PURA Filtration Pads

[hilgert]

Anyone use these?

http://www.marinedepot.com/PURA_Fil...edia-Magnavore_(PURA)-MN3311-FIFMMEPM-vi.html

I have used GAC and GFO for years in larger systems with great success in water clarity and phosphate control. I have a smaller 28g that I am setting up with medium coral stocking (just a few fish) with the intention of lower maintenance, and would be willing to sacrifice cost for ease of use if these actually work.

Experience on "how much" (size to cut pad to) and "how long" (how often to change) would be helpful.

 

[bertoni]

The carbon and GFO should be okay, although I wouldn't count on the zeolite media doing anything. I've never used the product, so I can't comment.

 

[hilgert]

I was looking more for an easy GAC/GFC deal...maybe pre-cut the sheets, put two in the JBJ 28G, and pull/replace one each two weeks (on alternating weeks). If there was a GAC/GFO only sheet it would be ideal.

Like you, I am not sure if the zeolite does anything except sell stuff so someone makes money on a name. I am always wary of magic potions and elixirs (and pads).

 

[hilgert]

bump...anyone?

 

[Rakkah]

I'm using that as the filter in my Nano, however it's currently cycling. Haven't done any testing yet. I will be this weekend though, but since it's only cycling, not sure if it will help at all.

 

[hilgert]

Not really helpful...but thanks for posting. Looking for longer-term use (and maybe you can respond in a few months).

I like the format...pad with GFO and GAC embedded. I know it's more expensive than putting both in a small bag, but I am willing to pay for convenience (I plan to change weekly, and only want small amounts anyway). I don't actually care about the "filter" part of the "filter pad"...it's just a "carrier" for the GFO and GAC. What it would give me is "grab, toss, replace" in 10 seconds weekly.

 

[MonsterTankMan]

I use it and have had good success..the key is to change it weekly or bi weekly depending on your tank load,they tend to pug up if you run them any longer than 2 to 3 Weeks.

 

[hilgert]

I use it and have had good success..the key is to change it weekly or bi weekly depending on your tank load,they tend to pug up if you run them any longer than 2 to 3 Weeks.

Thanks...a few questions:

• Do you notice a change in water clarity (GAC) or phosphates/algae (GFO) if you don't change weekly? I won't be running water "through" these...just "by" them.
• I hear they make a bit of a mess when you cut them to size? If so, if they are rinsed then do all remaining particles stay in the media?
• How big is your tank? Corals, fish or mixed?

 

[gpx1200]

i used it as a temporery for a few months while my sump was down and it seemed to do a good job but it does clog perty fast.
it does make a mess when you cut it but its just the granuals along the edge that you cut the rest stay intact

 

[hilgert]

i used it as a temporery for a few months while my sump was down and it seemed to do a good job but it does clog perty fast.
it does make a mess when you cut it but its just the granuals along the edge that you cut the rest stay intact

Thanks...

I am looking for two things by using this:

• Water clarity (GAC).
• Reduced phosphates, and therefore algae (GFO).

Did you notice either of those when you used this (versus when you did not use it)?

I can achieve both (and have done so for many years in larger tanks) with GAC/GFO in a bag in the sump, but I want ease-of-use *if* both of the above are achieved.

 

[troyman]

i would just get pura complete and use that the pads clog up quick i used pura complete for a long time i do think it helps keep algae away