Good Alternatives?

[vittpsu21]

I have a 200g + 74 gal sump that is right around 5-6 months, and coming slowly out of the ugly stages. I have an IM 200, the sump is also from IM and is the RFS, they ship with the below:

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www.innovative-marine.com

I have used them since the start, they have done a good job catching the diatoms/detritus etc but I am wondering if there are better alternatives to put into the cups that you replace less often or even offer better benefits? I am ok with ordering these again if need be, but as the time came to replace them I figured it was worth an ask to see what others do? For reference the RFS cups I talk to are a bit different and look like this....

As you can see the holders have holes in them already, so that might limit my options?

Thanks in advance for suggestions

 

[vittpsu21]

Better picture if this helps with the holes in question..

 

[vittpsu21]

Just wanted to bump this... I have continued to order the bio balls from IM but really would love some opinions on alternative solutions? Would it be possible to perhaps put filter socks in these locations instead? would that be better? worse? or even some media that might work for a bit longer than the 30ish days these seem to last for, before I hvae to replace?

 

[mmorrison55]

Which sump do you have? The pic shows their smallest model refs-22. Probably different dimensions and thus different options than if you are rock in their larger sump.

 

[vittpsu21]

Which sump do you have? The pic shows their smallest model refs-22. Probably different dimensions and thus different options than if you are rock in their larger sump.

ah sorry yes I have the

Had to look up the dimensions, Mine has 3 slots instead of the two in that top picture also

 

[mmorrison55]

The 74 gallon says it accommodates 4 inch filter socks. Besides filter socks, I only know of Klir that makes a drop in roller mat to fit a 4 “ filter sock opening

 

[mmorrison55]

Klir Fleece Filter Di-4 V2

The Klir Di-4 Fleece Filter helps clean an aquarium by physically capturing waste and removing unwanted particles from the water. It replaces 4in filter socks and holds 25 yards of 50-micron fleece. The Klir Di-4 can handle up to 750gph.

www.coralvue.com

 

[vittpsu21]

Klir Fleece Filter Di-4 V2

The Klir Di-4 Fleece Filter helps clean an aquarium by physically capturing waste and removing unwanted particles from the water. It replaces 4in filter socks and holds 25 yards of 50-micron fleece. The Klir Di-4 can handle up to 750gph.

www.coralvue.com

oh I might like the idea of this perhaps, the big issue atm I have with them is just how often I am replacing them at 40ish dollars per month probably. I wonder if this would just fit in one maybe it looks like and then socks in the other perhaps. I don't know it would seem to me socks would be better / the same in the long run maybe just require more cleaning?

that accommodates 4" probably has to be talking about these slots in question I think for sure

 

[mmorrison55]

Yeah, socks just means you are swapping them out and cleaning them weekly probably vs every few months of replacing the filter rolls and no cleaning.

 

[Tcook]

You can consider using Polyfill. Or use nothing. I pulled my filter cups.

 

[vittpsu21]

I haven’t replaced these as my tank is still clearing the last of the ugly stage diatoms but they definitely are catching stuff currently.