What's the best? Coarse or fine for main HOB sponge filter?

[Cich Mind]

Hello MFK,
Amazon sells these sponge filter mats that are rated at 20ppi (pores per inch), 30ppi and 40ppi. The 40ppi is the most dense/fine and the 20ppi is coarse and has the largest pores, 30ppi being "medium". The filter mats are 2" thick. I bought the 30ppi and it looks kind of dense to me. These will be cut to fit for a Marineland 350 HOB filter. I will also be using a 1/2" extra fine filter as well. What ppi rating would you guys use?

Thanks in advance

 

[Ruturaj]

I prefer to do layers, from coarse to dense, that's in general not specific to 20-40 ppi sponges you have. I never saw PPI rating on mine, but I would say go by how it affects the flow of your filter than a number.

 

[FINWIN]

I really love the pond filter pads for superior polishing...currently I'm using "Pink" which has coarse one one side, super fine on the other. I fold it over like a sandwich and it works great in the ACL 110s. Easy to clean and more durable than the white 'premium' filter padding I was using. In fact the pink side stops particles in their tracks. You can literally just run water on that side and debris falls off.

 

[Cich Mind]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah, I'm going to do layers also. I think I will go with the extra coarse sponge filter material which is 2" thick, and then use a 1/2" polishing pad on my Marineland 350. I hope I have enough water flow with that thickness of filters. Hey FINWIN do you get ample water flow with the filters you use?

 

[FINWIN]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah, I'm going to do layers also. I think I will go with the extra coarse sponge filter material which is 2" thick, and then use a 1/2" polishing pad on my Marineland 350. I hope I have enough water flow with that thickness of filters. Hey FINWIN do you get ample water flow with the filters you use?

With the "Pink" absolutely! In fact I have to clean the pads every other day because they catch everything and I have some bioload busters in the main tank. With heavy loads I just go to the pond supplies and save money. I have two diy internal filters and 3 acl 110s on the 225. A combination of bio-bale, ceramic media and Pink.

20" x 120" ROLL PINK AQUARIUM MEDIA FILTERS PADS FOR KOI PONDS BONDED BIO BALL | eBay

Comes in different widths and sizes. Recommend. Pink side is smooth as a baby's butt.