Chem Zorb
Which filter media would be the best combination?
I have the Rena Filstar XP2 and I dont know which media to put in it, it came with Bio-Chem Zorb, and Bio-Chem Stars biological filtration media. Ill keep some of the chem stars of course but would like to add either some more of the same or maybe some ceramic rings (if so how many). Ill replace the foam pads with some new either foam ones or the micro-filtration pads (which is better or use both?). So what would be the best combo to use, keep in mind I need 3 types:
1) chemical
2)biological
3)mechanical
Here is the site which lists all the media available:
http://www.aquatichouse.com/FILTRATION%20MENU_files/FilStar%20Media.asp
Thanks in advance!
Nice choice in filter. I also love the media they make, I buy them and put them in all my filters, regardless of filter type.
Each of the foams addresses a certain stage of mechanical filtration, so it is best to get a combination. I have the 20, 30, and then a polisher type (which is what the Micro-filtration pads are). I have the 20 first to get the coarse debris, the finer pieces of waste that the 20 can't get is then caught by the 30, and the water polisher gets the extremely fine pieces that the other two missed. That way, I get practically all the waste out, and my water polisher for example isn't covered with big debris so that it can't get the small things it is meant to get out. Make sure that you have it so the intake comes in and hits the 20 first, then the 30, then the polisher; otherwise the polisher will get clogged with everything.
Here is the difference between the Ceramic Rings and the Bio-Stars: The Ceramic Rings give more surface area for the bacteria to grow but don't give the bacteria as much water flow (which delivers the ammonia and nitrite to them) or oxygen flow (which gives them air to breathe, as the beneficial bacteria breathe oxygen like us), the Bio-Stars have less surface area for bacteria habitat but allow more oxygen and water to flow through them so that the bacteria that does grow there has more of its needs met. Personally, I like what the Bio-Stars do better, so that's all I use in my filters. Its up to you which aspect is more appealing, or you could always mix them.
The choice in chemical filtration is a bit more complex. The problem with the ones that absorb ammonia etc. is that they tend to suddenly and unpredictably dump all the ammonia, nitrites, chemicals that harden the water, phosphates, etc. back into the tank all at once. Obviously, that can be very dangerous to the fish. If you change the packets frequently, it may never be a problem. I play it safe though, and just use a form of activated carbon in mine. That way, if it leaks something in large doses, it will just be something like tannins it has caught up or smell-causing agents; it won't be something as dangerous to the fish in high doses as ammonia, for instance. I leave my bacteria the job of getting rid of the ammonia. Another thing with the Carbon though is that it stops working within a few days. I am especially aware of this because when it stops working, all the gold color that comes from the tannins produced by the bogwood in my tank is very visible. To get constant chemical filtration, you should replace it once a week or so.
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What do I need in my filter?
I have bought a second hand aquarium with a Rena filstar XP1 pump. In the bottom of the filterthere are the coarse and fine sponges and at the top it has the micro filtration pad. When I asked the seller if I needed anything else he said he had never used carbon in it and just ran it as it was. When I look online, (I can only find XP3 information) it says I need Bio stars or ceramic rings and Bio-chem Zorb. So now I am confused. What do I need in it? I don't want to harm any fish!
I have nothing in the tank yet as I want to do a fishless cycle and then make a tropical tank.
Thanks for any help
Hey there,
You don't need anything else in the filter.. BUT if you add Ceramic Rings there will be a lot more Nitrifying Bacteria growing in your filter meaning that the Ammonia and Nitrite will be processed a lot faster.
I use Fluval Externals (305/FX5) on all of my tanks, Each Filter has it's normal 4 foam pads and in every other chamber i have Ceramic Media ONLY.
The only time i ever use Carbon (and nothing but carbon since my tanks always have 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite) is after i use any medication to remove the excess when the med duration is over (You try keeping over 50 Loaches without getting Whitespot), and i remove it after it's 4 day life is over (90% of Carbons absorption is done over the first 48 hours, the last 10% is done over the next 48 hours.. after that, Carbon is useless).
All in all, you want to get some Ceramic Media for the filter but nothing else - anything else would just be a waste of money.
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