anodyne99 Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 I've been using floss to filter out fine particles and every time I change it out I feel a pang of guilt for contributing to micro-plastics in the waste stream. Has anyone experimented with alternatives that are less...plastic? If so I'd love to know how it went for you. What worked or didn't? Have you got any ideas that might work? Please let me know and I'm happy to test 'em out and report back! I'm feeling a bit stumped myself. Thanks for considering! 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosiahBass Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 🤨Umm........ Just keep using filter floss. The "planet" will be ok. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 possibly some type of cotton filler? wool sprang to mind, but i don't think it will maintain any porosity. possibly natural sponge? and, yes, you could keep using polyfill, and rewashing several times. at least washing slows down it's use On 3/12/2024 at 12:30 PM, anodyne99 said: I feel a pang of guilt for contributing to micro-plastics in the waste stream yeah, i understand where you're coming from. I'm not sure we're to the point we have replacements for things. unfortunately 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macdaddy36 Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 I really wish there was, but as I far as I know most natural alternatives will eventually break down in the water column over time, which will lead to cloudier water. The best option is to try to reduce the amount you are using by using renewable media. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anodyne99 Posted March 13 Author Share Posted March 13 On 3/12/2024 at 10:45 AM, Tony s said: possibly some type of cotton filler? wool sprang to mind, but i don't think it will maintain any porosity. possibly natural sponge? and, yes, you could keep using polyfill, and rewashing several times. at least washing slows down it's use yeah, i understand where you're coming from. I'm not sure we're to the point we have replacements for things. unfortunately I will try rewashing it and see if it still works. That's a good idea. Maybe a soak in vinegar to cut any oils will help. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markp2483 Posted March 16 Share Posted March 16 I use 200 micron filter pad. Same material as filter socks. Dump the dirty ones in bleach solution wait a few days rinse with dechlorinator and ready to go. Sorta like purigin 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liddojunior Posted March 16 Share Posted March 16 Besides filter socks, Seachem purigen is pretty good at polishing water and can be recharged 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
govsfabshop Posted March 20 Share Posted March 20 Ive gone to using foam pond filter foam in my hang on backs, you can get it in a course, medium and fine pack online. Doesnt break down like filter floss does or seem to clog as much, just rinse and ring out and back in the filter. its the kind of egg crate shaped stuff. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanked Posted March 24 Share Posted March 24 I'm still using bio-bags and other replaceable filter cartridges. The Tetra Bio-Bags can be rinsed and reused for months or longer. It shouldn't be too hard to adapt them in place of the floss. Because they cannot be separated from the frame, some filter cartridges can be a little bit of a hassle depending on the manufacturer. When my cartridges are finally worn out, I will probably switch to the foam blocks and Bio-Bags or that pad. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Expectorating_Aubergine Posted June 19 Share Posted June 19 They make filter floss out of cellulose. You'd have to replace it more frequently than the plastic..... but it's biodegradable! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adultswim Posted July 13 Share Posted July 13 Please report back what you figure out. I'm also looking to get out of plastic. I've started collecting and testing materials. I'm looking for materials that will hold up for a bit, then be tossed in the compost and replaced. Filter floss is a tricky one. I'm not sure what's fine enough, but will also hold up. Here are some natural or plant-based materials I've come across that could be potential filter media: linen cloth cellulose sponge reusable paper towels rough woven cotton cloth cotton wash cloth raw cotton coffee filters Linen and hemp are pretty strong. Cotton available in many forms and at low cost. If a bunch of us experiment and share information, we can figure out workable best practices. Best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepere Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 I just squeeze out the polyfill underwater like I do with a sponge filter and reuse it. Acter a half dozen uses it starts getting compressed and I replace it… but that is a far sight better than replacing everytime… 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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