Fluval 204

[seacoast]

I use a Fluval 204 with my 26 gallon bow front.
I have previous expriences with HOB filters so
canisters are new to me. As for media changes
carbon or other types, can I pour the carbon into
the media box or do I have to purchase some sort
of filter bag to keep the carbon in? I recently bought
a blue ribbon bag from an online store and the bag's
strings where so delicate they broke before I could even use the thing. Will "lack" of a bag jam the
canister impeller up ?

 

[Jawz]

im sure if u flip through the manual it should tell u but it make more sense if u dint have to put a pag around the media (carbon). I dunno refer to the manual or wait for another reply thats just my thoughts

 

[seacoast]

Thanks, I poured through the manual but they did not seem
to say whether to use bags or pour media into the baskets.
I also went to Hagen/Fluval website and looked but could not find the answer..

 

[Jawz]

im sure they designed it so u dont need bags..it would only make sense

 

[seacoast]

Ok, I just do not want to clog up the impeller mechanism.
I still do not understand why fluval/hagen does not
state this in there manual or website. Also what other media
( polyfill ??) will clear the water sparkling with this filter.
Thanks

 

[weasle]

i have a 304 and ive used bags and not used bags and both ways work except that its easier to cleanup later on if you use bags.plus its easier to rinse the carbon beforehand. you can mix and match and use any media you want to try. thats the nice thing about these filters.i use carbon,peat(for my plants),and bio blocks.

 

[seacoast]

Ok , what types of media do you use besides the ones you listed? Fluval said to use polly fiber? Would that
work in a media tray to clear the water up too?

 

[dana307]

I too use bags and don't use bags. A cheap alternative to the mess is to use a section of old pantyhose. Put the charcoal or whatever in there and tie both ends off. PRESTO - bio bag thing.
I use the large white ceramic tubes, charcoal and amnia-carb for my high fish load in the 30. Have always had pretty good results with water tests etc. Have two fluval 304s now and love them.