Just purchased a Eheim 2262 now need help on what media so not to break the bank...

[Mudduck]

From what i can tell this filter doesn't have baskets? Does it come with any foam from factory? I actually have $125 set aside for media and valued everyones opinion? This is going on a 135 gallon Tropheous tank with a wet dry already installed. Personally with just the 32 F1 2'' fry i would like to think this filter could go 2-3 months without being taken apart if properly filled? Do I need media bags? I need list of everything so I can make a order in the morning wish it wasn't this hard to fill a filter?? I understand it holds 15Liters? Thanks In advance!!

[mnemenoi]

We had the same issue, ended up ordering the media through Big Als. We ended up using their recommended media, but there are far more options should you pick and choose.

Ehfi Mech for big mechanical filtration (2-4 liters)
Ehfi Fix (easter grass looking stuff) (1liter)
Bagged Ehfi Substrat or Seachem Matrix (2-4Liters) Bagged
Ehfi Synth Batting for fine mechanical 1-2liters (swapped every filter change)
Seachem Purigen (bagged one for ease of use, have one extra to recharge while other is in filter)

You can use other alternatives, but that is generally our set up on it (I think the volumes are correct)

[SunnyHouTX]

Another very functional media to use is 20 ppi Poret foam Swiss Tropical. Fill your 2262 top to bottom with it and your service interval should be around 3 months. It will function as bio media and mechanical at the same time. Or you could put one 2" 20 ppi foam layer at the bottom and fill the rest up with Seachem Matrix. Buy large Eheim media bags for loose media like Matrix and Ehfisubsträt.

[hungvanvo]

I just two Eheim 2060 and try to fill them up with 20 L Seachem Matrix ($110 on amazon ) and 3 lb active carbon. Hope it work

[rmalford]

My 2262 is filled to the brim with pond matrix only. I don't put any mechanical in canisters because I am too lazy to clean. I haven't opened mine since it has been running. I only back flush it once every 3 months. You have a wet dry so I would put some form of mechanical in it for easy access. Save some money and buy 5 gallon mesh bags at Home Depot for $2 each. Check the paint section. You could also fill it with dollar store plastic pot scrubbies. They work excellent.

[SunnyHouTX]

My 2262 is filled to the brim with pond matrix only. I don't put any mechanical in canisters because I am too lazy to clean. I haven't opened mine since it has been running. I only back flush it once every 3 months. You have a wet dry so I would put some form of mechanical in it for easy access. Save some money and buy 5 gallon mesh bags at Home Depot for $2 each. Check the paint section. You could also fill it with dollar store plastic pot scrubbies. They work excellent.

Hey man, how long does it take for Pond Matrix to get fully colonized by bacteria?

And good tip on the 5 gallon paint strainers.

[gambs]

Can I just throw pond matrix in the bottom of my sump? Or should I put it in those mesh bags? I already have bio balls and that Easter egg grass looking stuff in the trickle filter side.


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[rmalford]

Hey man, how long does it take for Pond Matrix to get fully colonized by bacteria?

Good question. Might have to grab the lab coat for that one. I'm curious now. Let me know if you find something out. On another note have you any experience with a pleco with sunken in eyes? I shopped online and got one that doesn't appear to be malnourished other than the fact that the eyes are sunken in. 6" green phantom

[mnemenoi]

Could be IPs, try treating and see if you get any better

[aquabee]

Could be IPs, try treating and see if you get any better

Tetra parasite guard. Fo sho.


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[rmalford]

Started a week long regime of para guard that I was going to start today anyway with the new fish. The eyes did look slightly better this morning. Thanks

[mnemenoi]

Try soaking whatever your feeding with garlic and paraguard prior to feeding. We ended up having to do something similar with our Fahaka as all come in with IP. Adding FW Vita-Chem is a great addition, but it does cost a bit.

[rmalford]

We think alike. I used pellets soaked with paraguard, garlic extract, and vita-chem this morning. I usually feed the entire tank with this whenever I have new additions for a week. The phantom did not take to the food this morning but it's only been a few days. I'll pull and quarantine if it doesn't warm up to pellets after some more time. I really should have started a thread for this. Sorry!

Back on topic - I know there is a good source for pumice rock which is matrix for way way cheaper. If anyone is interested I can dig for it. I think it is from an aquaponics store.

[Mudduck]

I went the pond matrix route it was fairly inexpensive now question is do i put some type of blue filter media down first then add the matrix any thing on top before sealing it? This may all be easier to evaluate once i have it in my hands….. you guys said go to home depot get 5 gallon mesh bags for media?? Thanks in advance!

[SunnyHouTX]

Yeah. The bag itself will keep some particles out, but having a sponge or pad below is a good idea for sure. It's sold in the paint department.