Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 12:12:45 PM

Title: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 12:12:45 PM
I  am using the blue on one side white on the otherside filter, for my wet dry filter. Where would be a good place to find bulk so I can cut my own. Also when the time comes to replace the filter, do you seed the new filter first prior to taking the old one out?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: four_by_ken on February 06, 2014, 12:19:32 PM
No need to seed.  With a wet dry, all your bacteria is in the bio media.  The foam or floss is only there as a mechanical media.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 12:33:49 PM
No need to seed.  With a wet dry, all your bacteria is in the bio media.  The foam or floss is only there as a mechanical media.


I figured there would be bacteria in there as well and if i replace it, it  would cause another mini cycle if i didnt seed it prior.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: four_by_ken on February 06, 2014, 12:46:04 PM
There will be bacteria in there... but thats why you use the floss or the sponge.

It is designed to catch all the "crap" and stop it from getting into the bio media.  That way you hardly ever have to mess with the bio media.  Its an excellent design.

Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 01:01:18 PM
There will be bacteria in there... but thats why you use the floss or the sponge.

It is designed to catch all the "crap" and stop it from getting into the bio media.  That way you hardly ever have to mess with the bio media.  Its an excellent design.

Not sure what floss is but the filter i have looks like a furnance filter.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: four_by_ken on February 06, 2014, 01:06:13 PM
There will be bacteria in there... but thats why you use the floss or the sponge.

It is designed to catch all the "crap" and stop it from getting into the bio media.  That way you hardly ever have to mess with the bio media.  Its an excellent design.

Not sure what floss is but the filter i have looks like a furnance filter.

There are all kinds of stuff that people use for the prefilter media... floss (like cotton looking), sponges, matting, filter pads, etc.

All of them do the same thing.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 03:17:56 PM
So wheres the best place to buy bulk carbon and mechanical filters .
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: four_by_ken on February 06, 2014, 03:46:02 PM
So wheres the best place to buy bulk carbon and mechanical filters .

Not sure... when you find it, let me know.   8)


I just keep an eye out for sales when I see them.  Sometimes at local fish stores and sometimes deals online.

Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: Arturtle on February 06, 2014, 06:22:43 PM
I see the white and blue filter sheets in factories all the time for air filtration. I have always wondered if they simply relabel it and jack up the price for aquarium use.

The one on the top looks to be the blue/white stuff, but is not in color

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/687
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 10:51:43 PM
I see the white and blue filter sheets in factories all the time for air filtration. I have always wondered if they simply relabel it and jack up the price for aquarium use.

The one on the top looks to be the blue/white stuff, but is not in color

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/687

The only concern i have is the tacky side of the filter. I'm not sure it would be good for aquarium use.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 06, 2014, 11:01:48 PM
Its more realistic to buy rolled quilt batting from a craft store. Just make sure it doesn't have flame retardent in it. Im blanking on the one I buy but its 3ft by 12ft roll lasts me a while and was like 12 bucks.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 06, 2014, 11:23:26 PM
Its more realistic to buy rolled quilt batting from a craft store. Just make sure it doesn't have flame retardent in it. Im blanking on the one I buy but its 3ft by 12ft roll lasts me a while and was like 12 bucks.

I take it you're running a wet dry filter? Do you use a carbon filter as well?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 06, 2014, 11:46:28 PM
Nope on carbon. Wetdry is really the best way to go on big tanks. Really I honestly wish i did my whole room by a big wetdry.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 07, 2014, 12:13:37 PM
What kind of filter media are people using in their wet dry filters?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 07, 2014, 01:42:48 PM
Everyone is different I use bioballs with sponge under the tower with a piece of quilt batting on top to catch waste
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 07, 2014, 03:20:15 PM
Everyone is different I use bioballs with sponge under the tower with a piece of quilt batting on top to catch waste

is it possible to take a pic of the sponge under the tower?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 07, 2014, 03:30:17 PM
Its nothing special its just a piece of sponge under the tower
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 07, 2014, 04:52:38 PM
Everyone is different I use bioballs with sponge under the tower with a piece of quilt batting on top to catch waste


how long have been usin quilt material?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 07, 2014, 08:28:47 PM
Years 6 or so
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: Arturtle on February 07, 2014, 10:04:40 PM
The only concern i have is the tacky side of the filter. I'm not sure it would be good for aquarium use.
They have a tacky and dry rolls.  If you're serious, see if they will send you a MSDS for the pads.

While looking at stuff on jehmco, it looks like they sell rolls of this filter material as well.  They would be a good cheap source
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 08, 2014, 11:06:58 PM
Anyone use polyester quilters batting for wet dry media?
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: danielratti on February 08, 2014, 11:18:31 PM
Thats what Ive been saying im using. Im sure a lot of other people use it as well. I use it also on hob filter.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: Regalblue on February 09, 2014, 01:10:42 PM
Anyone use polyester quilters batting for wet dry media?
Yes... I use it over top of lava rock.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 09, 2014, 07:50:45 PM
I went to walmart and bought a 45 x 60 " piece of polyester quilt batting. It's pretty thin maybe 1/4 " thick. The filter  I have now is about 2" thick. How thick do you guys go with. This would be the only filter put in before the bio balls.
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: breaktime on February 09, 2014, 07:52:46 PM
Thats what Ive been saying im using. Im sure a lot of other people use it as well. I use it also on hob filter.
[/quote

I've been reading so much about I lost track who said what where.  Sensory overload.  :D
Title: Re: Filter media for wet dry filtration
Post by: Arturtle on February 09, 2014, 08:30:02 PM
As far as thickness, I would go with whatever is cheaper per weight.  You can just rip the thicker sheets into thinner ones.  I would imagine the thicker you leave it the quicker it will plug up.  I guess that is another thing to be aware of.  If you let it get too dirty it will let less water pass through it, and depending on how you're using it could cause an overflow.