The only time I use filter floss is when Im polishing the water, and quite frankly I dont have to do that very often. In I use fluval ceramic prefilter rings for course filtration, two layers of bonded pad for finer mech, not sure how I ike the prefilter media. Its a pain to clean, and doesnt seem to trap much. four layers of bonded pad seems to work alot better.
For bio Im a huige fan of the seachem denitrate, Each particle is fairly small, perfect for HOB filters.
In my emperor 400 I run a modified stock pad. Remove the glued on filter pad, dump out the carbon, drill some larger holes for increased flow, then use rubber bands to secure cut to fit bonded pad Then fill the media trays with seachem denitrate. Works awesome, Bonded pad needs weekly rinsing.
In my Aquaclear 110 I use the stock sponge, the fine sponge out of my rena xp3 cut to fit, a layer of bonded pad, a big bag of biomax, then and ounce of carbon
