Where and how to purchase USED Eheim filter media (substrat pro and mech)?

Hello All,

This is my 1st post to this forum. I have been keeping freshwater tanks for over 30 years.

I recently got an great deal on a used 30 gallon tank, which I used to upsize from a 20 gallon. I transferred everything over from the 20 to the 30 (including the water) in order to keep the new tank from re-cycling. The 20 gallon had been running for 6 years with no issues.

As part of the deal, the previous owner gave me their Eheim 2217 canister filter that they were using on the 30 gallon, but they discarded all of the old media. I cleaned and tested the 2217 and it works perfect. I have always wanted to try a canister, as I have previously only used HOB type filters. I am a huge Aquaclear fan. Currently running 4 tanks. 3 are using Aquaclear 50's and one is using an Aquaclear 20. All running perfect. All over filtered (example... Aquaclear 50 = 200gph on a 20 gallon so 10x filtration per hour). The Aquaclear 50 from the 20 gallon is now on the 30 gallon. It's all running well.

Here's my challenge... while I really want to try the Eheim canister, the filter media costs a fortune. Estimating $60 to purchase the new media required. I want to use original Eheim products and I know you do not need to throw them out, but people still do. Eheim makes very high quality materials.

Is there any place where I can purchase used Eheim media at a large discount? I am specifically speaking of the Substrat Pro and Mech. The pads I will purchase new as they actually do wear out over time. I have already checked Craigslist and eBay. Folks are selling media with a filter. I just want the media.

For perspective, I never change my Aquaclear Biomax and I only change the sponges when they are literally falling apart. During weekly water changes, I just shake and squeeze them a bit in the used tank water. All of my tanks are very stable and have been for years. The water is always crystal clear.

BUT... I still want to try the canister thing!

Any advice would be appreciated...

 

You can move the media from the HOBs you're running on the tank to the canister filter.

Alternatively, you can get your own, non-Eheim media (same thing, just much cheaper). I really like using polyfill in my filters. In my canister, I run polyfill and ceramic media.

 

Thanks for the fast response. That's a great idea. The 2217 is huge compared to the Aquaclear 50, so it's probably overkill for a 30 gallon tank, but this is all about the hobby and process and the fun of doing it. Maybe I will mix the Aquaclear media with another type so it seeds the canister. Going to let the tank stabilize for one month before changing anything. By then, I will decide which way to go. Right now, the Aquaclear is doing a fine job.

 

I'm switching from an HOB to a canister too. I'll move all the media and add more, so it'll be instantly cycled - no spikes or bumps!

Sounds like a good plan!

 

There's many many other eheim filter media substitutes. Rather than buying second hand is recommend other branded media. To keep it simple I'd look at ceramic noodles or sintered glass for bio and you can get cheap filter wool new for mech. Moving the media from your HOB to your canister would also be great to maintain your tanks cycle.
Goodluck with it!