Diy Filter Media

[darryl864]

I have a very small simple filter which has two compartments. In the bottom there is a sponge and in the top there is a small sack of carbon. I have read on this site that the carbon only last about 2-3 weeks so after that its useless. Hence why most people don't use carbon.

Anyway I have decided to remove the carbon but am wondering if I could so a similar thing with a DIY ceramic solution. Would it be feasible to break up a ceramic pot and place this into a small sack and replace the carbon sack?

 

[waterdrop]

I think the reason most choose a commercial biomedia (seachem matrix, efhi substrat pro, etc.) is that it is engineered to have a very porous surface area, hopefully with pockets of a size promoting attachment by the autotrophs we want. Of course the bacteria will attach to almost anything to some extent, so broken bits of ceramic may work out ok. I would be careful not to get cut and hopefully your rinsing process would keep sharp bits from getting out and cutting fish!

Also, I believe the time often stated for carbon to be functional is 3 days, not 3 weeks. Of course it would also depend on what med or chemical was being soaked up by the carbon.

In some respects, the simplest thing might be to just add more sponge if its a simple filter! Sponge is great for bacteria retention.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[darryl864]

I think the reason most choose a commercial biomedia (seachem matrix, efhi substrat pro, etc.) is that it is engineered to have a very porous surface area, hopefully with pockets of a size promoting attachment by the autotrophs we want. Of course the bacteria will attach to almost anything to some extent, so broken bits of ceramic may work out ok. I would be careful not to get cut and hopefully your rinsing process would keep sharp bits from getting out and cutting fish!

Also, I believe the time often stated for carbon to be functional is 3 days, not 3 weeks. Of course it would also depend on what med or chemical was being soaked up by the carbon.

In some respects, the simplest thing might be to just add more sponge if its a simple filter! Sponge is great for bacteria retention.

~~waterdrop~~

Yes I think your right just a bit of sponge will do. I have seen a replacement pack which has the sponge and carbon sack in one so could get that and keep the carbon sack should I need it.

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, I assume you mean a replacement pack that fits the little filter better? You know, I know I remember many of the experienced members saying that they just buy huge bags of poly meant for pillows at walmart & such and I think I also might remember some saying the same thing for sponge -- a big old piece of sponge would last forever - its easy to cut with scissors.

I don't know, seems unlikely you'd get burned by unexpected chemicals in it or anything -- what do others think?

~~waterdrop~~