Mitch86 Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 In my constant search for a crystal clear aquarium I have been researching some media for my canister filter. I just have the standard stuff that came with the filter. (in order from bottom up) plastic bio balls , ceramic rings, carbon and bio sponge stuff. Thinking of swapping the bio balls with seachem Matrix and swapping the carbon for a full big bag of purigen. What are all your thoughts on the best filter media and also which order do you place the trays? (don't get me wrong, I do water changes every week and my water looks perfectly clear from a front view but when I look down the 6ft length side it still looks a little dirty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matmatmat Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 Your plan sounds good to me, to remove the remaining fine particles you either run a second filter with some fine sponge And or fine filter wool and clean it regularly or even put it in your main filter but that means opening your main one regularly .. I'm sure others will have more options .. Just my thoughts.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
__CAV__ Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 put as much dacron/fine filter wadding in you cannister as you can, it will slow the flow and require to be changed more often but it will give you that crystal clear water you want. and dont forget your purigen, ditch the carbon for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercobwe Posted January 23, 2013 Report Share Posted January 23, 2013 You are absolutely spot on with swapping the bio balls with seachem Matrix and swapping the carbon for a full big bag of purigen. If you looking for more seachem Matrix Redland Pet Center (Russ) have the best price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch86 Posted January 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2013 Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beencees Posted January 23, 2013 Report Share Posted January 23, 2013 Bio balls are a waste of space so it's good to be ditching them. Carbon only lasts about 6 weeks before it's no longer effective and needs to be discarded. Most canisters recommend the first layer to be course sponge or jap mat, then noods of some description (i don't bother) and then your bio media. Personally i use Eheim substrat pro and swear by it. It's not cheap but you only buy it once (it lasts forever) and i've never found anything that does such a good job, regardless of what filter it's used in. Having said that, Matrix is also highly regarded although personally i always think it works much better in a sump. After the bio media you want your Purigen and then a fine filter material. Give it a month to seed and you should have awesome water quality providing filter/s are appropriate output for tank size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilli powder Posted January 23, 2013 Report Share Posted January 23, 2013 I use Eheim substrat and coral rubble. Helps to keep the KH for my African tanks. Use dacron to polish the water. I wouldn't use purigen unless you are able to remove it easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
