[Java Moss]

Thought of only - haven't done it yet.

Using a small hydro sponge on the intake, then cutting up more sponges to throw into the canister. Won't "stuff" them in, but it should, for the most part, cover all the space allowed inside the canister.

What do you guys think? Overkill? Or just not worth it and the material that came with the filter should be good enough?

 

[halffrozen]

At my local LFS, they sell JUST the sponges for $2-$5 each and they get maybe 5-6" diameter..

 

[Algae Beater]

there is exponentially more surface area on most bio-medis (substrat)

the issue with using sponges is that they are usually the first to fill with debris and thus slow down the filter. I would use sponge for the prefilter only

 

[TexasCichlid]

If all you need is biological media, just get plastic pot scrubbies from the dollar store. Best bang for your buck.

 

[STS_1OO]

Agreed, you want a surface that allows bacteria to grow on it but disallow the collection of debris. Sponges will fill up with with debri and will likely impede the flow of water - which is critical to keeping the bacteria alive and well. Eheim bio balls are second to none really.

 

[Jeff5614]

Agreed, you want a surface that allows bacteria to grow on it but disallow the collection of debris. Sponges will fill up with with debri and will likely impede the flow of water - which is critical to keeping the bacteria alive and well. Eheim bio balls are second to none really.

Unless, of course, you read this article. I've used Matrix for years. It's much less expensive than Ehfiwhatever and I've had no issues with clogging. Of course it's probably 6 of one and a half dozen of the other when it gets down to it.

http://theaquaticgazette.com/2012/03/08/seachem-matrix/

 

[Oxl]

Yeah Matrix is the medium to use if you want the largest surface area.

 

[Java Moss]

Thanks for the tips, folks!

 

[MChambers]

I recently set up an Eheim 2217 with a 4 inch bottom layer of coarse Poret foam, then added matrix and other biomedia on top, just to be safe.

It's only been two months, but so far it's working great. I think the ATI sponges would work fine, but would add a little traditional biomedia on top.