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Hey guys,

I'm fixing to buy some filter-media today for my new SunSun canister. I've looked over some videos where people are using it for fish and several people include a layer of bio-balls. I don't use those in my current canister (no room), but I can pick some up if they're useful. Would anybody recommend them for turtles though?

I'm also wondering if using more media is better than using a measured amount... i.e; I know the rule for measuring the amount of carbon, but would it be better to just use as much as I can fit? The SunSun is HUGE and has ample room.

Thanks,

-MVB

I'd swap the bioballs out for ceramic media instead. Ceramic media has more surface area for good bacteria colonization than bio balls do. If you search there is a sticky thread about the recommended media for filters.

OK, great, thanks. I just have about four or five layers to fill up and I'm not sure what to double up on. You think two layers of Ceramic media is better than a layer of ceramic and a layer of bio balls?

MVB wrote:OK, great, thanks. I just have about four or five layers to fill up and I'm not sure what to double up on. You think two layers of Ceramic media is better than a layer of ceramic and a layer of bio balls?

Absolutely. Both are for growing biomedia, but bio balls are a plastic. Bacteria can nay grow in the surface. Ceramic media allows bacteria to grow on the surface and inside. It has a huge "surface area" for bacterial growth compared to bio balls.

Right now I have spongy layers in the spare filter tray because I ran out of ceramic media, but thanks for the advice. I'll get some more ceramics in there the next time I have the time to hit up Petco.

Search ebay, there is a seller there with super cheap ceramic media that even comes in their own mesh bags.

I still don't know whether I should regulate the amount. When it comes to all of this stuff, is it best to fit as much media in as possible?

Yes, more bio media is better.