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View Full Version : Sump Filter Media Suggestions


Kuhli Loach
13-10-2009, 07:27
What filter media would you suggest for a four compartment sump. Compartment one will be where the water will enter the sump, and compartment four will house the return pump.
neilh
13-10-2009, 08:01
One filter wool and sponges
2 and 3 Ceramic/Plastic rings/Lava rock
veegal
13-10-2009, 08:15
I wouldn't waste compartment one by leaving it empty - neilh's suggestion looks good.
Kuhli Loach
13-10-2009, 08:59
I agree – compartment one will be used for mechanical filtrations and compartments two & three for biological filtration. But as we all know, some products are of a much better quality than other. Do you have any suggestions of specific makes of sponges and bio media that would filter the water better that others.
Dolphin
13-10-2009, 09:47
consider Hydroton...
neilh
13-10-2009, 10:25
As a filtration media? Interesting, never thought of that. In theory that could work very well due to its porous nature.

Sera Siporax or Eheim Efubstraat. Both are eye-watering expensive
Kuhli Loach
13-10-2009, 10:30
What about Seachem Matrix. Has anybody use it, or heard some good report on the product.

Hydroton - seems like a product that will be able to do the job. pH neutral and very porous. But also expensive. About R700 for 10 liters.
neilh
13-10-2009, 11:09
Have you tried the Gro Shop?

http://windell.co.za
Kuhli Loach
13-10-2009, 11:11
Correct me if I am missing the plot totally:
1) Ammonia is converted to Nitrite, and then to Nitrate by aerobic bacteria.
2) If you add a airstone to the biological filter in the sump, would this improve the efficiency and enhance the growth of the aerobic bacteria.
Sean J
13-10-2009, 11:13
If you are running Co2 in the tank, that is a bad idea. But yes, in theory it should work.
Dolphin
13-10-2009, 15:05
As a filtration media? Interesting, never thought of that. In theory that could work very well due to its porous nature.

Sera Siporax or Eheim Efubstraat. Both are eye-watering expensive


What about Seachem Matrix. Has anybody use it, or heard some good report on the product.

Hydroton - seems like a product that will be able to do the job. pH neutral and very porous. But also expensive. About R700 for 10 liters.


Hydroton IMO is the filter media to go for when looking for a good biological filter media. It has a surface area of about 280 sq metres (8-12mm grain size if I remember correct) which costs R15 per Litre compared to Eheim Substrat Pro which has a surface area of 480 sq metres (again if I remember correct) that costs about R120 wholesale! So for me Hydroton is the way to go...

Things to remember:
- prewash thouroughly before putting into the filter
- it is light and will float, subject to how you use it
- it is completely inert and will not alter the pH
- if possible get 50/50 mix of the 2 grain sizes available locally - again subject to the application

and R700 for 10 Litres is an absolute rip-off...
neilh
14-10-2009, 14:25
Apparently 50l(23kg's) of Hydroton is 440 from the Gro Shop
Dolphin
15-10-2009, 18:21
Apparently 50l(23kg's) of Hydroton is 440 from the Gro Shop

I paid R500 for the 50 Litre from them :push:
neilh
15-10-2009, 18:28
Thats the price off their website, which I assume is from January
Dolphin
15-10-2009, 18:31
Thats the price off their website, which I assume is from January

Okay maybe they had a price increase.....