Filter media questions

I'm setting up a 55 gallon (us gallons) aquarium. It came with a Top Fin Silentstream 75 filter as I got it as a starter kit. I also purchased an aquaclear 70. I'm having minor issues with both.

1) Does anybody know what size sponge will fit the intake tube on the silentstream? It is wider and taller than all the intake sponges I've purchased even the ones that claim to be extra large.

2) The AC was missing the mesh bag that was supposed to be included to hold the clay (?) media and yes, I could have reached out to the manufacturer, but I ended up buying 4 bags of bio rings (1 lb each) instead, which look like more surface area anyway. Does this look ok the way I have it or will it prevent the proper flow (I don't have the AC turned on yet)?

3) On the silentstream I only have the included plain sponges in the bottom. I didn't install the carbon in either filter. Should I put a second sponge in each side of the silentstream or would a bag of bio rings be enough, as I have 3 more like the one I have for the AC. Or put in extra sponge on 1 side and the bio rings on the other? Would you add anything else or change anything?

1st & 3rd pics are the silentstream... 2nd the AC.

Thanks for all your help. Please forgive the undecorated tank as I haven't figured out what to add yet

 

The fluval intake sponge may work on that, otherwise i would use pantyhose til you find something big enough. As far as media goes, i say give it a shot.

 

1. info might be in this guide Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters | Aquarium Filter Forum | 385506

2. the rings are fine, although the very top bag, if the water doesn't flow through the rings, it won't grow bacteria, so its not doing much.

3. you can add a small handful of polyfil as fine filter media. then a bag of rings on top of it. see the guide in #1

 

I'm setting up a 55 gallon (us gallons) aquarium. It came with a Top Fin Silentstream 75 filter as I got it as a starter kit. I also purchased an aquaclear 70. I'm having minor issues with both.

1) Does anybody know what size sponge will fit the intake tube on the silentstream? It is wider and taller than all the intake sponges I've purchased even the ones that claim to be extra large.

2) The AC was missing the mesh bag that was supposed to be included to hold the clay (?) media and yes, I could have reached out to the manufacturer, but I ended up buying 4 bags of bio rings (1 lb each) instead, which look like more surface area anyway. Does this look ok the way I have it or will it prevent the proper flow (I don't have the AC turned on yet)?

3) On the silentstream I only have the included plain sponges in the bottom. I didn't install the carbon in either filter. Should I put a second sponge in each side of the silentstream or would a bag of bio rings be enough, as I have 3 more like the one I have for the AC. Or put in extra sponge on 1 side and the bio rings on the other? Would you add anything else or change anything?

1st & 3rd pics are the silentstream... 2nd the AC.

Thanks for all your help. Please forgive the undecorated tank as I haven't figured out what to add yet

I think the media in your AquaClear is piled too high.

Turn it on to confirm this, but I’d guess your water isn‘t going to flow through or over all of it, which just means you should probably remove some.

 

Ok. Thanks everyone. I can turn on the aquaclear and remove any media that isn't being covered by the water I will also look at getting some poly fill or filter floss.