Wet/Dry Filters

[JohnM]

I have a few ? about these filters. Does anybody use a filter pad above their Bio/media? If so what kind do you use? Is it really needed? Do you think any bacteria is growing on them? When you change this filter do you let it soak in the sump in case there are bacteria growing on it?

Sorry for all these questions just curious.
Thanks
John

 

[LowCel]

I use two types of filter pad on top of my bio media. The first layer is jap mat (the blue filter pad) and below that is polyfil mat. Once it gets dirty enough I just toss it and put a new one in it's place.

 

[McFluffrichromis]

Its for fine filtration and bacteria lives in it. All around good thing to have. If you have a canister filter and a wet/dry then you do not need it. But it will help keep your water clearer.

 

[uncwnells]

the pads arent really for bacteria storage, more so to keep all the crap out of your biomedia so that it doesnt get clogged or super dirty.

 

[JohnM]

Thanks for all the quick responses!!!
I just wanted to make sure I wasnt killing any good bacteria.The filter pad only takes about a week and a half to get clogged(thank goodness for the little overflow tube).I bought a used 55 with this type of filter at the begining of april.Do not know the make or the gph sumpmotor it has on it. I also have a tetra ex70 that I bought 2 1/2 weeks ago running on this tank.

 

[cguarino30]

the pads are also good (I'm told) for making sure the water is distributed more evenly across the filter media

 

[FSM]

Cleaning every week and a half is fine. The amount of bacteria that builds up in that time isn't significant.

I use a sheet of filter floss over the wet/dry chamber. I clean it out in the sink every few weeks; I don't think I've replaced it in months.

 

[invisyblegypsey]

I use two types of filter pad on top of my bio media. The first layer is jap mat (the blue filter pad) and below that is polyfil mat. Once it gets dirty enough I just toss it and put a new one in it's place.

^^ yepp me too. but if money is tight you can wash the pads. without soap! of course.