Poly filter

[sal16cal1]

Hi guys I was just wondering what you guys use for filter pads. Poly filter is like gold but it also cost as much. Any cheaper options you guys use? I can’t believe how clean polyfilter keeps my tank it almost makes me want to spend the money but they don’t last long enough.

 

[Joe31415]

You're paying more because of how good of a job it does. If you want a cheaper alternative, I think most people reserve poly filter for when they're trying to remove something from the tank (copper, ammonia, meds etc), the rest of the time it's polyfil.
It's the same thing people use for filling stuffed animals. I don't know what brand I have right now, but I buy it in rolls and just cut it to size. Even with filter baskets that required changing 3ish times a week, it would still last *months* and only costs like $15.
Just as an example, and I'm not saying you should buy this one (again, I don't know what brand I have at home), but something like this. Your LFS may have it on hand. Both of mine carry something similar to that.

 

[00W]

Yes-pricy.
I've been using aquatic experts filter first dual density bulk roll from Amazon for a few years now.
Good price and they work well.
Made in the USA.

 

[sal16cal1]

You're paying more because of how good of a job it does. If you want a cheaper alternative, I think most people reserve poly filter for when they're trying to remove something from the tank (copper, ammonia, meds etc), the rest of the time it's polyfil.
It's the same thing people use for filling stuffed animals. I don't know what brand I have right now, but I buy it in rolls and just cut it to size. Even with filter baskets that required changing 3ish times a week, it would still last *months* and only costs like $15.
Just as an example, and I'm not saying you should buy this one (again, I don't know what brand I have at home), but something like this. Your LFS may have it on hand. Both of mine carry something similar to that.

Sorry if I misread but how often do you rinse the polyfil off? So polyfil carbon and matrix and I’m good. No firmer padding?

 

[sal16cal1]

Yes-pricy.
I've been using aquatic experts filter first dual density bulk roll from Amazon for a few years now.
Good price and they work well.
Made in the USA.

That’s what I have on hand.

 

[00W]

Perfect. I don't use anything else.

 

[Joe31415]

Sorry if I misread but how often do you rinse the polyfil off?

You don't. You just throw it out when it's dirty. It's really cheap.

So polyfil carbon and matrix and I’m good. No firmer padding?

No idea. This is just a mechanical filter. How firm it needs to be or what other type of media you choose is entirely up to you and what works in your particular setup.
For me, I just stick it in the filter basket. That's it, but I'm not running carbon or matrix currently.

 

[Joe31415]

I just happened to see my filter floss and was reminded of this thread.
The one I have right now is this one, from Seapora, though I'm sure I grabbed whatever the LFS had when I needed it.
I have no idea how much you would need each time, but this would make 80 6"x6" squares (which would cost 25¢ each).

 

[sal16cal1]

I just happened to see my filter floss and was reminded of this thread.
The one I have right now is this one, from Seapora, though I'm sure I grabbed whatever the LFS had when I needed it.
I have no idea how much you would need each time, but this would make 80 6"x6" squares (which would cost 25¢ each).

I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003SBK5SU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, I would not routinely use a polyfilter for mechanical filtration as it will be exporting trace elements.