Using polyfiber as filter media

[excuzzzeme]

There have been many discussion about the use of polyester fiber (a.k.a. Fiber floss, poly floss, Fiberfill, etc.) as a media for filtration and it's efficacy. Those like myself praise the value of it. Since some people cannot envision the use of it, I have included pictures of how I use it.

This is on an Emperor 400 and I do the same thing on all power filters regardless of manufacturer.


First thing I do is to take a worn out cartridge and strip the media and dump the carbon.


I then insert it back into the filter and moderately pack floss between it and the back of the filter. (Bio-wheel has been removed for better viewing).




This is how well it works at trapping dirt and waste. Keeping in mind that this is a wad of fiber, it actually has more particle trapping surface area than a manufacturer cartridge. I change the floss about 1-2x a month or as needed. Some of my smaller tanks get changed less often due to the light stocking.

 

[kyryah]

Nice pics! I also use the floss, and have to say that it does a much better job at polishing the water than any of the cartridges I have ever used. The cheaper cost is also very much a bonus.

Kristina

 

[addicted2fish]

yep the poly fil is the BEST !!! I went to the LFS seen filter floss" and I seen that it was 100% polyester, which is excatly what is in the 5.00 bag of polyfil" . I have been using this for 2 years now works great . It is best to change it out every week, It will cause the flow to slow when dirty, But is the best for micron filtration . I use it in ALL my tanks !!

 

[REDKAHUNA]

I have been using it forever great and cheap. I use it in box filters with marbles stones oyster shell according to the tank. Traps everything.

 

[excuzzzeme]

Like ADDICTED2FISH said, the bag of "Aquarium Filter Floss" that you buy at the LFS for about $7.00 is the same thing as the Polyester Fiber you buy at a discount store for $5.00. The only difference between the 2 is you get approximately 4 times more from the discount store for about the same cost. One bag will last months!

 

[247Plants]

I use it in my canisters to polish my water. Cheap and works extremely well.

 

[ibr3ak]

Yep that's all I use, picked up a couple 20oz (1.25 pound) bags at walmart for $3 each.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

The only problem with the bulk Poly fiber is that its a little hard to apply evenly and I only use it where I have voids that cant be filled by a carbon pillow tightly, I loose fill with poly wool. What I like much more is the poly blanket which comes in 12"X12' and is 1/4 inch thick sold at Pet Smart for about $0.89 a bag on sale. Because of its consistent size, shape and thickness I can cut it to fit as an under layer beneath the "right size blue bio filter" in my Magnum. The reason it doesn't clog for a month and a half is because it is thin and the footprint size 6"x12" around the carbon canister which is allot of surface area for the water to path. For my Hot Mag I peel it down the middle making it only 1/8 inch thick and lay a blanket beneath the sponge sock as well. When it comes time for cleaning the poly layer is so black and heavy I just toss it out and only the Bio blue sock is reused along with half the carbon half new recharged carbon. Anyway the poly blanket works evenly and consistently and can be custom cut for any application. The site below says 4X12 but its actually 12 inches by 12 feet, 1/4 inch thick blanket. Sort of like a rolled up foot path carpet lol.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754135

 

[dixienut]

What I like much more is the poly blanket which comes in 12"X12' and is 1/4 inch thick sold at Pet Smart for about $0.89 a bag on sale. Because of its consistent size, shape and thickness I can cut it to fit as an under layer beneath the "right size blue bio filter" in my Magnum.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754135

i also use this as it is very easy to cut and slip into my imagine clamshells i have for all my hob filters , they fit every brand i have,..

http://www.petsolutions.com/Emperor-Filter-Cartridges-by-Imagine+I79272804+C39.aspx

 

[katschamne]

That's the same as the quiting bating that you get a Walmart. The difference is that the one at Walmart is a much bigger then the Petsmart brand. Although I don't know the price at Walmart.