Sump filter pads

I'm wondering if anyone care to share their personal experience with different filter pads.

My 115 and sump are up and running. I have bio balls, but would like to add filter pads in between the intake flow and the bio balls.

An intake sock is already installed so it's mainly for lowering ammonia and polishing the water? I'm new to sumps to bare with me

 

I can't speak to sumps, or even actual experience, but I just got a matten filter sponge that is 40 ppI for a shrimp tank. Flip Aquatics claims that 35 is safe for shrimp, so if you wanted to put shrimp in your sump for some reason, I would put them before the sponge to keep them safe.

If you don't want the shrimp, you could put a 10 or 20ppI in front of the 40 to get the big stuff out.

 

There are many "cut to fit " pads you can use ..

 

There are many "cut to fit " pads you can use ..

Thanks. I was looking at these last night. Have you used any of them yourself??
Do I need different kinds of filters or just one kind layering them in the sump?

 

I can't speak to sumps, or even actual experience, but I just got a matten filter sponge that is 40 ppI for a shrimp tank. Flip Aquatics claims that 35 is safe for shrimp, so if you wanted to put shrimp in your sump for some reason, I would put them before the sponge to keep them safe.

If you don't want the shrimp, you could put a 10 or 20ppI in front of the 40 to get the big stuff out.

I'm not planning to add any inverts to the sump at the moment since I don't really know what I'm doing

 

Just one will work since you only have 1place to use them .
Get a sponge that fits in your sump and you will be all set !.I have 2 towers with 3 drawers so I use all sorts of pads ..
Want links for 100 foot rolls !

 

Lol I don't think I'll need that much padding. I was looking for filter pads that have bigger "holes". Like I got some with a HOB filter I bought, but I don't know what it's called.

 

These are very course ..Your sock will clog up long before the cut to fits will..

 

Thanks!

 

The "holes" are measured in Pores Per Inch or ppi.

 

I've used the Aquatic Experts brand of bulk filter pads that Coral Bandit linked. They have a heavier duty construction compared to the same sized rilla of filter pads that Amazon has for $10-$12. In my experience, the one I mentioned didn't fall apart easily and could be reused a couple of times.

Also consider 20ppI or 30ppI foam sponge sheets from Amazon. The brand Aquaneat has 2" thick sheets around 23"x17" I think for $13 depending on the seller. I just bought one if each size and plan on using them in some Aquaclear and Tidal HOB filters and some canisters.