seachem filter media worth it??

[gran charismo]

ok so i am about to set up a FX5 with seachem media

can anybody on here vouch for it, ive read a lot of different reviews but i want more opinions before i spend the $$$, its pretty expensive here in aus but i dont mind paying for quality

also this is how im planning to fill the FX5, any advice?

top basket
1L Matrix Carbon
1L Hypersorb

middle basket
1L Purigen
1L Matrix

bottom basket
2L Matrix

the tank is a 6x2x2.5 220G i already have a 3ft wet/dry filter on the tank
with bio-balls in the wet/dry section but no media in the sump section i am also considering filling the sump with matrix+carbon

 

[Fry]

I would replace the matrix with Eheim Ehfisubstrat Pro.

 

[Tsubakai]

I had pretty much the same tank and filter (without the sump). I filled two baskets and half the third with Seachem Pond Matrix. It was a little cheaper in bulk than Matrix but the main reason I wanted it was for the hopefully greater anaerobe population Pond Matrix is meant to grow. Its been fine for over 18 months now.

I saved half a basket for something like Purigen down the track if I need it. Personally I don't think much of carbon as a standard media and generally only use it for a specific task eg. removing drugs after treatment.

 

[brianp]

Options:

1. Place ONLY Ehfisubstrat Pro into the central chambers of all three media baskets. No carbon, no Purigen...only biological media.

2. Go to your local nursery and purchase a bag of pumice. Wash and use a screen to remove small particles. Fill all three media baskets with this stuff. This is identical to Matrix.

Having said that, you will have to place an additional screen at the base of each FX5 media chamber to prevent particulates from falling into the impeller chamber. Go to Michaels (or some other craft store), walk to the needlpoint section and look for plastic needlepoint mesh with "7 holes per inch". Cut to fit. You can also use 1/8" fiberglass screen.

 

[M.Maddox]

Purigen is good stuff. Wouldn't worry about any other chemical media.