Which Filter Media Do you prefer?

[reavery]

Hi All,

What will be the most prefer or suitable filter media for planted tank? Prices is not an Issue for the choice of selection, so just ignore it.

1. Eheim Sustrate Pro
2. Bio Home Plus
3. ADA Bio Rio
4. Sera Siporax
5. China CR Ring

From,
danny

[Numbskull]

1.

Very satisfied with it.

[KWL]

My tank is planted tank, don't really care much about filter media. Plant will help take out the ammonia.

[Cross]

If price is not a constraint i would go full ada

[feide]

I am using Eheim Sustrate Pro since day 1, a very satisfied customer...
Have not tried the other brands so can't comment for you.

[bossteck]

Danny,

Curious what is it exactly that you're trying to find out here?
I believe preference would be shaped by branding / pricing etc
Suitablility would also be affected by your filter size, bio-load.

[KWL]

I guess he want to buy but don't know which one, hence the question.

[reavery]

Hi Bossteck and KWL, and other Sifu member,

yeah, actually I doesnt know which brand to buy

but i prefer Eheim sustrate Pro or BIoHOME Plus.

Thus. need some advice from the experience forum member here who had try those brand before.

I mean in term of tank size or pricing or Filter output power are not a consideration. hmm, ok example: 3 ft tank with 2 x 2217 or 2ft tank with 2215+2213. What will be the filter media that you guys prefer to use ?

Because i read some post from here, the more the filter media, the more the beneficial bacteria will grow!

So, in term of the living capacity of bacteria as compare between eheim or biohome plus <- look like these 2 product is one of the Best? but then mmm, Im not sure how wonderful or effective they are. unless i try it out or i seek for advice from the member here who had try both brand before? hehe..

Thank you

From,
danny

[stormhawk]

Hello Danny,

Personally, I use lava rock since that is what works best for me, but Eheim Substrat Pro is a good media as well. I have never used BioHome, but some members here swear by it's efficiency. Since there is no proper way to tell which one is more efficient than the other by yourself, why not use a mix of both media?

[illumnae]

I have tried 1, 2, 3, 5, lava rocks, Dymax, biogravel and many others. To be perfectly frank, I don't notice a difference. Ultimately, the main difference between the various brands of filter media is the advertised surface area. The amount of surface area needed is a function of the bioload in your tank.

Most people these days tend to overfilter, so the volume of filter media that is used far exceeds the actual "requirements" of the tank. Hence, alot of the more "branded" ones with greater surface area end up with alot of "wasted" surface area, since the bioload can't support so much bacteria anyway.

That being said, I guess there's no harm in getting a better brand as a "safety net" measure just to give yourself added security and being able to sleep better at night. After all, these are our living pets...no harm paying abit more for a better chance at survival...treat it like an "insurance policy" for your fish

[reavery]

Hi Stormhawk and illumnae,

Thanks for the advice! Add Addictional filter + add more filter media hehe.. .



From,
danny

[PKB]

I am using Biohome Plus, no complains about it.

Don't save on media as this is a one time investment that can last you for a long time. And it can save you a lot of problem and headache in the long run.

Just my point of view.

Hi All,

What will be the most prefer or suitable filter media for planted tank? Prices is not an Issue for the choice of selection, so just ignore it.

1. Eheim Sustrate Pro
2. Bio Home Plus
3. ADA Bio Rio
4. Sera Siporax
5. China CR Ring

From,
danny

[madnugget]

sorry for my noobness, but anyone can enlighten me on how to see the effects of these medias?

[stormhawk]

Regular water testing will tell you if the filter media is actually doing the job it's supposed to, which is basically housing as many beneficial bacteria as it possibly can. A balanced tank will usually see nitrates at a manageable level with regular water changes and zero nitrite and ammonia readings.

As for their purported effect, let me just say that to each his own. One person can swear by BioHome, and another can swear by just a sponge pad. You use what works best for you, at the budget you are comfortable with. Remember, the filter works in balance with bio load of the tank. Even the best filter media money can buy is no answer to overstocking, overfeeding and lack of proper tank maintenance and even in the fight against some of the most common fish diseases.

To reavery:

The reason why I recommended you to use a mix of Eheim Substrat Pro and BioHome is that you can save a fair bit of cash, because using solely BioHome can put a massive dent in your pocket. It is good for those who want to invest in the long term, and are willing to spend the cash for it.

[reavery]

Hi Storm,

Thanks bro!

running 2 filter in my 2ft tank .. haha.. substrate Pro + ADA Bio Rio , anyway, Will get Bio Home Plus soon

[stormhawk]

Wow 2 filter for a 2 ft tank? They're powering other items?

[reavery]

I got extra filter, that is why i use it for my 2 ft tank .. the more the filter, the better the water quality?

2213 might not really suitable for 2 ft FULL planted tank, it is best to add another 2215 on it. i bet it will get better result. however, just an trial test and monitoring. Not sure what will my 2ft tank become after few month

[whale66]

Eheim substrate pro for substrate as I am using cannisters. I find their small size most suitable and compact for cannisters.

[logo]

why no one use seachem matrix ar??

[red_parrot]

other brand..Mr Aqua CR is good and the price is reasonable.