Filter Floss - Walmart variety (x-posted)

[Bill Stock]

I've been using the "Mountain Mist" polyester batting from Walmart in my
filters for over a year. It seems to work fine, with no apparent ill
effects. I went to buy a fresh supply this week and I noticed that it seems
to be a dull grey, as opposed to the normal bright white. So I was looking
at the cheaper generic stuffing and I noticed that it said "Mildew
Resistant", which I assume means it has fungicide added. The "Mountain Mist"
doesn't say anything about Mildew or much else for that matter. I visted
their website today and there isn't much in the way of product information.

Does anyone have experience with this product?

[Billy]

"Bill Stock" > wrote in message
...
| I've been using the "Mountain Mist" polyester batting from Walmart
in my
| filters for over a year. It seems to work fine, with no apparent
ill
| effects. I went to buy a fresh supply this week and I noticed that
it seems
| to be a dull grey, as opposed to the normal bright white. So I was
looking
| at the cheaper generic stuffing and I noticed that it said "Mildew
| Resistant", which I assume means it has fungicide added. The
"Mountain Mist"
| doesn't say anything about Mildew or much else for that matter. I
visted
| their website today and there isn't much in the way of product
information.
|
| Does anyone have experience with this product?
|


Not specifically, no. However, to avoid this I get floss at fabric
stores. Big puffy bag of polyester fiber for a dollar or 3.

[Newbie Bill]

"Billy" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Bill Stock" > wrote in message
> ...
> | I've been using the "Mountain Mist" polyester batting from Walmart
> in my
> | filters for over a year. It seems to work fine, with no apparent
> ill
> | effects. I went to buy a fresh supply this week and I noticed that
> it seems
> | to be a dull grey, as opposed to the normal bright white. So I was
> looking
> | at the cheaper generic stuffing and I noticed that it said "Mildew
> | Resistant", which I assume means it has fungicide added. The
> "Mountain Mist"
> | doesn't say anything about Mildew or much else for that matter. I
> visted
> | their website today and there isn't much in the way of product
> information.
> |
> | Does anyone have experience with this product?
> |
>
>
> Not specifically, no. However, to avoid this I get floss at fabric
> stores. Big puffy bag of polyester fiber for a dollar or 3.
>
I was advised AGAINST buying it from a fabric place because it sometimes has
a fire retardent in it, which could be detrimental.
Bill Brister

[Lilly]

You *never* want to use anything treated to be mildew/mold resistant!

Years ago, a famous fish guy used some foam that was intended for
outdoor patio furniture. Nearly killed all of his fish in the process
(not a small amount either, this guy had a huge fish room). He did
make lemonade out of those lemons though, turned it into a talk for
clubs, complete with pictures of (clearly crispy critters) Angelfish
"spawning" up against a curb. I heard it was hillarious.

Try another place Bill. Maybe a fabric store. The kind I've got is made
by Fairfield. Their URL is www.poly-fil.com and you may be able to
locate a nearby source.

[John >]

I purchased foam from Wal-Mart called www.poly-fil.com Nu-Foam, 1 1/2"
thick, looked like great stuff. After this thread, I eMailed the company
and asked them about Fire Retardant and if there was anything in it to harm
fish. She said that the company does not support that type of use. The
foam has recycled materials and may contain Iron Oxides, which she said
could harm fish. She said only 100% polypropylene should be used for
filters. Items marked "Fire Retardant" by nature do not support flame,
"Fire Resistant" has a chemical added.

IRON OXIDES - Are they dangerous? More dangerous than the rust in my pipes?
The Cast Iron in the streets? Just curious.

JOhn ><>

"Bill Stock" > wrote in message
...
> I've been using the "Mountain Mist" polyester batting from Walmart in my
> filters for over a year. It seems to work fine, with no apparent ill
> effects. I went to buy a fresh supply this week and I noticed that it
> seems to be a dull grey, as opposed to the normal bright white. So I was
> looking at the cheaper generic stuffing and I noticed that it said "Mildew
> Resistant", which I assume means it has fungicide added. The "Mountain
> Mist" doesn't say anything about Mildew or much else for that matter. I
> visted their website today and there isn't much in the way of product
> information.
>
> Does anyone have experience with this product?
>

[John >]

<<snip>>
>
> I think non-aquarium floss is becoming progressively riskier to use with
> the demand for mildew-free products, however, you can probably replace the
> floss with a sponge foam insert. Take an approximate measurement of what
> you need and look into replacement inserts used on the AquaClear filters
> (and if these are not big enough, then look at the types used in the pond
> products). They are not expensive and will last indefinitely. You only
> have to do a little carving on the first one to get it to fit (and cut it
> about 1/8-1/4" too big so it will be snug).
> --
> www.NetMax.tk

I need filter material 22" in diameter, 2 - 3" thick for my new filter. Is
this sponge available in pieces that big?

JOhn ><>

[NetMax]

"John ><>" > wrote in
message ...
> <<snip>>
>>
>> I think non-aquarium floss is becoming progressively riskier to use
>> with the demand for mildew-free products, however, you can probably
>> replace the floss with a sponge foam insert. Take an approximate
>> measurement of what you need and look into replacement inserts used on
>> the AquaClear filters (and if these are not big enough, then look at
>> the types used in the pond products). They are not expensive and will
>> last indefinitely. You only have to do a little carving on the first
>> one to get it to fit (and cut it about 1/8-1/4" too big so it will be
>> snug).
>> --
>> www.NetMax.tk
>
> I need filter material 22" in diameter, 2 - 3" thick for my new filter.
> Is this sponge available in pieces that big?
>
> JOhn ><>

Ask and you shall receive: 2" thick, 24" wide, sold in rolls of 5, 10 and
20'
http://krewkut.zoovy.com/category/pondfiltermediasale/
I don't know them, just had them bookmarked from someone else.

Most pond suppliers would carry those sizes as well. That's about the
size of the sheets used on above-ground trickle filters. Their supply
will be seasonal and prices not necessarily competitive though.
--
www.NetMax.tk