Pumice filter media

[kevensquint]

Hello, I see a popular product in online shops to use as a growing surface for bacteria in filters/sumps. It looks like balls of pumice or a block of pumice. Very porous and grey. It is $75 for a 8"x8" block. Is using a chunk of pumice bought elsewhere or online likely equivalent. Or possibly harmful to water chemistry? Thanks

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

You're probably referring to marinepure products. they are not pumice but rather a type of ceramic. I personally would not use pumice because you may not know where it came from.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Pumice is not going to be very high surface area. The air is trapped in it, or else it would not float. :)

 

[kevensquint]

Yes I see, I also found your comments on possible aluminum contamination by the marine"pure" ;) product. I will instead go with 10 lb mesh bags of dead coral frags sold at the LFS. Natural, and also fairly porous. $20/bag also beats the $75 ceramic block cost.

 

[jason2459]

Yes I see, I also found your comments on possible aluminum contamination by the marine"pure" ;) product. I will instead go with 10 lb mesh bags of dead coral frags sold at the LFS. Natural, and also fairly porous. $20/bag also beats the $75 ceramic block cost.

It may or may not be a concern but it will have a much higher surface area then a bag of rock rubble.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/how-much-aluminum-will-it-leach-lets-guess.247034/

 

[becks]

the leaching issue was from fake products on eBay, marinepure posted a video to show you how to identify the difference

 

[jason2459]

the leaching issue was from fake products on eBay, marinepure posted a video to show you how to identify the difference

Not the conclusion I came too. I would read through the thread I posted. That video came up as well. I bought my product from Doctor Foster and Smith.

 

[shkashas84]

Hello, I see a popular product in online shops to use as a growing surface for bacteria in filters/sumps. It looks like balls of pumice or a block of pumice. Very porous and grey. It is $75 for a 8"x8" block. Is using a chunk of pumice bought elsewhere or online likely equivalent. Or possibly harmful to water chemistry? Thanks

the leaching issue was from fake products on eBay, marinepure posted a video to show you how to identify the difference

MarinePure recently addressed a growing concern about leaching issues from counterfeit products sold on eBay. To help customers avoid purchasing fake items, they released an informative video demonstrating how to identify the differences between genuine MarinePure products and counterfeit ones. These counterfeit products often do not meet the same quality standards, leading to potential issues like harmful leaching that can affect your aquarium's ecosystem. The video provides clear, step-by-step instructions, pointing out key features such as packaging details, product markings, and structural differences that distinguish authentic MarinePure from imitations. MarinePure emphasizes the importance of buying from trusted sources to ensure the health and safety of your aquarium. For anyone concerned about their current purchases, the video is a valuable resource to ensure you’re using the right products for your setup.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

MarinePure recently addressed a growing concern about leaching issues from counterfeit products sold on eBay. To help customers avoid purchasing fake items, they released an informative video demonstrating how to identify the differences between genuine MarinePure products and counterfeit ones. These counterfeit products often do not meet the same quality standards, leading to potential issues like harmful leaching that can affect your aquarium's ecosystem. The video provides clear, step-by-step instructions, pointing out key features such as packaging details, product markings, and structural differences that distinguish authentic MarinePure from imitations. MarinePure emphasizes the importance of buying from trusted sources to ensure the health and safety of your aquarium. For anyone concerned about their current purchases, the video is a valuable resource to ensure you’re using the right products for your setup.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Identifying fake copies is all fine and good, but the question remains if the real materials release aluminum, and whether most folks need such materials at all. :)