"BenignVanilla" m
wrote:

"John Hines" wrote in message
.. .
PlainBill wrote:

I'm finding the media (floor scrubber pads) in my new filter isn't
working nearly as well as I hoped. Looking over the various types of
media, I've identified three products that seem to have the
characteristics I would like, and the costs seem to be roughly the
same. In each case, it would appear that it will cost $50-60 for
enough to give me sufficient surface area. (I don't have the tools to
make the PVC ribbon myself, or that would be the media of choice).

Look in the Yellow (business) pages, under packaging distributors, and
see if you can find a distributor of plastic banding. It is very common,
used by lots of companies, available everywhere.

Get roll or two of what ever size you want.

I don't have a bio-filter per se, as I am using a VF,

I took the liberty of defining a VF as a bio-filter that uses plants as
its bacterial growth medium. After looking at the roots on floating
water plants, and the surface area they have, and resulting bio action,
IMHO (and totally non-scientfic) that accounts for the majority of the
filter action.

The plant nutrient uptake is just an extra benefit.

eventually. I have started saving the straps from boxes of paper from
Staples, 6 pack rings, the locking rings from milk containers, etc.

Yeah, someone who opens up lots of packing boxes, should have a ready
source, go down to the receiving docks (if your company has them) and
check it out.

Again, I think a VF is a version of a bio filter.

A warning though, 6-pack rings are UV degradable.

(can you tell I had a consulting client that made both 6 pack rings, and
plastic strap?)