Aquaclear media help.

[Hendre]

Hey guys, I got an aquaclear 110 filter over the weekend and want to modify the filter by leaving the carbon and putting floss in but it doesnt fit in, it raises some of the bio media above the water line.

Can I cut the top half of the sponge off to make space for my extra matrix andfloss? will it lead to water bypass.

Also the guide says replace the bio media every 3 months is that a good idea?

 

[xraycer]

Hey guys, I got an aquaclear 110 filter over the weekend and want to modify the filter by leaving the carbon and putting floss in but it doesnt fit in, it raises some of the bio media above the water line.

Can I cut the top half of the sponge off to make space for my extra matrix andfloss? will it lead to water bypass.

Also the guide says replace the bio media every 3 months is that a good idea?

Get rid of the carbon, it is not needed for a healthy tank.

You do not to replace the bio media. Just rinse it out with tank water every month or 2 and work fine

 

[xraycer]

....also, I don't advise cutting the sponge, as it also acts as a bio filtration substrate

 

[Hendre]

I am keeping carbon for removing meds, I cant afford a top up of carbon every month anyway.
It may be because it wears down but it is tight in a bag so I dont think that would happen

 

[Hendre]

....also, I don't advise cutting the sponge, as it also acts as a bio filtration substrate

I want to put matrix in the gap and floss in the part cut off

 

[xraycer]

That's fine if you want to go that route, but its just not necessary IMO.

 

[Hendre]

That's fine if you want to go that route, but its just not necessary IMO.

I am going to keep a few large preds in there so I dont wanna cut corners, also I have matrix spare

 

[xraycer]

I am going to keep a few large preds in there so I dont wanna cut corners, also I have matrix spare

I don't what you are keeping or how your set-up is configured, but leaving the original sponge uncut is not cutting corners, as sponges are very underrated as bio filters. Whether your filtration system is adequate or lacking for your fish, is cutting corners

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I agree with not needing carbon for the long term. I cut my sponge in half lengthwise to make more room for the roots of a pothos plant I'm growing. It works, but I have to clean the sponge more often and the AC110 is only secondary filtration for my set up.

 

[Hendre]

Its a 250 litre tank that will have one pink chalceus, delhezi bichir and african knife