Alternative to filter wool?

[Ingwe]

Hi guys,

I am using an IOUS tank with a media compartment which has the length and breadth of a Mr. Aqua OHF filter box.

I have been using filter wool, which compresses over time in the IOS. It becomes less effective then. I have tried many brands of filter wool and the same thing happens.

I have thought of using bio-sponge but can't seem to find a piece with the correct dimensions.

Are there alternative mechanical filtration media of a suitable size?

Thank you!

[ymmij]

This kind? You can get the big size ones and cut into your preferred size.

This could be used as a mechanical and bio filter.

[millenium]

Originally Posted by ymmij

This kind? You can get the big size ones and cut into your preferred size.

This could be used as a mechanical and bio filter.

Is this hard to wash?

Alternatively I also saw a type of filter material for kitchen hood. One of the uses stated on the label is aquarium filter.

[Ingwe]

Originally Posted by millenium

Is this hard to wash?

Alternatively I also saw a type of filter material for kitchen hood. One of the uses stated on the label is aquarium filter.

Is this Jap mat? I have a piece cut out. It doesn't really trap much dirt I think.

Are you talking about something like this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-C...p/B0039U3RJO)?

[burntrubber]

I used to have a IOUS tank too. Until the internal wall gave way. What I had was first layer cheap wool that I would throw after it clogged up, next layer was sponge, black color type which I bought from fish shop and cut to size, then last was the ceramic rings. I would wash the sponge every half yearly.

I believe if you want to recycle, then any sponge will do, so long as it traps dirt.
If you look at some of the monster tank setups overseas especially US where aquarium supplies are hard to find and expensive, they use 'pot scubbers' which are actually the dish washing sponge we use.

[satan_gal]

I put mika wool below and cut a small pc of the hard mat ymmij shared.
The hard mat will be right under the return flow (Which can be quite strong) to prevent the filter cotton from growing holes.

Usually I dun bother to wash. Just cut another pc and change when the snails get too many...

[streetsmart73]

How about carbon filters?

[denser]

never like IOUS tank coz the filtration still within the tank, would rather use OHF instead

[matthew]

Originally Posted by Ingwe

Hi guys,

I am using an IOUS tank with a media compartment which has the length and breadth of a Mr. Aqua OHF filter box.

I have been using filter wool, which compresses over time in the IOS. It becomes less effective then. I have tried many brands of filter wool and the same thing happens.

I have thought of using bio-sponge but can't seem to find a piece with the correct dimensions.

Are there alternative mechanical filtration media of a suitable size?

Thank you!

Filter wool should be replace or wash periodically.
Black sponge is able to last longer than filter wool, but u still have to wash it periodically.

For my IOUS tank, i would put filter wool as the first,sponge as second, and japmat as third for my mechanical filtration.
Wool is replace weekly or bimonthly.
Sponge is wash monthly.
Jap mat wash bi yearly.

[Aro77]

my experience with ious tanks and using cotton , best to put directly where the water will flow into chamber and always use those lighting diffuser below the cotton.


i also used this type of black foam before but i just feel cotton easier to spot when is dirty and can just change it out.