbies from the dollar store seem popular. I've only recently started using them so nit sure how well they work.

[mikebike]

From your photo the sponge is supposed to be on top.

I use the polyester fiber from pillows when cleaning tanks as it stirs up a lot of stuff and quickly plugs up the sponges.

You need to test the $ store sponges to make sure they allow sufficient water flow.

[Ursus sapien]

15 hobs, all with scrunchies. (soap/die/scent/whatever free). For finer particles try the other pot scrubbers.

Just you dont think I'm a total slob, that box filter was left uncleaned on purpose, to show that box filters make good particle traps. Not that I'm house-proud or anything:embarrassed

[h2osanity]

Hydroton OR Eheim efhisubstrat Pro (affectionately known as ;cocoa puffs') as the bio media with a prefilter on the intake. That's it.

[Bina]

Hydroton OR Eheim efhisubstrat Pro (affectionately known as ;cocoa puffs') as the bio media with a prefilter on the intake. That's it.
Do you have a pic of your Cocoa Puffs?
I've got the AquaClear HOB set up the same as KristaLyn.

[Sweetpea]

From your photo the sponge is supposed to be on top.

I'm just confused, because it looked to me from her photo in the thread above that the arrangement was in the order the company indicates it should be. I don't have my manual in front of me, but I just googled it and think I confirmed it here: http://www.hagen.com/uk/aquatic/manuals/aquaclear04.cfm

Is that right? Am I misunderstanding? Thanks.

[Rabadswompe]

I always but the sponge at the bottom... porouse ceramic on top... but sometimes just the sponge(s). I don't use the amrid pouch and same goes for the carbon...

I sometimes will put some "bulk-loose" activated carbon in a multipurpose reusable media bag when I fer my water quality is slipping a bit... but it comes out after a while.

[h2osanity]

I always hesitate to call them cocoa puffs because I had a member of our other forum PM me and actually ask if I used cereal in my filters....:eek:

It looks like this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll167/h2osanity/IMG_0287.jpg

In the filter like this:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll167/h2osanity/IMG_0285.jpg

Hydroton is basically the same except it is the clay ball pellets that are used in hydroponics. Can be bought for reallllllly cheap at most hydroponics stores in 50 lb bags...great for a group buy???

[mikebike]

Thanks for the correctionon the sponge placement.
I have been doing it wrong:<(

[Sweetpea]

I always hesitate to call them cocoa puffs because I had a member of our other forum PM me and actually ask if I used cereal in my filters....:eek

Hilarious!!!:laugh:

[Namor]

:laugh: (Storms new avatar caught me off-guard).

Jayne, those DO look like cocoa puffs.
Those could also be added to frugal fish-keeping tips. :yes:

[Ursus sapien]

I always hesitate to call them cocoa puffs because I had a member of our other forum PM me and actually ask if I used cereal in my filters....:eek:



You live in an innocent part of the world:-) Around here, coco puffs involve a controlled narcotic mixed with BC bud.

Media placement in filters runs coarse to fine, with additives (charcoal, oystershell) at the end, just before the 'polishing' media.

[Bina]

You live in an innocent part of the world:-) Around here, coco puffs involve a controlled narcotic mixed with BC bud.

Media placement in filters runs coarse to fine, with additives (charcoal, oystershell) at the end, just before the 'polishing' media.
No wonder that I am Coo Coo for Cocoa Puffs......:rolleyes:

[CACAdmin]

When using dollar store sponges, just be sure they aren't treated with anything which might be toxic to the fish.

[Bina]

Here is a pic of the dollar store sponge that I have used to make an intake tube "pre-filter" so that any upcoming fry don't get sucked up into the AquaClear HOB. I'm going to give it an overnight pre-soak in another bucket and then see how it works out.

[Sweetpea]

When using dollar store sponges, just be sure they aren't treated with anything which might be toxic to the fish.

How can you know??

[CACAdmin]

If labelled anywhere as antifungal or antibacterial, or anything like that then they are toxic to your fish. Other than that, I don't know.

[Bina]

I sniffed and licked the sponges a few days ago and I am still alive....a little twitchy, but still alive ;-)

[Bina]

Actually, I think that I just happened to get the same sponges as used in Wes's Sump.
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11416

[CACAdmin]

They sure look like them.

[KristaLynn]

Bina you licked the sponges? :eek: You guys crack me up. :laugh:

[Bina]

Bina you licked the sponges? :eek: You guys crack me up. :laugh:
I also taste dog treats before feeding them to the doggie. If it ain't good for me, it ain't good for my pets :spinny:

[CACAdmin]

I sniffed and licked the sponges a few days ago and I am still alive....a little twitchy, but still alive ;-)
:laugh: Let us know if you get more than a little twitchy. :wink:

[mikebike]

Just don't sniff them while they are still in the bag.

Nasty vapors.

[jewels]

Hydroton ,,,,That's it.
Good call
Thats all I use

Cultured 'lava rock' has similiar properties and a devoted following.
I considered a sump full of 'Lego' before I came across hydroton.

I also taste dog treats before feeding them to the doggie. If it ain't good for me, it ain't good for my pets :spinny:

Prepared baby custard - excellent

Baby Formula - :PleaseHelp:

[h2osanity]

LOL, except Lego is far more expensive :laugh:

I have used lava rock in pond filters, wasn't too impressed. I look for value for $$. Doesn't matter if it is cheap if it doesn't work to my standards. :tongue:

[Bina]

Well, my mollies have survived the addition of the dollar store sponge on the filter intake tube....but I've got a strange growth on my forehead. ;-)

[CACAdmin]

Well, my mollies have survived the addition of the dollar store sponge on the filter intake tube....but I've got a strange growth on my forehead. ;-)
:laugh: