Aqueon Quietflow 30 Filter Replacement?

Upon searching the site for definite answers regarding filter modifications, I could not find a single definite answer, therefore I will ask my more detailed question.

The QF 30 is not a very large filter. There is not much room for bio-media with a stock setup. However, I am looking at completely separating from the carbon replacement filters. I have no use for carbon, and I have loose carbon I can shove into media bags if I ever need to remove medication. My question is, can I use a sponge sheet (cut to size) in replacement of this cotton strand/carbon contraption? I see no reason why this shouldn't work, as sponges are fine enough to filter the water and may work as some type of mechanical/bio filtration. I would believe that BB would 'nest' better in a sponge, and I expect to clean the sponge with WC every time I change my water.

In theory, I will save some space from getting rid of the carbon filter, and be able to house some bio ceramic rings and my current media bag that's filled with aragonite. (I have pH problems and am currently using aragonite to buffer my pH and increase KH and GH.)

Sorry for the long question that was made too complex, just trying to make sure I can do this before I potentially mess up and do wrong by my fish!

 

Yes, Carbon filter pads are the biggest rip off in the industry. Sponges contain much more biological surface area and are great for bio/mech filtration.

 

Yes, Carbon filter pads are the biggest rip off in the industry. Sponges contain much more biological surface area and are great for bio/mech filtration.

Great! Just as I was expecting. You almost worded it in such a simple way, that I feel almost dumb for asking! I found the 'biggest rip-off in the industry' line to be quite funny too! A single pack of these pads are a whopping $14 at my local pet store! All to be replaced in a mere manufacturer suggestion of 3 weeks?? Insanity.

 

to add on to this I myself replaced the carbon filter pad with a sponge and crushed coral in my qf10 I have running as my buffering filter. Just be careful not to get a antibacterial sponge (not aquarium safe).

 

to add on to this I myself replaced the carbon filter pad with a sponge and crushed coral in my qf10 I have running as my buffering filter. Just be careful not to get a antibacterial sponge (not aquarium safe).

Sounds like we are in the same boat! I needed a good buffer in my tank, and my filter is looking pretty rough and pointless! Thanks again for the help!

 

where would I get the sponges you're talking about.

 

where would I get the sponges you're talking about.

You can find them at local pet stores, such as Petco and Petsmart. They usually come in a sheet and must be cut to fit. I have of people using polyfill as an alternative as well.

 

The sponge wouldn't offer much mechanical filtration, if it's inside the filter floss. It would only really act as biological filtration.

You want your coarse filtration before the fine filtration. Filter floss is a more "fine" type of filtration.

In other words, the filter floss would block most of the particles before it even gets to the sponge. I would put something else inside the filter floss if you want to add something.

Carbon can be a ripoff, but not always. It's good at removing tannins, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, odors, and medication (this is proven). If not used properly it can be a ripoff, yes.

 

The sponge wouldn't offer much mechanical filtration, if it's inside the filter floss. It would only really act as biological filtration.

You want your coarse filtration before the fine filtration. Filter floss is a more "fine" type of filtration.

In other words, the filter floss would block most of the particles before it even gets to the sponge. I would put something else inside the filter floss if you want to add something.

Carbon can be a ripoff, but not always. It's good at removing tannins, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, odors, and medication (this is proven). If not used properly it can be a ripoff, yes.

Yeah I didn't think it would be as simple as cutting a sponge and throwing it into the blue cradle of the filter. I would prefer to make my own filters rather than buying the replacement. What are your suggestions for a full filter overhall? (leaving room for biomedia such as ceramic rings and aragonite)

 

Here is my Quietflow 30 LED pro.




On the left where the water comes in is a bag of matrix with a piece of course sponge on top of it.

In the filter cartridge area is a piece of course foam standing up since the water flows left to right.
Beside the course sponge is a bag of crushed coral on the bottom, a piece of filter floss, and the bag you see there has more matrix in it.

 

Here is my Quietflow 30 LED pro.

View attachment 371998

On the left where the water comes in is a bag of matrix with a piece of course sponge on top of it.

In the filter cartridge area is a piece of course foam standing up since the water flows left to right.
Beside the course sponge is a bag of crushed coral on the bottom, a piece of filter floss, and the bag you see there has more matrix in it.

Wow that's a lot different! Where did you get your filter floss from? So sponge first, then filter floss, then bio media?

I just REALLY don't want to buy filters, cut out the carbon, and just use the floss

 

I just get the floss sheets at my LFS.
I've never seen it at Petsmart.

In my setup the floss is laying flat between the bags of crushed coral and matrix.
It's just in there for use in jump starting new tanks.

I use a Fluval edge style pre-filter sponge over the intake to keep most if the "junk" out of the filter.

So sponge first, then bio-media.

 

I just get the floss sheets at my LFS.
I've never seen it at Petsmart.

In my setup the floss is laying flat between the bags of crushed coral and matrix.
It's just in there for use in jump starting new tanks.

I use a Fluval edge style pre-filter sponge over the intake to keep most if the "junk" out of the filter.

So sponge first, then bio-media.

Oh okay I see. The water comes from left to right, but it will go down through the visible bag, through the floss, into the crushed coral, and back into the tank, right? (sorry for all the specific detailed questions, just really trying to see what works before I go buy all the things I need. My water here has no GH whatsoever, and comes out of the faucet at 6. So it is very hard to make it ideal.)

 

That particular filter is due for a cleaning this weekend, so I'm going to look at the placement of the coral, floss, and matrix to see if placing them all vertically vs horizontal makes any difference.

Everything is always fully covered in water, and there is good flow rate thru the various media as far as I can tell.

 

That particular filter is due for a cleaning this weekend, so I'm going to look at the placement of the coral, floss, and matrix to see if placing them all vertically vs horizontal makes any difference.

Everything is always fully covered in water, and there is good flow rate thru the various media as far as I can tell.

Great! I just built my own today. I am looking at some marineland emporer 400 filter because they are huge, and all I see is potential for an awesome build!

I built my reminiscent to yours. I bought Fluval Edge biomax and foam replacement (small but works for now, might wait until I get a larger filter before I cram it with proper biomax rings). These two fit PERFECTLY in the small compartment on the left. I put the biomax on the bottom, the foam above it. For the larger compartment, I laid roughly have a pound of aragonite in a media bag in the bottom (I have issues with pH and need a buffer) Then above that, I have two layers of filter floss, and above that is Fluval's Bio-Mechanical sponge (just a fairly open black sponge). This aligns with the strategy of 'most fine filter last.' Then of course, Aqueon's litle attempt at a sponge bio filter is still hanging off the side, I mean nothing else fits in there so.

It hasn't been up long enough for me to tell a difference in BB, but the flow is the same if not better, my water has no clarity problems (as before) and everything appears to be running without a hitch!