AquaClear Power Filter Question: What's a Better Bio Filter - Sponges or Biomax?

[tvanslooten]

I've always ran my AquaClear power filters with nothing but those sponge blocks. They seem to do a great job of providing mechanical and bio filtration but I'm wondering if maybe I'd get better bio filtration with biomax.

Like maybe I should be using one sponge block and an insert or two of biomax in each filter for greater bio filtration. Any thoughts?

Travis

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

If it does the job I wouldn't bother changing it. If you're trying to add fish, biomax is more efficient use of bio-media space, but the sponges do in fact do a pretty good job themselves. If you're not changing your stock and the filter has worked well to this point, I wouldn't change it.

 

[tvanslooten]

If it does the job I wouldn't bother changing it. If you're trying to add fish, biomax is more efficient use of bio-media space, but the sponges do in fact do a pretty good job themselves. If you're not changing your stock and the filter has worked well to this point, I wouldn't change it.

Let me be more precise, this is for a new tank setup. In the past when I've had tanks, I've always used just sponges. I'm in the process of setting up a new tank and I'm just curious if I'd get more bio filtration with the bio max.

Travis

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

It's a more efficient use of space. Cubic inch for cubic inch, the biomax will work more efficiently at bio filtration.

If you don't overstock and/or you do 'overfilter' (not that this exists) this may or may not matter. If you like using an extra sponge and you aren't using a bare minimum of filtration, there's no reason you need to use biomax. But if you think you need optimal bio filtration, yes the biomax is a more efficient use of the space in the media chamber. I don't think the difference is as incredibly staggering in practice as it is in theory, but I'm convinced it exists.

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

Just realized you started that other thread. If you're running the wet/dry, you can definitely run the ACs with just sponges.