Aquaclear 20 media

I have the basic media in it right now. I did order bio max balls Purigen and poly filter. Should i keep the yellow sponge on bottom. Maybe cut an active sponge filter thinner for on top of that. The polyfilter above the sponges then the purigen and bio max in place of the carbon? Thanks !!!

 

The main purpose of filters is to house beneficial bacteria so whatever has the most surface area for that bacteria to grow is good. Sponge is great for that purpose.

 

I run mine as they come.

 

The only thing I would do to maybe get a little better performance is to swap out the carbon layer for either more sponge or bio max.

I personally run all sponge in my filters for both mechanical and bio media. So whatever your preference is.

only run a layer of carbon if your trying to clear the water out after medicationing or if their are odors or other impurities you’re trying to remove.

 

Okay cool awesome! Would using a part of an older sponge filter work if i cut it thin and to the correct size to put in there ? I did order bio max balls to replace carbon media

 

Okay cool awesome! Would using a part of an older sponge filter work if i cut it thin and to the correct size to put in there ? I did order bio max balls to replace carbon media

Yup, as long as you can cut it to fit nice.

biggest thing is always having something fit well so water goes through It and not around it, if that makes sense. Water tends to take the path of least resistance.

 

I just upgraded from the stock Top Fin Silenstream 30 to a Fluval Aqua Clear 30 over the weekend. I have my sponge from my old filter on the bottom, then a peace of new sponge, carbon bio max bag, bio max bag and Poly-Fil on top that I have been changing everyday due to a bio/algae bloom that a UV sterilizer is taking care of so the floss gets dirty fast! I cut the pad from my original filter and stuffed it into the area right behind the impeller you preserve more of the beneficial bacteria from the original filter. Love the updated filter and that you are able to stack media! I also picked up a cheap sponge filter online over the weekend and added a sponge to cover the impeller as well. Tank is over a month old and far from fully stocked. Wondering if I even need the bio max carbon pack after reading posts though? Should I just add the ammonia pack that came with the filter or another layer of sponge?