has anyone ever used Poly-Filter?

reefguy · 11-20-2001, 08:59 AM

i've been reading a LOT about the poly-filter lately, and, frankly, it just sounds too good to be true. recently, despite further feeding reduction and frequent water changes, i have had problems with phosphates. i've read that the poly-filter removes phosphates and a lot more. and. some articles say that it can even be regenenerated by rinsing in freshwater (which i find hard to believe given the chemical complexity of the adsorption process). anyway, i was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this product and what their review of it was...

asmith · 11-20-2001, 09:46 AM

I have done a lot of research on Polyfilter. From what I have read this stuff really works. It sounds kind of like a Marc Weiss product when you read about everything that it does, but I have heard lots of good reviews from fellow aquarists. I don't know if I believe the part about recharging it though. That would surely involve much more than a simple fresh water rinse.

Andrew

reefguy · 11-20-2001, 09:51 AM

well, poly-bio filter's website says that you really can't regenerate it, but you can clean it off in water. they say that once it's used up, you really can only replace it, which, IMO, isn't such a bad thing. at least it provides an additional opportunity for nutrient export.

Kinesthesia · 11-20-2001, 12:18 PM

One thing I can say from experience, it *will* remove phosphates like magic !

nobby · 11-20-2001, 04:17 PM

hi all
i always have a polyfilter standard block and a power filter on standby. it has proven time and again its value to me when i feel that maybe things are going a bit off, but i cant put my finger right on the problem.
i like the way it changes colour to tell you what its removed from the water, but i have never heard about re-charging it in freshwater, i cant see how thats possible once its saturated.
i just wish the stuff wasnt so soddin expensive.
oh well you gets what you pays for i suppose.
cheers

reefguy · 11-20-2001, 04:39 PM

under normal bioloading conditions, how long does the poly filter last? in other words, how often do you change the poly filter out?

Rick O · 11-20-2001, 07:05 PM

I've used poly filters in the past when I've had algae problems. I can't say for sure if it helped or not because I always did other things at the same time, such as more frequent water changes and reduced feeding. I only got about one week out of each pad. You will need to place the pad where there is a good flow of water through it. I made a cannister filter out of 2" PVC and fittings for use with the poly filter and carbon. I hook a PH to the clear tubing and drop the whole thing in the sump. This assures good water contact with the pad.

reefer_wannabe · 11-20-2001, 10:02 PM

Boy, is this a timely subject! I just added a Poly-Filter to my mechanical filter a couple of hours ago. My LFS guru (and he is one!) told me this would take the Cupremine

Out of my FO tank. It hasen't turned blue....yet.

Doug1 · 11-20-2001, 10:12 PM

I dont run them all the time but they are worth keeping around for those "tense" moments, works well along with water changes etc, as Rick mentioned. And like Nobby said, to bad they are so bloody expensive, but then its reefing, guppies are cheap

reefguy · 11-21-2001, 09:54 AM

so, overall, you guys would give poly-filter a thumbs up?

julieanne399 · 11-21-2001, 10:00 AM

thumbs up! I use it all the time, really like it. Julie

dwyatt · 11-21-2001, 10:01 AM

Hey Guys:

Anybody have the web address for polyfilter? I did a typical search and came up with 500 hits. Also, which mail order or Internet retailer has the best prices on these?

Thanks

Doug

asmith · 11-21-2001, 10:27 AM

Doug,
http://www.poly-bio-marine.com/polyprod.htm

www.petwarehouse is selling a 12" X 12" pad for $29.95. I don't know if there are other places that carry it or not.

Andrew

reefguy · 11-21-2001, 11:53 AM

i know that petwarehouse.com also has the best prices on the 4"x8" pads, but ffexpress.com has $4.95 shipping and handling for ANY amount of dry goods order! anyway, hope this helps and thanks again everyone for your help!

dwyatt · 11-21-2001, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the link and the recomendation. I just ordered some 4x8 sheets to try ($4.79 at Pet Warehouse) If you do the math, several of the 4x8s are actually cheaper than the 12x12 (for the same area). I assume that you can cut it down. Anyway, thanks again.