This is an index of pages devoted to all the various filter media in use in filters. Each article discusses each media type in depth:
7.2.1. Polyester Floss
7.2.2. Foam and Sponge
7.2.3. K1 Media
7.2.4. Perlite and Pumice
7.2.5. Aquarium Gravel
7.2.6. PP and EVA Pads
7.2.7.Bio Balls
7.2.8. Pot Scrubbers
7.2.9. Lava Rock
7.2.10. Growstone
7.2.11. Ceramic Media
7.2.12. Matrix
7.2.13. Clay Balls
7.2.14. BioHome
.
Return to Filter Media Menu
.
Tank Start Guide Website
The chapters shown below or on the right side in maroon lead to close to 400 articles on all aspects of keeping a freshwater aquarium. These articles have NO links to profit making sites and are thus unbiased in their recommendations, unlike all the for-profit sites you will find with Google. Bookmark and browse!
.
What is the best media for sump filters. I use ceramic media, but after this article i have doubts.
The best media for sump filters is fluidized K1 followed closely by 30 ppi foam. Ceramic media is the worst media.
Hi Dave, so i have a sump that was designed for a reef tank which i am converting to a planted tank. I have 1 chamber for filter socks and then into 1 big chamber then into return pump. Can i full the big chamber with static K1 media and and foam pads.
I also have a reactor that was designed to grow. chaeto. Flow through it is not fast but can i also add more k1 in that. I can’t do fluidizing media as the tank is main living area so trying to keep noise level low. Many thanks for all your help and posts. Really has helped me a lot.
In reply to Ashir …… Yes, you will do well to fill any sump chamber with either K1 or foam or a combination.
In my sump, I had fluidised k1, but too many shrimp were getting in the sump (with 30ppi sponge on the overflows) and getting pulverised. So now I have large, wide, 20 ppi sponges, totalling 5” thick, that I haven’t needed to clean since I put the in about 12 months ago. Should I add, or change, to some 30ppi?
What is the weight of fish, without weighing them?
Would 5x1inch tetras be equal to your 1x5inch mbuna? So would that be approximately 175×1 inch tetras (for your 35x 5 inch Mbuna) for 100sq ft of surface area?
Thank you.
In reply to Paul G The derived “metabolic weight” of fish is given in the attached article: https://tankstartguide.com/index.php/13-1-calculating-stocking-ratio/ A five inch fish would be equal to 57 one inch fish by this analysis. This will in turn give 454 one inch fish or nine five inch fish per 100 square feet of surface area.
And don’t bother to change out the foam. You are fine just as is.