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<H1>Cheap Filter Media suggestions</H1><DIV id=Qtextbox><P><STRONG>Author: BrownFish</STRONG><BR><BR>Hi all

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I am setting up a large sump filter for an 8x2x2 Malawi tank quite soon. While I will be using scoria in the main filter section, I have another 50cm x 40cm section before the scoria that I would like to fill up with something like bio-balls. The problem is that bio-balls are pretty expensive if you want to fill an area that size.

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I think that I read somewhere that it is possible to fold shade cloth on itself several times to get a big surface area. Any suggestions for alternative filter media at a good price?

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Cheers

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Richard

</DIV><H2>Replies »</H2><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: Mazimbwe</STRONG><BR><BR>rolls of Gutter-Guard works fine...very cheap too.

</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: Bit Racer</STRONG><BR><BR>Yes, rolls of gutter guard do work well, however, if you've got the cash for an 8x2x2, then bio ball prices shouldn't set you back too much at 10 cents each.

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Bit.

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</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: Harward</STRONG><BR><BR>You know those scrunchy mesh things some ladies like to wash themselves with ?! They work great if you happen to find some dirt cheap. I have a friend that used to work for a company that made/sold them so she got them for free..............

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Lata

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Matt

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</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: Adam Maskew</STRONG><BR><BR>Bean bag balls have more surface area than any of the bioballs that are going around at the moment. You just need to be a little creative to hold the suckers were you want them. Just plan 5mm pebbles have just as much surface area as bioballs as well.

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Its interesting to note that most european aquaculturalists are moving away from bioballs and back to there crushed coral.

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Hope that helps.

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Adam

</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: crashfragment</STRONG><BR><BR>plastic straws and lego blocks, hehe i don't think lego blocks would be cheaper then bio-balls though...you might have some lying around though

i've heard of hessian bags being used too, and like adam said: ordinary 5mm pebbles should have as much surface area as bio-balls, water might not flow through as easily, not too sure though...

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-shaun

</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: danceswithdingoes</STRONG><BR><BR>What about a big piece of larger pored filter foam?

<STRONG>Author: trofius</STRONG><BR><BR>hi all

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i have just made a 50l canister, so know the delemas of choosing media, in this order i have used rocks, then gutter guard, then 20kg crushed,shell, then filter foam 6 inches thick, and some filter wool and then more foam before the pump,, for your application i would try the gutter guard at $2 a roll, (8 meters) its dirt cheap roll it out, cut it up and zip tie it together so that you end up with easy to use bricks of it. hope this helps

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Mick

</DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: BrownFish</STRONG><BR><BR>To everyone who responded to my post - you guys are awesome

I'll take them all into account depending on local availability.

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I think Mick's gutter guard made into bricks with zip ties has to get the prize though - I'll see if any of the local shops in Queanbeyan stock it.

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Although I bought a new tank (ie., the glass bit), the rest of my little project is restoring an old 8ft tank that was a shop display for about 13 years. So the rest of the project is on the cheap. Lots of work with a steel brush, bog, paint, hinges, etc. Hard work but it will be worth it when I'm done.

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Funnily enough the filter had a lot of coral bits in it when I got it out of the shop, maybe I'll use that instead of or in combination with the scoria.

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Anyway, thanks again,

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Richard

<p></P></DIV><DIV id=Atextbox><P><STRONG>Author: trofius</STRONG><BR><BR>glad to help Richard

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i got mine fromm bunnings hardware up here but any hardware and even big W has it.. the black cheap stufff not the flash brown anti fungus mold stuff...

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Mick

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