Eheim Mech

[phantom8]

I've just purchased a Eheim 2217 canister filter and it comes with 3L Eheim Substrate Pro and 2L Eheim Mech. I've 2L of spare Mr Aqua Bio Rings. Should I replace the Eheim Mech with the Mr Aqua Bio Rings? I understand the Eheim Mech is only good for mechanical filtration.
Replacing these with Mr Aqua Bio Rings will mean I will have more surface area for BB. However, the Ehiem 2217 is designed to have the bottom layer doing the mechanical filtration, the next layer as bio filtration which is handled by Substrate Pro. If I replace the bottom layer Eheim Mech with Mr Aqua Bio Rings, will these decrease my overall filtration efficiency?

 

[deeda]

By removing the 1st layer of mechanical media, your bio media will clog up faster with debris and probably reduce its effectiveness.

Why not just set it up the way the instructions recommend?

 

[bluemandarin]

I recently bought a Eheim 2217 as well for my new 70 gallon tank. Why not try using Eheim biomech as the bottom layer. My filter is set up as such.

1 litre Eheim Biomech -> Bio-Sponge -> 3 litre Mr Aqua Bio Rings -> Fliter Sponge.

Works like a charm for me.

 

[boldtogether]

The mech media is basically your only mechanical filtration. Pre-filter the water into the canister if you want to run straight bio-media. You can use a sponge on the intake, a piece of screen or an intake prefilter that eheim sells. Google.

 

[impala]

By removing the 1st layer of mechanical media, your bio media will clog up faster with debris and probably reduce its effectiveness.

Why not just set it up the way the instructions recommend?

What he said. thumbs up