Any Filter Cup users out there ?

[Ober_Reef]

I recently decided to test out filter cups with filter pad instead of using filter socks. I got tired or washing and ordering new socks and figured I would give this a try. Attached are a few photos of what I bought so far. I tried both cups and ended up not using the Red Sea version because the rigidness of it made it hard to get in and out of the holder in my sump. The other cup was flexible and had some give to it which made it easier to remove for media changes. So far the filter pad is exhausting every two to three days. Just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else had any tips or tricks to share !

 

[kittenbritches]

Yes! I have a sock and a cup right now. I found that cutting the filter pad a bit large so you have to roll it into a small spiral increases the length of time between changes.

 

[Quietman]

It's what I've used since day 1 over three years ago. Put some chemical media in bottom...usually just GAC anymore. I buy 6 x 2 ft sections of blue/white filter for $20 from Amazon. Cut off 1" to 1.5" of the 2 ft side and roll it up. Lasts 3-5 days and toss it out. Roll will last about 6 months.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Awesome I will definitely give the “roll” a try!

 

[fishface NJ]

I use Pol-Fil Premium Ployester fiber fill by Fairfield. I ordered a 20 pd box over a year ago to use on 3 filter cups.

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[SDK]

I use Pol-Fil Premium Ployester fiber fill by Fairfield. I ordered a 20 pd box over a year ago to use on 3 filter cups.

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You said it for me. I use cups with poly fill...

$19.99 for that padding is super high. Just grab a giant $7 bag of polyfill at a craft store like Michael's and you will be set for a long time. You don't need to spend time cutting it to size. Just grab an appropriately sized puff of if and it will form fit to the cup when you stick it in...

 

[Quietman]

I could I suppose...just never have. I tried poly on freshwater and it seemed to clog much quicker. Never tried it on reef tank though.

Planning next tank with reusable sponge tray. No room in rsr 170 for that. I was planning on buying and cutting some sponges down for filter cup at some point just haven't gotten around to it and this works so well.

But id like to have easy swap out tray in new system for a couple different ppi sponges. And I could swap and rinse and reuse. Anything but filter socks.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Does the pad and or poly-fil you all use cause your skimmers to go crazy every time you change ?

 

[fishface NJ]

Does the pad and or poly-fil you all use cause your skimmers to go crazy every time you change ?

poly-fil no

 

[kados]

Agreed. Poly no impact to skimmer. 3 filter cups w a handful of poly. New filter pad drives my skimmer nuts.

 

[Ober_Reef]

Is any Poly-fil acceptable as long as it’s the Poly-fil brand ?

 

[kados]

I use this one.

 

[fishface NJ]

Is any Poly-fil acceptable as long as it’s the Poly-fil brand ?

If using a different brand, just make sure to read that no mold inhibitor was used.

 

[kstaley12]

I use the Red Sea cup with poly fill as well. I change it out every 3-5 days. I have not had any overskimming with the fill.

 

[slacker036]

I use the red sea cups and this poly fil that I get at Walmart, was actually cheaper than Amazon. I have my stock Red Sea ATO moved just past the filter cups so that I don't have to remove the trays just pull out the old poly fil and add new. I actually have 2 "puffs" in each cup so when I change it out I remove the top layer and move the bottom up to to top and add fresh to the bottom, I know they say the Bio Filtration from removing it completely shouldn't matter but I always worry I would remove too much good bacteria. usually lasts about 3-4 days between changing the top layer.

 

[Ober_Reef]

I found it on Amazon and it looks like they sell it at a Michael’s locally. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t one that had chemicals that could hurt my tank.

 

[fishface NJ]

Poly Fil original brand is does not contain flame retardant or mold inhibitor

 

[BZOFIQ]

I use this alternating between socks and poly as I go

That box lasts forever.

Amazon.com

 

[tharbin]

I do about the same as Quietman, roll of filter floss, usually with gac under it. I also usually cut a small circle of floss and put it just above the gac just to make sure all of the water goes through some floss.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I do about the same as Quietman, roll of filter floss, usually with gac under it. I also usually cut a small circle of floss and put it just above the gac just to make sure all of the water goes through some floss.

Do you put anything under the GAC? I've always worried about AC particles going into the water column.