Chemical Filtration..is it really neccesary?

[JEAE21]

I think your confused. Keep mechanical, add bio and apparently throw away chem (save for future use)

in a RENA filstar XP1 canister filter..
would I throw or keep the mircro-filtration pads?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

it says on the page to change once a month but then you told me to keep mechanical..
are you talking about a special kind of mechanical media?

 

[tapeworm]

Let me put it like this:

Mechanical - Foam/Sponge/Floss, etc. . .
Chemical - Carbon, Ammonia Chips, etc. . .
Biological - BioMax, Ceramic Rings, Rena Stars, Ehfisubstrat, etc. . .

Keep the sponges and just add more biological media.

 

[JEAE21]

Which option would the micro-filtration pad fit in?

and what do you guys mean when you say add bio-media? does it melt or something, so do I need to add more. Or am I replacing the existing media?

I don't get it because people say only rinse bio media, don't throw away..

 

[tapeworm]

The micro pads are essentially a sponge. They are considered mechanical. Biological (bio) media is a "home" for beneficial bacteria (nitrifying) to grow in. You never want to throw this media out because then you have to recolonize all of the media again with the bacteria (starting a new cycle).

 

[JEAE21]

ok thanks.
what did you mean by add bio?

 

[tapeworm]

Adding more "home" for the bacteria to grow in. In other words, get some more ceramic rings, biomate balls, rena stars, or whatever you like.

 

[Pufferpunk]

The only media I toss is the floss. Sometimes I wash it though & put it back. Some folks say you need to remove some bio media & replace with new--never done that.

 

[JEAE21]

Adding more "home" for the bacteria to grow in. In other words, get some more ceramic rings, biomate balls, rena stars, or whatever you like.

do I keep the existing bio media?

 

[Pufferpunk]

Yes

 

[JEAE21]

Ok thanks!
what if gets all packed and I can't add bio media..
sorry stupid question..