Filter media for Fluval 404

[lindamcdonald]

I have had my Fluval 404 running for 3 weeks. I am planning on changing part of the media in 2 more weeks. Is there a cheaper alternative to the fluval media? If I bought the carbon in bulk, what kind of material do I place it in? Some people talk about using pot scrubbers. Could I put something like that in my Fluval? What do you do? What would you suggest for Fluval Filter maintenance? Thanks for all your help!

[chc]

Pot scrubbers would not be very effective in a canister (not as much surface area as in lava and other porous material). For a submerged application like a canister you need to maximize surface area. Several options here: manufactured media (from Fluval, Eheim, etc.) or DIY lava gravel is what most people choose.

Scrubbers do a good job in wet/dry applications though (they allow water and air to mix pretty well without becoming clogged up like lava would).

[lindamcdonald]

If I use the bulk carbon, what do I put it in? You would have to put it in a bag...right? I am so naive

[chc]

I wouldn't use carbon as it tends to capture toxins from the water only to release them back again eventually.

Try matrix from Seachem (cheap) or one of the Eheim options (expensive).