Filter Media

[SilkyJ]

I have a couple questions about filter media.

I have a 30 gallon reef tank with 2 fish and a couple frags and 25 lbs of live rock (so not overly stocked).

I use Nitrate Sponge, Phosphate Sponge and Charcoal as my filter media and switch between the three every once and a while (or whenever the need calls for the sponges).

How often should I be changing the filter media?

I've read about media renewal. Is it possible to put the media in the oven and have it renewed?

Here's what it says

Renewal:
For phosphate removal, renewal may or may not be possible, depending on conditions of use. At best, product may be renewed two times, depending on circumstances of use, and capacity will be much lower each time. To renew, spread 1/4" thick on a baking pan. Place in a 450 degree oven for one hour. Let cool. Rinse with fresh water and re-use. When reusing, leave for 8 hours, maximum. Do not use pan for food.

Finally, I know you can put a little filter strip in one of the compartments to do extra filtering. You can buy strips like i'm talking about at aquarium stores/online for pretty expensive, but someone said you can use home filters and just cut off a piece from a big roll. If that's the case, what kind of filter material should I buy from a Home Depot? (Hopefully that made sense)

Thanks!

[wolrey]

There is plenty of reading that can be done about sponges by using the forum search. Basically, they are not recommended. If used, sponges should be cleaned/changed very often. Otherwise they will trap debris and become nitrate producers overtime.

If you are going to use them, I would just buy bulk from either a LFS or online retailer. I'm not sure I've seen a product at a hardware store that I would trust in a saltwater tank.


IIRC, the type of phos remover that is renewable is the aluminum based type. This type is rough on corals and you'll find everybody using the ferric oxide based stuff. I don't believe that the ferric oxide stuff can be regenerated.

The time each "media" needs to be replaced is a very hard question to answer. You'll find lots of debate, but few concret answers. A good phos media might last 6+ months before it should be pulled, of course this depends on the load of the tank and amount of media.


Jeff

[spsick]

the nitr5ate and phosphate sponges should go. Just use carbon, it will be much easier on the corals and still effective. just use the standard sponges and good carbon in that fluval, should give better results .

[SilkyJ]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll definitely stay away from the sponges in the future. I may use them for a bit just to get my tank balanced, but I'll make sure to change them very regularly and then start use carbon instead.

For the second part, I should have made myself clearer. I am not speaking about buying actual media at a hardware store, but instead am referencing a type filter. They sell what I am talking about on aquarium stores as "polishing filters" that sit inside the canister filter. Here are a couple links of what I'm referencing:

Marineland Polishing Filter (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~polishing%20filter~action~vi ew~idProduct~AS3543~idCategory~FIFMMEPM~category~M arineland_Rite_Size_T_Polishing_Filter_Pads_Magnum _C_Series_Canister_Filters_(2pk)_Saltwater_Aquariu m_Supplies_Filter_Media_Mechanical_Pads~vendor~.ht ml)

Fluval Polishing Filter (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~polishing%20filter~action~vi ew~idProduct~HG10244~idCategory~FIFMMEPM~category~ Hagen_Fluval_Polishing_Pad_Fine_304_305_404_40_6_p k_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Filter_Media_Mechani cal_Pads~vendor~.html)

Eheim Polishing Filter (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~polishing%20filter~action~vi ew~idProduct~EH2616131~idCategory~FIFRRCCT~categor y~Eheim_Coarse_Filter_Pad_for_2213_Canister_Filter _(2_pcs)_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Filters_Repla cement_Cartridges_For_Canisters~vendor~.html)

So my question is....because these filters are used to remove debris, etc., can you use some sort of air filter or other type of filter that can be bought at a hardware store??? If so, does it matter what type to get...are some dangerous? The reason I ask is obviously because the bulk filter material at a hardware store is way cheaper.

When I bought my aquarium, the seller gave me some extra filter material that he had a huge roll of and said to use that instead of buying the polishing filters.

Thanks again for all your help

[Adam G]

A store like Michaels with have different filter floss and foam type materials that could be used for filtration. Just stay away from natural fibers that will break down and put nutrients in your water.

The above advice is very solid, be careful with sponge filters or any mechanical filter for that matter. They can do more harm than good.