Idiots Guide To Media Basket?

[ShellyTheReefer]

I just bought a media basket & in in-tank refugium basket for my Fluval Evo 13.5, however, now I am clueless what actually should go in the basket?
As a note, I do have a MaxSpect BioBall holder, which is currently holding 15 bioballs for when we fill the tank and get it cycling.
I believe it should be: Mechanical, Chemical and Biological, and was told to use Filter Floss, Carbon and Biomax pellets, but surely there are better options?

I've read about Purigen and stuff, but really want someone to make it as simple as possible for me, as for some reason this seems to be the bit I can't wrap my head around!!!

 

[Fish Fan]

I believe it should be: Mechanical, Chemical and Biological, and was told to use Filter Floss, Carbon and Biomax pellets, but surely there are better options?

This is what I do with mine, from the top (where the water first enters) on down: Mechanical, Chemical, Biological medias. Specifically, I like to use Poly-Fil, which is the same thing as aquarium filter floss, but costs much less because the bag doesn't have a fish on it You can find Poly-Fil at craft stores or in the craft section of your local Mega-Lo-Mart, it's typically used to stuff pillows:

The Poly-Fil is so inexpensive I just pull it, toss it, and replace it every week.

In the middle section I'd suggest using some carbon. BRS Rox and Chemi-Pure are popular choices. Puragen, GFO and other medias have a place, but I wouldn't worry about them to start with. In a tank of your size just doing regular, weekly water changes will keep the water parameters largely in line.

On the bottom section I like to use a little plastic bio media like bio balls, or I use plastic kitchen pot scrubbies from my local dollar store, similar to these:

Please know that I don't add the biomedia for "extra" biological filtration. The rock and sand in your tank will provide plenty of space for the beneficial bacteria to populate. Rather, I suggest that everyone keeps a little stash of cycled, plastic biomedia in case you ever need to quickly set up a hospital or QT tank. I use plastic specifically because it does not interact with medication you may need when treating sick fish.

I hope this helps and good luck!

 

[ShellyTheReefer]

I believe it should be: Mechanical, Chemical and Biological, and was told to use Filter Floss, Carbon and Biomax pellets, but surely there are better options?

This is what I do with mine, from the top (where the water first enters) on down: Mechanical, Chemical, Biological medias. Specifically, I like to use Poly-Fil, which is the same thing as aquarium filter floss, but costs much les because the bag doesn't have a fish on it You can find Poly-Fil at craft stores or in the craft section of your local Mega-Lo-Mart, it's typically used to stuff pillows:

The Original Poly-fil® Premium Fiber Fill Bag, 20oz. | Michaels

Buy the The Original Poly-fil® Premium Fiber Fill Bag, 20oz. at Michaels.com. Crafters have made Poly-Fil the best selling polyester fiberfill in America.

www.michaels.com

In the middle section I'd suggest using some carbon. BRS Rox and Chemi-Pure are popular choices. Paragon, GFO and other medias have a place, but I wouldn't worry about them to start with. In a tank of your size just doing regular, weekly water changes will keep the water parameters largely in line.

On the bottom section I like to use a little plastic bio media like bio balls, or I use plastic kitchen pot scrubbies from my local dollar store, similar to these:

Please know that I don't add the biomedia for "extra" biological filtration. The rock and sand in your tank will provide plenty of space for the beneficial bacteria to populate. Rather, I suggest that everyone keeps a little stash of cycled, plastic biomedia in case you ever need to quickly set up a hospital or QT tank. I use plastic specifically because it does not interact with medication you may need when treating sick fish.

I hope this helps and good luck!

That helps so so much!
Yeah I have the Maxspect Bioballs for extra bacteria for when I do need go set up a QT! I intend to keep some across my tanks just in case they're ever needed!
Thanks so much !

 

[Fish Fan]

That helps so so much!
Yeah I have the Maxspect Bioballs for extra bacteria for when I do need go set up a QT! I intend to keep some across my tanks just in case they're ever needed!
Thanks so much !

Happy to help; good luck!