Can I add media to my gex slim SS filter?

[jamonbutter]

Hi all, newbie to fish keeping, got few qns to ask expert here.

Firstly, can I add media to my filter? Gex slim SS

Secondly, if can, what type or brand can I use?

Lastly, is my filter underpowered for my tank? My tank is 16l but read tat the filter is suitable for 12l only...

Sorry in advance for e noob qns.

[Mystikboy]

Yes you can
You can add filter wool, or biological filtration media like biohomme/ seachem matrix/ceramic rings

Gex ss is really small. The larger the filter capacity, the better. What more that you've a small tank, which is more tricky to maintain due to the small volume.

My tank is 18L and I've a Gex Slim M and another hof that's the size of a Gex Slim S on it.
I've matrix in one and filter wool/seachem carbon in the other

[jamonbutter]

Hi Mystikboy, thanks for the advice! Think I need to change it to a bigger capacity one. Btw those media your mentioned, are they the brands? If not, what are the brands that is good and value for money?

One last thing to ask, how often do I need to change the media?

[Atham]

Biohomme and seachem Matrix are the brand of media. Ceramic ring is a common name for ceramic media shaped as a ring. All 3 medias looks different. There is a thread on which media is most preference and user experience - http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ighlight=media

Personally, I have the three types in my HangoverCanister.

The media usually last for more than a year or 2, and some do stays solid for more than 10 years. You don't have to change the media unless they tumble to small pieces. The Matrix actually is quite lasting compare to normal ceramic ring and Biohomme. But you do have to give them a rinse during your filter maintenance or cleaning. There is no hard rules, every tanks is unique.

[jamonbutter]

Thanks! Btw can't resist the itch so when over to lfs n get a GEX slim M n the matrix to try....installed but seems like not much media can be stuff inside. Anyway hope this work as the ss has cause algae to grow in my tank

[Mystikboy]

Are you using your gex ss as well? Can fill that up too. My gex m only used about 300 - 400ml of matrix haha. But i think it is enough (: my tank is algae free. Get nerite snails shrimps and ottos. Really helps

[jamonbutter]

Not using, was thinking of selling it off but after what you said, think can consider using it with the media. Thanks!

[lionelckg]

Just remember the following
Bio-Media (Seachem Matrix, Biohomme) is more for Beneficial Bacteria to grow on and thrive.

Cotton, wool or sponges are more to "polish" the water, making it clearer.

As for whether is your Gex M enough for your 16l tank, my opinion is the bigger the filter the better. I like my tank to become a "mini washing machine" so that i know that water is being circulated throughout my whole tank, lowering the chances of algae growing.

[jamonbutter]

Hi lionelckg, thks for sharing too! For the mini walking machine, me kind of feel bad when I see my small fishes being 'wash' about in it.

[lionelckg]

Haha, Nono, my "washing machine" is not to the extend of fishes being washed about like clothes in a real washing machine. They will be so helpless! 😖

Anyway jokes aside, i think you get what i mean!
👍😄😄👍

[jamonbutter]

Definitely!

[nightcad]

For what it's worth, I have eheim substrat pro in a media bag and stuffed into the SS filter... not much probably around 100-120ml of it.

[benlee]

I converted one of the compartments in my GEX HOF L to hold Seachem Matrix. Seems to work quite well. But it will be tricky for SS as there are lesser compartments. I squeezed some CR inside but it's a real hassle when you remove the filter cartridge because the CR may block the compartment when you reinsert the cartridge.

[eugenecj]

hi can i ask how do you put into the GEX slim filter? just randomly throw it in or in a mesh bag?
also the GEX slim filter I'm using M so there's 3 section, can I place it in any section or there's a recommended section?

thanks in advance!