Correct way to fill a filter bag?

[jyg]

I have an Aquaclear 20 on my 5g nano. I don't use the media that came with it as I'm sure the carbon has phosphates, I don't need the anti-ammonia media and the sponge is just a nitrate farm.

I've been buying black diamond with generic bags and Purigen in the ready-made bags. I notice that the overflow (over the impeller) is always full and I cannot tell which way thing are flowing: is the overflow going on top of the bags and hitting the tank? Or is the overflow filling up because that's just what water does and most of the flow into the tank is coming through the bags?

I'm wondering what the best "bag density" would be to achieve an optimal compromise of flow through the bags without having so little media that its not as effective as it needs to be.

I know this is hard to quantify over a forum, but if there are any insights, I'd appreciate it.

jyg

 

[jyg]

bump

 

[jeff@zina.com]

AquaClears flow from the bottom up in the media chamber. I run floss on the bottom, carbon/Purigen/ChemiPure/whatever on top in a media bag. Change floss weekly, Purigen/Chemipure every 3-6 months on your size. Carbon I'd change monthly or more often, it exhausts pretty quickly. Or skip entirely and just use the ChemiPure Elite.

Jeff

 

[BigRick]

+1 for ChemiPure Elite.

 

[jyg]

So... how about my made up phrase "bad density"?

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Fill the bag by gravity. Don't pack it.

Jeff