all the media you guys are talking about

[Dr Joe]

you can get those at the supermarket and walmart right?
and they would be good in an xp3?

Dollar stores and Big lots (6/$1)...Wally world is way too expensive (3/$2) on these.

In a canister pot scrubbers are quite ineffective. They will clog easily, and are not easy to get to for cleaning. Ehfisubstrat pro is about the best commonly available media out there. Cell-pore is better, but clogs more often, and is more expensive, and harder to get. However, Cell-pore is much higher in surface area.

You don't use a pre-filter with your scrubbies? I've never had mine clog and some of my equipment is incredibly harsh on them (I design proof of performance/prototype equipment).

I like cell-pore, but they're site states "non-clogging and 1sq in. of cell-pore =300 bio-balls (7g)"...Hhmmm, so if I force all my water thru a one inch cube... (I love advertizing hype).

I don't know about the US, but in Europe you have to be carefull with sponges you buy in supermarkets and other home appliances stores, because lots of them come with chemicals embedded in the sponges.

It is qite frequent for newbies around these parts to simply destroy a tank on account of badly chosen sponges.

It is more expensive, I know, but be sure to by inert materials and not all home material, albeit seeming so, are inert.

M

Miquel...You speak volumes!

Someone on here used some kitchen sponges without testing them, they fell apart and got into the tank and made a mess, luckily no fish were harmed. (you know who you are).

I haven't found scrubbies thet we talk of and use here that have any chemicals in them, BUT, ALWAYS check and test if unsure! (Rinse it, put some in a glass of water, let it set for several hours, then taste/drink the water...if your not willing to do that, don't give it to your fish!)

Dr Joe

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