Advantages/Disadvantages of polywool?

[Mooch28]

Hey guys,

I own a Fluval 404 canister filter and was thinking of adding some polywool from Hagen in my lower basket. what i would like too know is, what benefits do you get from using these? Also are there any drawbacks? And finally, how often does it have to be changed or can you just rinse them out montly like you do with you sponge filters?

Thanks again guys!

 

[Blinky]

It will trap very small particles; it's great for mechanical filtration. Sometimes you can rinse it out when it gets clogged, but many people just throw it out and add new wool at each water change. You do need to watch and make sure it doesn't become completely clogged, since this affects the flow of water through the filter.
I use something similar, it's shaped into a pad, sold as a roll that you cut pieces out of. I generally rinse it under a strong jet of water and reuse it if I can, but after once or twice it just won't rinse very clean so I replace it.

 

[Mooch28]

It will trap very small particles; it's great for mechanical filtration. Sometimes you can rinse it out when it gets clogged, but many people just throw it out and add new wool at each water change. You do need to watch and make sure it doesn't become completely clogged, since this affects the flow of water through the filter.
I use something similar, it's shaped into a pad, sold as a roll that you cut pieces out of. I generally rinse it under a strong jet of water and reuse it if I can, but after once or twice it just won't rinse very clean so I replace it.

Did you find that your water looked cleaner when you added this polywool?