Is it Safe to Run Poly-Fil in a Canister Filter? (Fluval 305 for Instance)

[Jer]

A recent post asking about cotton made me think of Poly-fil as a possible solution for water polishing in a canister filter. The primary downside to cotton is that it will eventually break down being a natural fiber. Poly-fil on the other hand would last much longer so what about this as an option for a canister filter? I have some of the Fluval pads but those things are just a nightmare as they clog up almost instantly and don't seem to do much polishing. It's cheap and we have a few bags around the house that don't really get used so I could pull chunks out every month or so to throw into a tray and it would be less expensive than the Fluval options.

Thoughts?

 

[mitchb]

I have it in mine, as long as it is not the mildew or fire resistant one as there are chemicals in it. I have it running now for about a month and am going to clean it soon as I noticed the flow is slowing down.

 

[Jer]

That's kind of what I was thinking. Good to know about the mildew & fire resistant version though. I'll have to go read the labels. Thanks!

 

[pwmin]

I use poly-fill for polishing on the top of my FX5's and 2260/2262s

 

[Jer]

For those using Poly-fil in the top of their canister for polishing have you had issues with poly fibers wrapped around your impeller or floating around your tank? Sounds like that's a possible downside.

 

[jayren4]

Poly works great. I use it in both of my C360s canisters and in the drip tray on my sump. I use the blue filter pad or an AC110 sponge cut in half before or after the poly to prevent what you asked from happening. Never had any issues ... Follow the advice from mitchb as for the type not to purchase. I buy mine at Wal-mart or any fabric Store.

 

[phoenixx]

I use it in both my 304 and 404. Been working for years now. I fill the bottom basket in the 304 and bottom 2 baskets in the 404.

 

[Jer]

I use it in both my 304 and 404. Been working for years now. I fill the bottom basket in the 304 and bottom 2 baskets in the 404.

So it's your first filter media then?

 

[Inglorious]

I use it in my 405, just make sure you don't pack it in too tight or else you will severly restrict the flow.

 

[Jer]

So do you guys use it as the first or last media? I'm thinking two trays of poly first then my bio rings for the last one.