Aquatic Experts Aquarium Filter Floss for Fish Tank Filters - FilterFirst Aquarium Filter Pad - Media Roll for Crystal Clear Water, 3/4" - 1" Thick (12 Inch Wide, 72 Inch Long)

This is a really great filter media. I use it in an above tank wet-dry filter for both mechanical and bio filtration. I only have to replace the top layer when it gets dirty, while the lower layers stay colonized with beneficial bacteria and free of debris. It has a good density and stiffness for a media. Filter floss that is too soft and fluffy becomes packed down as soon as water begins to flow through it, but this bonded media keeps it shape much better. This is especially important with a wet-dry filter where I want it to resist compressing, because the air space withing the media stack is needed to optimize oxygenation and elimination of ammonia. At the same time it is flexible enough to cut easily with ordinary scissors and bend to any shape needed.It also is perfect to disperse water flow through a filter so that channeling does not result in dead spaces in the media. One side of the media is slightly stiffer and more dense than the softer side. I have water flow into the soft side, and then the more dense side ensures that the flow spreads out and does not go straight through lower layers.Many DIY'ers suggest alternatives to traditional filter media such as plastic pot scrubbers or fluffy bath sponges. This is cheaper than those "cost saving alternatives", it works much better, and it is easy to cut and fit for any shape needed. For my filters, I make a "sandwich" of generic ceramic rings between two layers of this poly material, which I've found to be the best balance of effectiveness and affordability.

I tried this filtration for the first time in two hangback filter systems on ten gallon freshwater aquariums for several months. They filter the water very nicely and the clarity is clear. Taking a cardboard template of the size needed for the hangback, The large roll of filter is then cut to size so that is no waste and filtering is exact. I have noticed that aquarium water is screened by the entire filter, and not a section of it. The added polishing mesh is a bonus since buying a separate filter is not needed.

I've been running fish tanks for years. And I admit, tanks are an expensive hobby. And because of that, I used to buy cheaper filter floss. I must've been feeling flush because I decided to give this a try.I never thought I'd feel this way about a filter floss. But it's incredible. It's not super thick, but it's capture rate is very high. I really love this stuff, and I'm so glad I have it a shot. I've used their 50 micron polishing pad for years, but I've since replaced it with a cut to fit furnace filter media that seems to capture a little better. For some reason, the 50 micron polishing pad isn't as effective as other 50 micron filter media I've used. But it's still a great pad and has it's place.But I've found a better way to polish a tank. I have an Amazonian tank that's heavily planted, which means I have a high dissolved organics problem (lots of driftwood, plants, and botanicals breaking down). Most of that stuff passes right through floss. And while this floss captures *so* much better than any others I've used, I also use a "cut to fit" air filter media from Merv that's intended for use in air filters and furnaces. I am also reviewing that media, and you can find it on my profile if you're interested.I place the Merv media between two pieces of this floss. The Merv media needs to be changed much more frequently, but captures much smaller particles that otherwise wouldn't be caught. It also can't be used alone because it's very thin and has no rigidity, so it needs to be placed thoughtfully. In my case, it works great between two pieces of this floss. I use this combo in both of my Amazon tanks and in my shrimp tank. It's a serious game changer.If I really need a polished look, or my organic load is really high, I'll use Acurel's clarifier (never in my shrimp tank). And if I'm worried about the levels of my good bacteria, I'll add good bacteria, and then a small dose of clarifier. This will not only polish the tank, but clump the bacteria with the clarifier, which makes it kinda sticky, and send it right to the filter where it's most useful. If you do this, make sure you turn off your UV sterilizer if you have one. Leave it off for a few days to let the bacteria establish itself. Most people don't realize the bacteria you add to tanks isn't active immediately. It's in a spore stage and it takes a few days for it to "wake up" and establish itself.This floss is a great general floss. It certainly polishes better than most. And their 50 micron pad is also great, but I wish the capture rate was higher. Next time I swap media, I might place the 50 micron polishing pad just before the furnace media, just to give it longevity (all sandwiched between this floss). In all, this is a great company producing a great product. And even though it seems expensive, it's much more effective.

To preface I have a six gallon single betta tank. It's an okay price for the amount of filter material you get, easy to cut but I've had to double up on the amount of material (two layers of each) To keep my tank from getting murky every other day and that's with weekly water changes. I think if paired with a different filter it would be a great addition to any tank filter.

Good quality floss, firm and holds shape. Two distinct layers for graduated filtering. Much more economical than premade replacements. Works great in my HOB for my freshwater planted aquarium