More mech filtration in FX5?

[Liba]

My bio filtration is working great but there are still particles in the water, the FX5s foam filtration just isn't enough. What can I add to one of the baskets to get finer filtration? THanks

 

[knicks791]

Are you using the polishing pads? How big is your tank?

Many have said the polishing pads produces micro bubbles.

 

[Liba]

Oops sorry forgot to add, bio max in bottom two trays, efhisubstrat in top, no polishing pads.

 

[xaznkewlguyx]

if you do not replace those polishing pads often, they clog up and produce micro bubbles due to reduced flow.

 

[Err]

IMHO, unless you have a really heavy bio load in a BIG tank 3 trays full of ceramic bio media in an FX5 is over kill. I would pack your top tray with poly fill/quilt batting and save your substrate pro for a rainy day. The poly fill is dirt cheap at any fabric store, will give you great particulate filtration from your FX5, prolong the life of the bio media that recives water after it, and will also act as an 'ok' bio media itself. Like I said though, its just my opinion b/c it works great for me.

 

[tuffy_rana]

IMHO, unless you have a really heavy bio load in a BIG tank 3 trays full of ceramic bio media in an FX5 is over kill. I would pack your top tray with poly fill/quilt batting and save your substrate pro for a rainy day. The poly fill is dirt cheap at any fabric store, will give you great particulate filtration from your FX5, prolong the life of the bio media that recives water after it, and will also act as an 'ok' bio media itself. Like I said though, its just my opinion b/c it works great for me.

i would have to agree

 

[cozmo]

I had pretty good luck with the blue pads.

 

[tcarswell]

I had pretty good luck with the blue pads.

Seconded the blue pads are awesome and have little to no bypass. Also I have heard of a lot of good results changing the sponges over to 20 ppi foam.

 

[Err]

I had pretty good luck with the blue pads.

Seconded the blue pads are awesome and have little to no bypass. Also I have heard of a lot of good results changing the sponges over to 20 ppi foam.

Yah I tried the blue pad as well and it rocks, but for the price . I drew out a template that was slightly larger than the basket so that I could still get little if any bypass and for all of 8 bucks worth of 1/2 inch quilt batting, a Dr.Who episode and a pair of scisors I had stacks of polyfill disck that I use 4 at a time. Maybe a years supply of mech filtration for 8 bucks? Can't get better than that! and if you can let me know b/c im a broke student LOL I could use the extra peso's.

 

[JackMcD]

I think I'll try that. How dous this sound...

Stack 2 or 3 pads in top basket. A shallow layer of Biomax rings with a media bag full of carb chips in Mid basket. Bottom basket packed with Biomay rings. Any advise would help greatly. I'm setting this up today!!!