Author Topic: Filter Pad Question (Read 2662 times)

landey1230 · « **on:** December 19, 2008, 07:21:36 PM »

I'm in the process of constructing a filter out of a 55 gal barrel. I know you are not to use media which contains fiber glass. Someone gave me a buffer pad, but I can't find any information on it. It's a 3M 5100. Anyone know anything about using buffer pads as a filter media? What's your experience with it?

Jerry · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2008, 07:56:08 AM »

Google commercial floor scrubbing pads. Many sources and CHEAP !

Esther · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2008, 09:08:23 AM »

I use them in my Skippy. They last forever. I power wash them in the spring before I get everything running. So they sit all yucky all winter out in the ice and cold. They are what I consider bio filters. If you want something that actually filters out fines, then you'll have to go with something finer like the quilt batting type. I'll have to get you a link. Here's what I use but I need the 12" wide to fit in the skimmer/filter. It filters out algae and fine dirt very well. It is washable with a garden hose to some extent. It will hold up to a couple of months washings and filtering.

http://krewkut.zoovy.com/c=3IB6eQZHYaIdmTeEfAhiXPg1g/category/pondfiltermediasale/

Julles · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2008, 08:39:41 AM »

Right now, PetSmart has Laguna filter media on close out sale, about 1/4 the regular price. You might be able to cut and use a couple of them in your 55 gal drum.

Rick · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2008, 10:31:46 AM »

I would rather use a Laguna filter then a DIY one.

Esther · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2008, 11:49:13 AM »

Why? It's OK you have that opinion but is there a reason you think that?

I guess though IMO, what it comes down to is $$, tools, and/or makeup. My DH and I are built in such a way that if we can DIY then we take pride in accomplishing something we were able to construct it ourselves and also pride we accomplished it successfully at lesser expense than if we would have bought it. I realize not everyone is built that way, or has the tools so has to rely on ready made stuff. My DIY filter has been in place for about 6 years with no disasters or fish loss from bad water. I have lost fish to the blasted heron and two jumped up into the bog and then couldn't get out.

Pa Nancy · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2008, 05:18:55 PM »

I"ve used the floor scrubber pads before with no problem. Our Lowes used to sell them,but don't anymore. :'( It does a great job, but like Esther said if you need to filter more the batting is wonderful.

landey1230 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2008, 10:05:26 PM »

Thanks everyone. I know there are more people that use floor scrubs, but maybe they're hibernating.

Reedman · « **Reply #8 on:** December 23, 2008, 12:35:24 PM »

I use floor scrub pads in my filter. I bought mine (inexpensive) at a janitorial supply place right near where I live.

There are several different grades of coarseness. I bought all medium (red), but I guess you could get three and run the water through coarse, then medium then fine for the best results.

Jerry · « **Reply #9 on:** December 23, 2008, 12:45:26 PM »

My experience with Laguna is all bad. The floor scrbbing pads work! Not only that, but they work wonderfully well!

landey1230 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2008, 05:00:02 PM »

How many did you use for your filter, Jerry and Reedman? I'm assuming 55 gal filter.

Reedman · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2008, 05:51:21 PM »

I have a 100-gallon stock tank filter - 1/2 is filled with the pads. I can't remember how many floor scrubber pads I bought - probably 5 or six. I cut them up into about 4"x4" pieces and have them in mesh bags.

Jerry · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2008, 08:33:17 AM »

I never paid a lot of attention to how many I use. I stuff it full. My guess is 15 to 20 tops.
They are cheap and also washable.

Julles · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2008, 10:03:30 AM »

Jerry, now that I've bought the Lagunas, all sizes, (luckily, all on sale, for about @ $10), why do you not like them? I thought someone on here once said they were the best, although expensive.

Jerry · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2008, 08:56:36 AM »

Many do like them. perhaps I was unlucky?
Here is what happened to me:

1. the pump ran intermittently! I replaced it and had the same problem! Constantly tweaking it. I am talking daily!
My sequence has been running continiously for almost 4 years!
2. a local nursery had a Laguna rep give a free talk.

He had much to say, but never ever mentioned a skimmer. I asked why? He replied, "We don't yet make one!
In other words we only talk about our products. Not smart, not endearing. Not good business.

Many here are pleased with Laguna. That's just fine.

lorraine1960 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2008, 09:10:52 AM »

i go to home depot and use washable air condition filters.there blue and that is the only thing that works for me and they clean very well,i use it for my main filter and my waterfall filter.. lorraine

tinkster · « **Reply #16 on:** January 07, 2009, 05:40:43 PM »

I was given several boxes of the big industrial floor scrubbing pads. These things are like a 18" pizza .... They are in my skippies and I love them.

tinkster

Jerry · « **Reply #17 on:** January 08, 2009, 06:36:36 PM »

They are great Tink and last and last. Without Skippy, I'd have quit. :'(

landey1230 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 08, 2009, 07:31:34 PM »

I'm going to use it in a skippy along with quilt batting. Thanks everyone.

Jerry · « **Reply #19 on:** January 08, 2009, 11:49:03 PM »

I did too Landey, but stopped with the batting and clear water for years with just the scrubbies.
Batting sure won't hurt, but there seems to be no need, at least here.