Ideal filter media setup

[Hasi]

I personally believe most filters dont come with enough media or not the best media setups that can be modified.

I recently purchased a canister filter with 5 media baskets that does 1500lph.
Now i have set it up like this so tell me what you guys reckon:

I cant really remember what order i placed these in but i think its like this:

1st basket: Black coarse sponge on top of fine filter pad

2nd basket: Bio-balls on top of fine filter pad

3rd basket: Large ceramic balls on top of fine filter pad

4th basket: Activated carbon on top of fine filter pad

5th basket: Small ceramic balls (on fine filter pad or on own cant remember)


What are your thoughts? Advice? Comments?

 

[Miles]

That is the same way I modify all of my canisters! I would replace Carbon with more more Biological Media!

Seachem has recently released a new biological media called 'Matrix'.. a super porous stone that is suppose to be 10x more effecient then other plastic bio-media. I have all of my canisters stuffed with it..

 

[Hasi]

Cool thanks for the input Miles.
Seachem is one of the brands we DO get here in Aus, so i will check in to Matrix

 

[mill]

why u need bio-balls for canister filters?

 

[oscar vini]

i know this is a very old thread .....but i would like to hear more comments and ideas .......thank u

 

[FSM]

You could have just started your own thread...put the sponges on the bottom, and fill the rest with some type of biomedia (sintered glass, ceramic rings, etc) just no bioballs; they aren't as effective in a canister. Carbon is probably unnecessary, depending on the scenario.

 

[cassharper]

from personal experience matrix or sintered glass are the only 2 ways to go.

 

[itzacraze]

why is carbon not used? ive always had lots of carbon in my media in a smaller can say a 305 on a 55 gallon tank what would be the correct set up semi planted large south american .... i run prefilter carbon/ammo lock and matrix

 

[oscar vini]

ya even i use carbon ....its bad or somthin ....what els can i use other than carbon......

 

[itzacraze]

people say its unecessary i dont know why or what is better than carbon to break down certain impurities yes the bio filter but to what extent and are all bases covered