Filter media

[105man]

What would you recommend for the Fluval 404, used on a reef and fish tank...live rock, live sand, UV sterilizer, soft corals only?

What has been in there is two levels (the first four compartments from bottom up) of Chemi Pure carbon, then two levels of noodles in the top four compartments, with a sack of Purigen. And the first contact is the two sided sponges (actually four sponge units, two on each side).

And how often and what would you change?

Thanks!

 

[Len]

I've heard okay things about chemipure, but I'm more conservative in my media usage. I'd only use a sponge up top and a bag of high quality carbon if I were you. Seachem and Two Little Fishes makes good carbon (Matrix and Hydrocarbon respectively). I'd change this out every 2-4 weeks.

In the future, I would recommend you use a hang-on protein skimmer and remove the canister filter. Canister filters require more time to maintain and don't do as many good functions as a skimmer does. They work fine for saltwater, but they really are better suited for freshwater aquariums.

 

[105man]

Thanks, Len. I know it's not very highly regarded by many on this Board, but I do have a Seaclone 100 skimmer on the tank.

 

[hillbilly]

Thanks, Len. I know it's not very highly regarded by many on this Board, but I do have a Seaclone 100 skimmer on the tank.

If you can ever get a really good skimmer, you will be amazed at the amount of junk that comes out of your tank!