Filter Question

[Karen]

Just now building my koi pond. My equipment was delivered today. What is the best items (media) to put in my filter bags that go in my waterfall filter system? It came with 2 pad filters that lay on the bottom....but any suggestions as to what I need to put in the bags? I've read somewhere a cut up water/garden hose??? Help please??? Thanks!

 

[fishin4cars]

Your going to find many different answers to your question, Bio balls, lava rock, scrubbie pads, matala, even new plastic banding has been made to fill that area, yes cut tubing is one too. What your looking for is a item that will not breakdown, has plenty of flow of water through it, with the most amount of surface area for the bacteria to attach to.
I'm using matala and bioballs, seem to be working great for me but the bio balls aren't the cheapest way to go. Hopefully others will suggest things they have used with success that cost less for you.

 

[addy1]

The black irrigation tubing cut up works, some have used the strapping material, pot scrubbers, those net ones.

 

[riparks]

Has anyone ever tried the rubbe liner things that you put in drawers and cabinets?

 

[addy1]

Humm they have so much surface, I don't see why they would not work, unless they would start to break down over time.

 

[koiguy1969]

drawer liners are pretty soft and pourous.....they may soak up water, and that would make them heavy and might increase their tendency to break down. take a piece and soak it for a week or so while the ponds under construction.