new filter question???

[EmtGuy]

I have a new Penguin 330. Inside it has the twin carbon filters, but behind them is a basket that the instructions say to "fill with the media of your choice." What the heck does that mean?? I'm running the filter now to clean up the tap water, and its doing a great job without this media stuff. Can anyone explain further??

 

[Dinocine]

That means that the filter does not come with the filtering material for the basket. You may put in clay rings, bio balls, sponge etc. for bio or mech filtration.

 

[Cher]

Too funny!!    I just got the same filter for my new tank and was wondering the exact same thing!!  LOL!!  I even called Marineland customer support.  The baskets are for whatever you decide to put in them based on your aquarium's needs.  Right now I'm running the filter with the baskets empty, just using the carbon filters. But I'll probably need to add Ammo chips since I'm planning on putting fancy goldfish in the tank.  I'm just wondering if I should put the chips in a bag before putting them in the basket or if I can just pour them in the basket..  hmm...

~Cher

 

[colesea]

I think I posted a reply to a similar question on the equipment board in a thread labled -Penguine 330-. I love these filters. they're great. The only thing that could top it is an Emperor 400.
~~Colesea

 

[EmtGuy]

Ok, I bought some activated charcoal for the baskets. I had them in for about 5-6 hours, and now my water is cloudy. I rinsed the charcoal before I put it in the basket. Also, I found out that my tap water has REALLY high pH. Well, I took a sample to LFS, and the reading came back as....sit down for this......   9.7 !!!!   I feel so sorry for my figh in my 10 gal. tank!!  I've treated the water 3 times in the last 4 days with pH down, but the pH is still maxed out on my home tester. I'm about ready to drain 1/2 the water and replace it with bottled water.