Fluval Biomax vs pre-filter

[smpage]

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...edia-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

" Description Fluval Pre-Filter consists of inert, solid ceramic rings used to trap large and medium solid particles before they clog the finer sieves of the media baskets above. The media forces water into many complex paths as it moves through this layer. This further increases its mechanical and biological activity and expands the actual contacted filter area. An additional benefit, it supports large populations of bacteria for proper biological action on ammonia and nitrite. This reduces the need for frequent changes of the active filter media. Pre-Filter is permanent, and requires only occasional rinsing. This media can be used in fresh and marine environments without difficulty. "

This claims it will hold BB. I've never used it before myself though.

never read that before! I just always went off of what members on here have said lol! I'll stick to my guns in saying that biomax is better, though.

 

[Bderick67]

Well what does the hagen website say? I think marine depot is falsely advertising what the prefilter can do.

From Fluval Pre-Filter versus BioMax Rings

Fluval Pre-Filter versus BioMax Rings

Question What is the difference between BioMax and Fluval Pre-Filter? Aren't they basically the same?

Answer Ceramic Pre-Filter is used to remove large particulate matter from the passing water. This was most often used in older models of the Fluval line, generally before the 04 series. We are presently on the 05 series. It is a solid ceramic ring and provides course mechanical filtration almost exclusively. It should be used in the first chamber to remove debris that could otherwise clog filter media that has smaller opening such as carbon.

BioMax is an extremely porous ceramic ring, it is not solid at all, but thoroughly infiltrated by thousands of tunnels and caves throughout the material. These tunnels and caves offer a huge surface area, both externally and internally to support huge populations of beneficial bacteria that reduce ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate. The pore structure becomes easily clogged by passing debris, and as such should be positioned after the majority of mechanical particulate straining has been done.

BioMax is an important weapon in the constant struggle to control ammonia produced by the fish and other inhabitants of the aquatic system, so it is highly recommended as one of the filter materials used in any powered filter. The pre-filter's job, on the other hand, has pretty much been eliminated with the inclusion of a foam screen used in all Fluval Canister filters since the initial Fluval 04 generation was introduced. The foam removes the large wastes and actually fives a finer screen to the system than the pre-filter was ever designed to do, thus its use has diminished greatly over the past few years.

 

[hmoobvwj]

Josh you were better off spending the extra buck or two and get Biomax instead of Prefilter. Hope all goes well for ya man.

 

[j-lor]

So prefilters cant store beneficial bacteria?

 

[hmoobvwj]

I think it could but just not as much or not as efficient as biomax. Anyone else?

 

[dmopar74]

So prefilters cant store beneficial bacteria?

anything will house BB, but solid ceramic rings dont have a very large surface area. a 50lb bag of peat gravel for $5 proboably provides just as much if not more surface area.

 

[polish]

I think it could but just not as much or not as efficient as biomax. Anyone else?

Agreed.

You could always run to the dollar store and get a couple packs of Scrubbies, they have a huge surface area for BB.

 

[j-lor]

Agreed.

You could always run to the dollar store and get a couple packs of Scrubbies, they have a huge surface area for BB.

Would you guys suggest throwing alway all my prefilter and adding Scrubbies instead?

 

[NSKIRK559]

On both of my FX5's I run Prefitler on top and biomax in the middle and on the bottom. Works fine for me and I was happy to say that when I clean my FX5 after 2 months most of the waste was on top and very little in the middle and almost nothing on the bottom. So ideas work for other and some ideas don't work at all just my 2 cents

 

[hbluehunter]

Would you guys suggest throwing alway all my prefilter and adding Scrubbies instead?

I would just run the pre filter in one tray and then buy some bio max for the other 2 trays.. Don't throw that stuff out it's too damn expensive.. Save it for a rainy day, you never know when you might need some more.