I have been working on stabilizing my Fluval Evo 13.5 after noticing my parameters being a little high (after complacent, lack of attention to testing on my part), and started thinking. I really want to ditch the stock filter sponge that goes in Chamber 2, as I think it is a source of some of my high readings. I currently have an In Tank media basket in chamber 1 and love it; however, I am days away from starting my Red Sea Reefer 350 build and really don't want to spend $40-$50 on a media basket for chamber 2 on this tank right now. I plan on keeping it running for now, so I do want to make sure I get all my parameters in check.
My question is, can I ditch the sponge in chamber 2 and just dump a few inches (2", 3" or 4"??) of bio-media in the bottom, and maybe lay a carbon bag or bag of Purigen, or both, right on top of the bio-media? Is a chamber basket REALLY necessary? I get the convenience of having a basket, but other than that, is there any reason I couldn't just "pile the stuff" in there without a basket?
My question is, can I ditch the sponge in chamber 2 and just dump a few inches (2", 3" or 4"??) of bio-media in the bottom, and maybe lay a carbon bag or bag of Purigen, or both, right on top of the bio-media? Is a chamber basket REALLY necessary? I get the convenience of having a basket, but other than that, is there any reason I couldn't just "pile the stuff" in there without a basket?