Canister Filter media

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I run a FX4 canister filter, it will be FOWLR and turned in a reef tank later on. I was wondering what kind of filter media I should use? Right now it has sponges/foam pads, ceramic rings, and activated carbon like the picture. I heard some people use polyfil that they replace every 2-3 weeks. I couldn't find anything relating to it, thank you


1769657006581.png
 
I run a FX4 canister filter, it will be FOWLR and turned in a reef tank later on. I was wondering what kind of filter media I should use? Right now it has sponges/foam pads, ceramic rings, and activated carbon like the picture. I heard some people use polyfil that they replace every 2-3 weeks. I couldn't find anything relating to it, thank you


1769657006581.png
Looks like a good configuration. Depending on your fish, this will require weekly service.

I use canister filters on 25 year mature reef tank. However, they have no mechanical or chemical filtration; they are full of reef rubble and I never service them..

For your FOWLR, consider using a reverse flow under-gravel filter with 2” of aragonite substrate. I consider the plenum void to be a cryptic refugium and the substrate has a powerful oxygenated surface area available for nitrification bacteria.
 
Looks like a good configuration. Depending on your fish, this will require weekly service.

I use canister filters on 25 year mature reef tank. However, they have no mechanical or chemical filtration; they are full of reef rubble and I never service them..

For your FOWLR, consider using a reverse flow under-gravel filter with 2” of aragonite substrate. I consider the plenum void to be a cryptic refugium and the substrate has a powerful oxygenated surface area available for nitrification bacteria.
tysm! I didnt even know under gravel filters were a thing. Do you mean something big enough to cover the whole sandbed or just certain areas for beneficial bacteria to grow overall?
 
I covered the whole sandbed. UG filters are not a thing. I march to a different tune.
 
I run an Oase on my system. I clean the pre-filter once a week. I never clean the main chambers (where I run inert Oase Hel 13-x for the bacteria). I swap out a bag of RedSea carbon every two weeks. That's it!
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 6 31.6%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 4 21.1%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 3 15.8%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 5 26.3%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 4 21.1%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 4 21.1%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 1 5.3%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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