I am in the process of making up some DIY filters for my Penguin 350 & 330 and removing all carbon from my filters unless I need it after some Chemical Treatment or such. Should I also throw some bio rings in my Penguins to aid in the biological filtration?

In my Fluval 405 I have 2 of my trays filled about half way w/ biomax rings. Should I fill those trays to the brim? I've read of people using non-detergent green Scotch Brite in their filters to act as a bio filter, the main draw being the surface area. Anyone using those here? I've read lots of good, and a little bad.

Lastly, I was thinking about picking up some of the Fluval water polishing media, how long do you think those would last before they'd need replaced? I know that Fluval, and all other mfg's for that matter, state to change them out pretty early, I'm guessing for the money grab. I could also pick up the DIY trim it yourself 50 micron stuff, but for $6 for 3 of the Fluval pre-cut... If they last awhile that doesn't seem to steep a price to pay.


Thanks in advance.

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75 Gallon: Fluval 405, Eheim 2229, Penguin 330 - Heated
48" Hagen Glo Fixture w/ Dual T5HO & 48" 2x T8
1 Amazon Sword Plant, 2 Java Moss Rocks, Wisteria
1 Gold Gourami & 1 Blue Gourami
9 Harlequin Rasbora
5 Turquoise Rainbows & 15 Neon Tetra
1 Pictus Catfish & 1 Singapore Shrimp
1 Rainbow Shark & 1 Peppered Cory Catfish

With two filters you have the flexibility to make one strictly biological filtration and one mechanical or mechanical/chemical combined (when you needed some carbon). They make plastic baskets (only way to describe them) that will fit in the slot for your penguin filter. You could get a bag of pillow fiber and put in the pillow fill stuff and ditch the stock filters. I wouldn't try to use any bio-max rings in that filter. I would fill up the trays to the max on your Fluval. It will work great as stictly bio-filtration.

I have 3, the 330, 350 and a fluval 405!! A little overkill ya. Main reason is to have it ready for a Quarantine tank after the last fiasco I had w/ some fish I purchased not too long ago..

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking of buying the blue bonded filter pad and wrapping around cannibalized plastic from my old ones, but your saying to just stuff either side of the pickup tube thinger w/ pillow fluff eh?

Interesting.

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75 Gallon: Fluval 405, Eheim 2229, Penguin 330 - Heated
48" Hagen Glo Fixture w/ Dual T5HO & 48" 2x T8
1 Amazon Sword Plant, 2 Java Moss Rocks, Wisteria
1 Gold Gourami & 1 Blue Gourami
9 Harlequin Rasbora
5 Turquoise Rainbows & 15 Neon Tetra
1 Pictus Catfish & 1 Singapore Shrimp
1 Rainbow Shark & 1 Peppered Cory Catfish

I have the penguin 350. Was thinking of using the plastic from the old cartridges also. Was wondering if you did this and have you had success? My plan was to use one for pillow fiber and one for carbon on each side.Remove the fiber and carbon, put new carbon in and maybe wrap with a media bag.

PG: DIY Penguin Filter Cartridges - PlantGeek.net

How to for diy replacement on the penguin 350.

The fluval polishing pads last just about a week before you have to change them out. Not worth it to me.

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SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YEARS, NOT MONTHS!!!
220 Tank build
http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/sta...late-3253.html

No, not if they're only useful for a week.

Thanks

__________________
75 Gallon: Fluval 405, Eheim 2229, Penguin 330 - Heated
48" Hagen Glo Fixture w/ Dual T5HO & 48" 2x T8
1 Amazon Sword Plant, 2 Java Moss Rocks, Wisteria
1 Gold Gourami & 1 Blue Gourami
9 Harlequin Rasbora
5 Turquoise Rainbows & 15 Neon Tetra
1 Pictus Catfish & 1 Singapore Shrimp
1 Rainbow Shark & 1 Peppered Cory Catfish