I was wondering if Poly-fil could be used in the media basket in place of sponges? Im looking for something more affordable to use. Is this whats meant as "floss"?

Any other suggestion as to what could be used if this isnt a good option?

I think so - I think Poly-fil is just an abbreviation (or a brand name become term? like Bandaids) for Polyester Filter (material). And floss is another term for the same type of material...

Here is store page, listed as Filter Pads and Felt - to get an idea of the material -
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F2...t/Shopay00.aspx

I have heard of a lot people buying poly-fil and filter pad materials at art and hoby stores!

Thanks hun. So stuff like that can take over for the sponges altogether? As long as they can keep in the good bugs and catch debris then I would suppose it would work? I have seen the bags in craft stores too, for CHEAP!

Yeah - I think all that stuff will work - I just got some, too so I am hoping I got the right thing! Hopefully, someone with more experience will come along to set us straight! I don't know the difference between the different ones available - I got the closest approximation to the stuff that was in the filter already! I had the same questions about names, though so I looked into that a while ago.

Graham has pretty much answered this question already, but I'd like to add a cautionary note.

If you buy polyester fiber fill from a sewing or arts and crafts store, test it for PH and KH in a bucket of water before you put it in your tank. I bought a bag of "Mountain Mist" brand polyester fiber fill from a Joann Fabrics store and it caused my PH to jump from 8.2 to 9.1 overnight.

Wow! Ok, thanks. Maybe Ill just buy the bags of stuff they have at the fishstore to be safe.

Also, if this stuff is used, does it have to be put in a media bag or can I just plop it in there?

It doesn't need to be in a media bag, you can just plop it in there. Don't pack it tight or it will clog up real quick.

If you're going to use filter floss instead of sponges in a HOB style filter, keep an eye on the filter. Sponges allow water to flow through them easier than filter floss. Another thing to think about if it's a HOB filter... You're going to be throwing away a lot of the nitrifying bacteria every time you change the floss. Floss doesn't wash out anywhere near as good as a sponge.

I like to use floss in the top basket of a canister filter. It does a real good job of polishing the water, and if it's in the top basket it's real easy to change without disturbing the rest of the filter.

Thanks, Bak2it! Maybe Ill just keep with the sponges then. They rarely need to be tossed anyways.

I agree... I just read in another of your posts that you use Aquaclears. That being the case, the sponges are probably a better option.

Ok. Thanks so much for your input and help!