External Filter Advice Please

[sdleigh]

I have got myself a AquaOne CF-1000, got it really cheap, but it does need bits and bobs for it, i think i will be able to get most, if not all, from my lfs. But, are there cheaper alternatives (but as effective) to AquaOne Bio Balls and Noodles as these are the main expense? and would anyone suggest any other media in there thats not on the recommendation sheet i.e. carbon ball etc.

Cheers in advance all

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Pre-filter
I like a coarse sponge (PPI10) on the intake, this stops all the organic crud ending up in the filter, and makes maintenance a lot easier. If you keep the filter sponge clean, you only need to open the filter for maintenance every 6 months or so.

You can buy an Eheim pre-filter sponge fitting, DMAC uses and sells them, Bob recommends them etc.
<http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10214>

I DIY mine, all you need is a sheet of PPI10 sponge and some nylon thread and you can make them any size you want to fit different tubing etc.
<

>

Filter Media
The media inside can be anything you like, for big filters I'd recommend plain ceramic rings or "Alphagrog", these are both cheap and they work. I've got a lot of ceramic rings left from some work we did, but it I was buying from new I'd buy Alphagrog. I'm pretty sure Bob (macvsog23) has it in his fish room.

Have a search through the WWW/forum for "Alfagrog" and grog (glass) as well as I can never remember whether it is "Alphagrog" or "Alfagrog" (it is "alpha" I've just checked).

cheers Darrel

 

[dw1305]

Sorry,
Double post.
cheers Darrel