Filter Pad Material

jtsinfl · 01/07/2007, 09:08 AM

Randy, I use Lifegard replacement filter pad material in my tank you can see it at

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=RB7311

do you think there is any difference in the 1 inch think A/C filter pads you can get a whole lot cheaper. Both are blue on one side and white on the other, I really can't see any difference but not sure?

Thanks Randy for all your help in the past, you have made my tank a sucess just ready your forum.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 01/07/2007, 09:33 AM

I do not know if they are different or not, but I expect the exact chemical nature of the pad is unimportant as it is purely a mechanical filter. Size and density (ability of water to flow through it) are likely the important factors.

jtsinfl · 01/07/2007, 11:02 AM

Thank you Randy. And the last sentence above should have read I have had a lot of success just reading your forum, hard to type and think with a dog in your lap.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 01/07/2007, 03:52 PM

I hope it isn't too big of a dog.

kaptken · 01/07/2007, 07:00 PM

I also use a variety of polyester batting material you can get at many stores like wallmart, kmart or craft and fabric stores. there is a traditional poly-fil batting about 1/8 inch thick that i use for drip thru tray filter material,about200 micron . or wrap a piece around the media basket of my magnum HOT filter to keep a lot of crud out of the media. there are finer strains of poly FELT that are just like the 100 micron or less filter pads. great for polishing water. reusable and washable in bleach and water to remove the crud. a yard or two of this stuff, like a couple bucks worth , will last a long time.

Hobster · 01/08/2007, 10:36 AM

Some time ago, there was a discussion on this and the poly fibers obtained at Wal Mart and other places. You want to avoid the type that is flame retardant (per Habib) I do not know what chemical is used. I also use the AC filter material but have flame tested it. It burns.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 01/08/2007, 11:26 AM

You probably did that for fun even before Habib suggested a justification.

01/07/2007, 09:08 AM	#1
jtsinfl Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vero Beach Florida Posts: 6	Filter Pad Material Randy, I use Lifegard replacement filter pad material in my tank you can see it at http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=RB7311 do you think there is any difference in the 1 inch think A/C filter pads you can get a whole lot cheaper. Both are blue on one side and white on the other, I really can't see any difference but not sure? Thanks Randy for all your help in the past, you have made my tank a sucess just ready your forum.

01/07/2007, 09:33 AM	#2
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I do not know if they are different or not, but I expect the exact chemical nature of the pad is unimportant as it is purely a mechanical filter. Size and density (ability of water to flow through it) are likely the important factors. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

01/07/2007, 03:52 PM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I hope it isn't too big of a dog. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

01/07/2007, 07:00 PM	#5
kaptken Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: New castle, De. Posts: 1,419	I also use a variety of polyester batting material you can get at many stores like wallmart, kmart or craft and fabric stores. there is a traditional poly-fil batting about 1/8 inch thick that i use for drip thru tray filter material,about200 micron . or wrap a piece around the media basket of my magnum HOT filter to keep a lot of crud out of the media. there are finer strains of poly FELT that are just like the 100 micron or less filter pads. great for polishing water. reusable and washable in bleach and water to remove the crud. a yard or two of this stuff, like a couple bucks worth , will last a long time. __________________ Bend To Fit...Paint To Match...Kick To Start. Current Tank Info: 75 reef and several smaller

01/08/2007, 10:36 AM	#6
Hobster Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,444	Some time ago, there was a discussion on this and the poly fibers obtained at Wal Mart and other places. You want to avoid the type that is flame retardant (per Habib) I do not know what chemical is used. I also use the AC filter material but have flame tested it. It burns. __________________ "You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye" The Last Resort, The Eagles Current Tank Info: Downsized, took down the 75 g SPS and going with a 20L and 10g softy nanos.

01/07/2007, 11:02 AM	#3
jtsinfl Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vero Beach Florida Posts: 6	Thank you Randy. And the last sentence above should have read I have had a lot of success just reading your forum, hard to type and think with a dog in your lap.

01/08/2007, 11:26 AM	#7
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	You probably did that for fun even before Habib suggested a justification. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef