Adding Bio-Filter Media To Aqueon Power Filter 20?

[Gvilleguy]

Just started fishless cycle in 26 gallon tank with Aqueon Power Filter 20. It has a carbon filter combined with a plastic bio-basket arrangement.

Picture link here:

Aqueon Power Filter 20

I have seen some internet postings where people have either replaced the carbon filter entirely with foam or sponge, or else they kept the carbon filter in place and added sponge or ceramic filter material to the water holding bin behind the filter.

Has anyone on this forum done something similar, and, if so, could you recommend a specific bio product to purchase that would fit well in the filter case?

I want to maximize the potential for storing beneficial bacteria, and don't want to lose a bunch of bacteria upon replacing the carbon filter when it gets full.

Thanks.

 

[waterdrop]

What is the carbon filter like? You can't see it in that picture. WD

 

[Gvilleguy]

There is "activated carbon" inside the white cartridge that you see me holding in the picture - the documentation describe it as "dual-sided replaceable dense-floss cartridges". The white thing slides into the blue bio-basket.

 

[drobbyb]

You can add filter media to those type of filters. You have a few options: You can add sponges, replace the activated carbon with bio media re-using the cartridge, or I have heard of people using the green scrubby pads like you would use to clean pots and pans. A note on the latter, make sure it is just the scrubby material without any added soaps or perfumes. I've never tried it, but from what I gather it is supposed work really well.

The most important part of your filter is the bio filter. It is filled with bacteria that do all your pond maintenance for you! Bacteria actually grows on everything, which is why its important to use a bio filter that is filled with something with plenty of surface area. If building your own, you can use scrubby pads or even straws cut up into small pieces.

Taken from http/www.submityourarticle.com/articles/Mark-Hunkler-5754/pond-maintenance-58323.php

I know it says ponds, but the very same bacteria are present in home setups too.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Okay - I think I've settled on the filter set up for now. I'll let this go through the fishless cycle and see how it goes. Here is what I did:

I bought two Aquaclear Biomax 30 filter inserts, which are bags of ceramic rings. I placed one bag in the vertical inflow chamber where the water pours into the filter tank, and another bag behind the Aqueon filter cartridge (covering only about half of the Aqueon filter).

Here is a labeled picture:

Aqueon Power Filter with added Biomax bags

 

[drobbyb]

Looks good to me. You might have a drop in total filter output since it wasn't designed to handle the bio-media. Just make sure to test often to ensure that your ammonia and nitrites stay at zero.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Once I get the tank cycled I will test often. If it seems like the filter is not keeping up I'll probably buy a slightly bigger one and use the current one for a quarantine tank.

 

[waterdrop]

Sounds like a plan! WD

 

[OldMan47]

I looked at your second picture and am a bit concerned. It seems to me, I may be wrong, that the AC bio-filtration material is blocking the free flow of water to your filter cartridge. Even though a cartridge filter is far less than ideal as a biological filter, it does work and should not be blocked from having decent flows.