Starting tank soon, need some help on filter media and general set up. BC 14

[saveourship]

Well, after a few years' hiatus from planted /fresh water tanks I'm getting into salt water, starting out w/ a biocube 14. My water, LR and sand will be from my LFS. Water for water changes will be purchased from there too. I purchased a Hydor Flo for the output, MJ 900, Koralia Nano 425, Coralife thermometer, and Aquasun 4 timed outlet controller for the stock lights.

Now, for filter media, (not using the stock pads, filter sponge or bioballs) but going to hang (from bioball cover) a bag of Chemi-pure Elite and a bag of purigen in chamber 2- what size bags are appropriate or how much should I use ? Should I also order poly filter floss (for use on top of bioball cover) or is there a more cost effective material ? I've read pillow stuffing is good n cheap alternative- but what kind ?

[duncantse]

Doesn't really matter how much to fill in the bags. Just follow the directions on the back and your good to go. I would use some sort of mechanical filtration like filter floss at the top.

[saveourship]

Originally Posted by duncantse

Doesn't really matter how much to fill in the bags. Just follow the directions on the back and your good to go. I would use some sort of mechanical filtration like filter floss at the top.

That why I would place the filter floss on top, but I've read there is a type of synthetic pillow stuffing that works just as well and is much more cost effective. What type of pillow stuffing would that be ?

[jeff@zina.com]

Originally Posted by saveourship

what size bags are appropriate or how much should I use ?

Use them in the bags they come in. The smallest container is the perfect size for a 14 gallon.

Originally Posted by saveourship

I've read pillow stuffing is good n cheap alternative- but what kind ?

Walmart polyfill. Cheap. No additives. Should be the first filter media, toss it at each water change. It's for mechanical filtration, to catch detritus, not biological filtration. That's what your live rock is for.

Jeff

[bertoni]

Personally, I'd skip the Chemi-Pure Elite and get activated carbon and GFO separately. That'll save money and allow you to tune the relative amounts, which is handy.