I have the media basket. Right now I have the original filter with some media but I’m thinking I’m going to just get floss and some other media. I feel like the floss works better.
I do like the floss better than the stock cartridge. Plus those cartilages are expensive for what they are. My current set up consists of the following:
Chamber 1 Corallife V2 skimmer (which I would opt for something better if you can find something else that works) Held on by the clip. The clip was used because I needed the lip for my intank media basket diverter.
Chamber 2-Intank media basket with Intank filter floss on top, Chemipure elite underneath, then marine pure media balls on the bottom and next to the media basket. I have not purchased intank fuge basket, although I may do this at some point down the line.
Chamber 3 (return chamber) I have the stock return pump connected to the Biocube UV light (which honestly, I feel is just a glorified lightbulb)
I ran the stock basket for awhile but its flimsy and was such a pain to get in and out during maintenance with all my marine pure balls. In the long run, the intank media basket uses much less filter floss and channels the water through my filtering media better. This is not to say you have to purchase one. I ran the stock for about 8 months before taking the plunge. In hindsight, I kind of wish I hadn't waited so long.
As far as water levels are concerned, I would just make sure you have enough water an inch or two above your return pump or covering any media balls in chamber 2 if you use them. I think my water level level in chamber 2 stay around halfway full. Hope this helps. I'm happy to answer any further questions, or try to get some photos later if you want.