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This document contains information on sources of bulk filtration media. My objective was to find alternatives to purchasing Eheim's filtration pack - 2 white pads and 1 blue one - for my Eheim Pro 2026 canister filter. The filtration pack costs $12 locally and about the same mail order when shipping is added. The white pads - basically polyester fibers - are not reusuable. Originally my focus was on foam media similar to that used for Aquaclear filters. However, I also learned about bulk polyester fiber material as well. Both are noted below. BEST BUY <---- click for info on my pick of the results
Foam Media for Aquarium Filtration The foam media for aquarium filtration is called "open cell", "reticulated" foam. Also called "filter foam" and "outdoor foam. It has holes that are interconnected so that water flows thru the foam. The material differs in pores per inch (PPI) which seem to come in 20 ppi or 30 ppi for aquarium usage. Material is made with PPI ratings of up to 120. Caution must be exercised to not acquire/use any foam that has been treated with anything - examples mold preventative. Such will kill your fish!!
Aquatic Eco-Systems They sell 20 ppi foam in 1-inch thick x 2 ft x 6 ft sheets $34.50.
FoamByMail http://www.foambymail.com/Hi-FlowFoam.html - scroll down to "speaker foam" They sell foam in 40-inch x 48-inch sheets. Thicknesses can be from .25 inch to 2 inch. Prices range from $13.99 to $81.99 I think the .50 inch sheet - at $21.99 would probably work well. You could easily put in a double (or more!) layer of foam. You would have plenty of material!
BigAl's http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi - select "media" then "big Al's" Four sizes available. The 3/4-inch x 11-inch x 12-inch for $4.99 looks good. The material is black color. Unstated what is the ppi size; also not clear whether or not it is open cell, reticulated (I am waiting on clarification)
McMaster-Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/ Enter catalog page #3265 in the search field. 1" x 12" x 12" open cell, reticulated, polyurethane foam sheet is $2.77 Sheet sizes up to 24 x 72 and 36 x 36 inches and thickness of 1/2 - 4
inches.
Evaporator Foam Pads This was recommended but I could not find any at Home Depot or Lowe's.
FoamMart.com http://web.iwebcenters.com/afoammart/item197056.ctlg Sells full sheets of 1-inch x 38-inch by 50 inch for $90.75 Expensive. The reason I included them is they offer the material in ppi from 10 ppi to 100 ppi. Might be the kind of thing a fish club buys for several members.
The Foam Shop http://www.foamshop.com/products/product2.htm#CUSTOM%20CUT%20FOAM Sells in 50 x 75-inch sheets. Pricing not stated.
Koi Depot http://www.koidepot.com/filter_media/open_cell_foam.html They cell black colored foam. Price not stated.
Look immediately below the red text:
1-inch x 12-inch x 15-feet long! $9 + 6.75 shipping = $15.75 total http://www.pondfiltermedia.com/whitefiltermedia.html Note pricing may be a bit higher than e-bay. I am told that he also sells 2-inch thick rolls in Spring and Summer months. Thanks to James Hoftiezer for this source - see his response to my query: NOTE: I am told the above links of "best buy" may no longer be valid. Here is another source that seems pretty good: http://krewkut.zoovy.com/category/pondfiltermediasale/
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