Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filter Media

[Mom2RES]

Not sure if I should post this here or in the Indoor Habitat section, so I am going for here first.

I will have a FX5 after the first of the year. I've looked at Veipa Cray's Filter Media thread. Here's what I'm not sure about... I would like to use carbon and purigen. Can I use them both at the same time in the FX5?

Also, from reading some of the posts I will need to put the carbon and purigen in bags? Can someone give me a link to the type of bag the purigen would go in?

I know purigen can be reused, so how much would I need to buy to be able to have one active bag and one bag that is being regenerated (or whatever the right term is)?

[PridgNYC]

If you buy the 100g purigen, it will come in a media bag. http://www.amazon.com/Seachem-165-Purig ... 581&sr=8-1 Get two of them, and rotate them. You can use carbon along with it, and I recommend that you do as purigen doesn't remove chloramines.

Make sure you have enough bio media on hand as well, the fx5 doesn't come with any and it takes a lot. This will be plenty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-1L-Odyssea-G ... 5887126140

[VeipaCray]

PridgNYC is spot on. When you're shopping don't forget to pickup a small bottle of prime - you'll need that to regenerate the purigen. The small $4 bottle lasts like a year+

http://www.bigalspets.com/Seachem-Prime ... =salesrank

PridgNYC uses nylons for his carbon which is a great idea. If you're looking to buy a reusable bag for your carbon... http://www.bigalspets.com/Seapora-Filte ... =salesrank

[Mom2RES]

Ok, so I've ordered the prime. I've ordered the bio media. I'm getting ready to order the purigen. I've ordered my new heater from Big Al's at a great price (thanks VeipaCray).

I still have a couple of questions.

So would I put the purigen and the carbon in the area that is listed as carbon on VeipaCray's filter media thread? In other words would I just put the purigen bag there and then fill the rest of the area with a bag(s) of carbon?

Also do the sponges come with the FX5 or do I need to guy them separate? If I do is the sponge what is called foam filter blocks? Is it ok to buy after market or should I only buy the Fluval brand?

I'm sure I'll have many more questions as this process moves along. I appreciate all your help.

You guys ROCK!

[VeipaCray]

Ok, so I've ordered the prime. I've ordered the bio media. I'm getting ready to order the purigen. I've ordered my new heater from Big Al's at a great price (thanks VeipaCray).

You're welcome. Glad you were able to get it on sale.

I still have a couple of questions.

Not allowed

So would I put the purigen and the carbon in the area that is listed as carbon on VeipaCray's filter media thread? In other words would I just put the purigen bag there and then fill the rest of the area with a bag(s) of carbon?

Yes. Purigen and Carbon are both chemical media. They go in the same basket. You're exactly right - put the bag of purigen in there then add a bag of carbon in the same tray. You don't need a lot of chemical media. Don't worry about filling the tray up. For the FX5 - I'd throw a bag of each in there and use the rest of the space for bio media.

Also do the sponges come with the FX5 or do I need to guy them separate? If I do is the sponge what is called foam filter blocks? Is it ok to buy after market or should I only buy the Fluval brand?

The sponges come with the FX5. You can rinse them and re-use them until they fall apart (years and years). IF you do ever need to replace them, you'll want to get the fluval brand sponge for the fx5 as it's shaped to fit the baskets.

[PridgNYC]

The only sponge that you need that doesn't come with it is the Blue Filter sponge. You will need one of these. Get the fluval ones, they are cheap, and come 3 to a pack. They are called the Fluval fine filter pad for fx5. Make sure you get the blue ones, not the white ones. The white ones are much finer and will clog too quickly. The white ones are basically the same as filter floss, so if you are doing a water polish, just use filter floss, no need to buy the custom pads.

[VeipaCray]

Thanks PridgNYC... I forgot about the blue pad.

[Mom2RES]

So it would be this one? http://www.bigalspets.com/Hagen-Fluval- ... =salesrank

What is the best brand of carbon to buy?

[VeipaCray]

Yep that's the one. Brand of carbon doesn't really matter.. it all works about the same. It's kindof like bio-meida cheapest is best.

That being said, you can get really high quality carbon (very little dust) for very cheap from Bulk Reef Supply. I buy the lignite carbon.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/3-p ... bon-1.html

It comes in smaller and larger quantities.... the 3 lb container is a really good deal. It's a LOT of carbon for $18. That container lasts me a few years.
Small particle / large particle... doesn't really matter. it's going in a bag.