External filters

[john5748]

I have an external filter and was wondering what are the different substances you can put inside them, obviously seperated by the sponges?

I have cleaned mine out a few times (in the tank water), and the stuff seems to just look like gravel, which I just wash and then put back in.

I read a post earlier that mentioned peat, what are the pro's and con's of the different types?

Peat?

Ehfimech?

Ehfisubstrat?

Ehfitorf?

Sorry if I am been a bit thick here but it seems like a different language, maybe it is??

I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be in the Hardware section or not, apologies if I have it wrong.

Thanks for any help and soory it's so long.

 

[basia]

I have peat in my external filter because it helps to keep the pH down and I have Rams in the tank.
I also have sponges, little ceramic ring things and carbon.

 

[john5748]

I have peat in my external filter because it helps to keep the pH down and I have Rams in the tank.
I also have sponges, little ceramic ring things and carbon.

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Is there such a thing as aquarium peat or where would you buy this? I have never had any problems with PH so would it be worth it to change my filter set up?

 

[john5748]

I presume that I am not the only one that doesn't know about this then?

 

[john5748]

If nobody answers this time I will consider this topic now closed, once I do find out the answers I will post them back here for other peoples information.

 

[Hels]

yeah sorry i'm afriad i'm no help but it is something i've always wondered about so if you find the answers i'm sure lots of us would appreciate them

 

[jflowers]

I have an external filter and was wondering what are the different substances you can put inside them, obviously seperated by the sponges?

Thats the good thing about an external filter, you can customise them to suit your fish.

I have cleaned mine out a few times (in the tank water), and the stuff seems to just look like gravel, which I just wash and then put back in.

Only wash it when your filters flow is reduced, should be every three months or so, and yes, wash it in tank water.

I read a post earlier that mentioned peat, what are the pro's and con's of the different types?

Peat is only needed if your fish need it, Blue rams and Discus among others can benefit from it.

Peat? As Above

Ehfimech? A mechanical filter to filter out particals

Ehfisubstrat? A biological media that will be collonised by benificial bacteria

Ehfitorf?
From a google search...

Ehfitorf is a chemically effective, acid filter peat which enriches the water with useful hormones and humic substances. It reduces the carbonate hardness and stabilizes the pH value in freshwater aquariums. Place product loosely in a filter bag and place after a layer of Ehfifix. Do not use this product at the same time as carbon

Jon

 

[clunkster]

yes there is aquarium peat you should be able to buy from your lfs peat will help lower your ph it can also discolour your water