new filter-new media

[davidefc]

hello, iam getting a new filter the eheim 2217+ because my current one is loud and too big b/cof the UV inside. it says the only media wise it includes in various sizes of filter foams. heres the link: http://www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/eheim-2217-classic-canister-filter-p-342.html
so what other media do i need because in my current filter it has different types like the stones things....... iam a noob on filtration
thanks dave

 

[bigspizz]

What size tank and what other filters? If you have other filters you could go all bio (stone things) But if it the only one you have you could go through a few sizes of sponge and then the bio level on top. The mechanical filtration will be you sponges, your bio will be the stone things sea chem matrix is what I use and suggest, and the chemical level, carbon, zoalite....Will be up to you as they are optional. Bio is the most important, then the mech. The chemical level can be controlled manually with water changes.....good luck.

 

[Wolf3101]

From a maintance standpoint it's always a good idea to go all bio with a canister filter. Ceramic rings are best for this. (noodle looking thingies...) This set up will allow for the maximum time between servacings. (opening up the canister) supliment the canister with a good HOB unit like an AC70 or 110 filled with just mechanical foam. additionally you can use one set of mechanical sponges in the canister and the rest bio media.

Theres no need to mix differant types of bio media by the way...all any of it is....is a home for benificial bacteria. you want high serface area and low water flow restriction. The BB wont really care what name was on the box.

 

[davidefc]

thanks,i have not seen the ceramic rings but i carnt say ive looked,i willno search for this.
iam going to have a fluval 4 internal in there http://www.petsparade.co.uk/aquarium/filters/?p=2105 just for extra filtration and a backup filter.....i may add another external but i wont have room to do both at once.
so should i have all sponges in the internal and the noodle and stone things in the external with acouple types of filter foams.
if it matters its for ca/sa cichlids like jaguar and female festae a couple other smaller too like gt and jd.

 

[Wolf3101]

Thats how I would run it however I'd use a Hydro5 sponge filter rather than the internal power filter. More economical and a much larger bio filtration capacity.

 

[davidefc]

oooo wolf i know what the ceramic rings are, there are some in my canister now.i just got consused b/c of the description on it looking like a noodle but i was thinking of the long skinny noodles not these.....my bad haha

 

[davidefc]

Thats how I would run it however I'd use a Hydro5 sponge filter rather than the internal power filter. More economical and a much larger bio filtration capacity.

i have done a quick search and they are for sale only in the US, iam a brit
so would any sponge filter do? dont they look out of place in the tank? iam changing my fry filters which are internal to sponge soon so i will try on these first.

 

[Wolf3101]

LOL...yes all air driven sponge filters work about the same way I just happen to like the Hydro5's and have a TON of then plus spare parts laying around. One thing to remember about them is that in a power outage you can run the sponge filter with a battery powered air pump. If your going to run the sponge filter then use at least one layer of foam pre-filter in the canister. That Eheim 2217 will last forever if you treat it right.

 

[Bderick67]

Best bet for your filter is to go with the filter media set that eheim makes for this filter(pictured below) If you use the Ehfimech x 1 litres(Removes all coarse and fine dirt particles from the water) and a Coarse filter pad x 1(Large pore sponge giving bio-mechanical filtration and even water flow-through) before the Substratpro x 4 litres(For quick colonisation of bacteria and faster decomposition of toxins.)

Your bio media will say much cleaner and be easier to rinse of in tank water during cleanings. Whereas the ehfimech and the coarse filter pads can be rinsed in hot tap water to remove debries.

 

[davidefc]

Best bet for your filter is to go with the filter media set that eheim makes for this filter(pictured below) If you use the Ehfimech x 1 litres(Removes all coarse and fine dirt particles from the water) and a Coarse filter pad x 1(Large pore sponge giving bio-mechanical filtration and even water flow-through) before the Substratpro x 4 litres(For quick colonisation of bacteria and faster decomposition of toxins.)

Your bio media will say much cleaner and be easier to rinse of in tank water during cleanings. Whereas the ehfimech and the coarse filter pads can be rinsed in hot tap water to remove debries.

thanks for the help all btw, i acturally understand what you say
so if i used that pack how long would it last and there is only 1 filter pad in it is that all it can fit. or is the ehfimech and substratpro a type of ceramic ring?