Poly Filters

[SMS76]

Any body use them? Do you still need carbon if you use poly filters? Any feedback? Any cons? Any concerns using them with HOB filters trapping debris etc...

Here is the link to the poly filters
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_filters_pads.asp?CartId=

 

[naturebatslast]

I use them when I'm using a HOB like an Aquaclear, with carbon. I like because it will trap debris, and they're easily rinsed, and I soak it with a little bit of white vinegar.

 

[SMS76]

I use them when I'm using a HOB like an Aquaclear, with carbon. I like because it will trap debris, and they're easily rinsed, and I soak it with a little bit of white vinegar.

So you rinse it often? Typically how long do they last? Do they leach anything back if they are saturated? What's the reason for soaking in white vinegar? just to clean them easily...

 

[naturebatslast]

Whem I use them, I rinse them every week or two, depending on the amount of debris. IME, I've never had or heard anything about them leech anything back, and I've reused them constantly, after a soak and a dry. Although, if you left them in too long, it may start building your nitrate levels.
I just use fresh water and a vinegar soak to clean them, and it seems to help freeing up the stuff within. After that I let them air dry for days. I usually had a couple on hand, so I could just swap one out for cleaning and replace with a clean one.

 

[SMS76]

Whem I use them, I rinse them every week or two, depending on the amount of debris. IME, I've never had or heard anything about them leech anything back, and I've reused them constantly, after a soak and a dry. Although, if you left them in too long, it may start building your nitrate levels.
I just use fresh water and a vinegar soak to clean them, and it seems to help freeing up the stuff within. After that I let them air dry for days. I usually had a couple on hand, so I could just swap one out for cleaning and replace with a clean one.

Sounds good. Thanks

 

[mendy1220]

I did not know they were reusable. It states that it will change color when absorbtion is maxed out. Can you reuse them? I also utilize one when I filter my water from tap along with other filters. It changes to a blue color, then I dispose in garbage.
Mendy1220

 

[Triggerfish]

i would find out the extent of organic removal..i can't imagine it would equal that of quality granular activated carbon.

 

[saltnut]

I always used them with carbon. My thinking was that they were better at removing debris and the carbon fot organics.

 

[JohnK]

Poly filters (brand name) - remove a number of specific pollutants and will change to distinct colors in relation to what they are absorbing - "when exhausted"

I don't think they are rechargable, so when "exhausted" I think they are then simply foam filters. They are reccomended for removing medications and specific impurities. I think their application is more specialized than carbon.

No expert here, but my understanding is poly filters are very good for removing some pollutants, but after initial use, they are simply foam filters and stop being anything beyond that.

Just my $.02