Fluval 304 Media

[GT3050]

Picked up a Fluval 304 for VERY ($55, new) cheap and was wondering what the best media combo for it was. It came with Carbon, the BioMedia tube things, and the sponges. I'm pretty sure you have to use the sponges, but what should I out in the other media compartments?

 

[Daemonfly]

In my Fluval 104 I use the normal sponges, and in the media baskets I put poly-fil on bottom & the BioMedia tubes on top.

I might replace the biomedia with more poly-fil, after I test out it's performance.

Save the carbon for when you might actually need it.

 

[Igor The Cat]

i Just use the carbon for the beginning of the tanks life but after that i only use it for removing meds of something.

-Java

 

[Purple]

keep the foam and sponge in the bottom compartments where it will take out the solid waste - then pack the middle with those bio-media hoops which will colonise with bacteria - then use the carbon packs in the top - with another layer of foam just before the impellor.

The bottom foam stops the hoops clogging up - the hoops house the bacteria - and the carbon polishes the water (so you want it to be last in the process so that doesn't clog quickly either).

the last layer of foam before the impellor stops the water from concentrating through one small part of the carbon pack which will keep the flow rate going for longer

opinions on carbon differ - but in my tank i can see the difference it makes so i keep it in unless using meds

and before anyone says anything - yes - the bacteria ultimately colonise all media - including carbon - the packing order is mostly to stop clogging.

maintainance - change the foam as neccessary - leave the hoops alone (but change once a year) - change carbon every 3 - 4 months