Questions about filter media and flow

[MoshJosh]

I’m still using the stock media in my Fluval EVO, however I just got my in-tank media basket and now I have questions. I see people using brick/bar style media, this is different than the “rocks” and spheres I’m used to for freshwater. Are the bricks/bars more beneficial in saltwater systems or just a preference thing? Also I see people run brick with tons of flow around them. My thinking is this would force less flow through the media vs the “typical” (what I think is typical) freshwater approach of packing as much biomedia into the filter as possible regardless of flow. . . Should I pack as much media in as possible or leave plenty of space for flow?

 

[Spare time]

The type of biomedia really doesn't matter. What matters is if they are clean and water can flow through-ish them. The bricks are just easier when you are using a large amount since it's a single piece compared to hundreds of little pebbles.