K1 in an ultima filter?

[Jesseliu13]

Can you use k1/k2/k3 in a ultima filter?

I got a used one but no media.

 

[Disturbed.)]

Yep. Pool balls are cheaper to fill it but k1 is better media.

 

[kendragon]

K1 K2 K3 floats. Ultima filter runs with sinking media covering the bottom of the chamber. It could be used but won't function the same.

 

[Disturbed.)]

I figured the churning motion of a partially filled chamber wouldn't matter if it was designed for the balls. I don't own one. I just know people fill cheap sand filters with k1 all the time

 

[kendragon]

I figured the churning motion of a partially filled chamber wouldn't matter if it was designed for the balls. I don't own one. I just know people fill cheap sand filters with k1 all the time

I've done that. Problem is the sand filter and Ultima media sits on the bottom and floats when backwashed. The Ultima multi-valve has fine grating to prevent media from escaping. Sand filters have a much bigger multi-valve opening. K1 will escape when backwashed. I have a sand filter on my tank with K1 type media. Haven't backwashed ever. K1 never clogs. Ultima media is designed to catch particles and will clog.

 

[Disturbed.)]

Good to know. Thanks I've been wanting to try a filter like this instead of a sump on my next big planted tank build

 

[Jesseliu13]

I've done that. Problem is the sand filter and Ultima media sits on the bottom and floats when backwashed. The Ultima multi-valve has fine grating to prevent media from escaping. Sand filters have a much bigger multi-valve opening. K1 will escape when backwashed. I have a sand filter on my tank with K1 type media. Haven't backwashed ever. K1 never clogs. Ultima media is designed to catch particles and will clog.

I figured this was an issue. So I was thinking k3 would be a good substitute. But the floating concerns me. I know k+ media has a sinking version but I sont know how big each bead is.

 

[Disturbed.)]

Again I haven't seen inside of one of these things so just tossing out ideas but can you not take some #8 stainless mesh and screen off where the k1 could escape? That way you can have your cake and eat it too

 

[kendragon]

I figured this was an issue. So I was thinking k3 would be a good substitute. But the floating concerns me. I know k+ media has a sinking version but I sont know how big each bead is.

The Nexus Evolution media K1 is bigger than the Ulitima media so it will not escape out of the AquaUltraViolet chamber.

 

[kendragon]

This is K1, K1 micro and biofilm chip in my pond filter.


K1 micro in the center mechanical chamber.


K1 and biofilm chip in the bio chamber


Just be aware that a closed chamber under pressure will deform larger diameter medias. I've build sand filters with cheap knock off media which is larger than the K1. Most of the media that escaped out of the chamber are deformed and squeezed through the grating.