Recommendations for mechanical filtration?

[dbenson]

I'm going to be setting up my new 120g tank soon thumbsup: ) and need some advice regarding the filtration. I plan on running an adequately sized wet/dry filter w/ hang on overflow for bio. filtration and an Eheim 2217 canister filter that I picked up cheap purely for mechanical filtration. Here are my two questions-

a) What should I fill the eheim with for the best mechanical filtration? (cheap is good!)
b) I'm trying to minimize the amount of pipes/tubes/wires going into and out of the tank. What would be the best way to run both filters keeping that in mind? Can I somehow have both filters in the same "loop", or would that cause problems with the flow?

Thanks!

 

[mexican wedding shirt]

You can't have 2 filters in the same loop, unless they are part of the same sump. Your eheim is going to have to have it's own intake and return.

If you want purely mechanical, I say fill the first half of the eheim with ceramic rings, and the second half with polywool. Just change the filter wool every few weeks. Works for me, keeps the tank clear, well with a UV steriliser too.

 

[Honda12]

In my ray tank for my fluval 404 canister filters I use ceramic rings and lava rock. The red porus rock you see for landscaping and stuff.