Plugging up I 20 minutes means it is really working. Use the bleach to
clean it and then air dry. No moisture= no chlorine. Sure you can use any
filter material you want. Put polyester in the regular charcoal canister-
just make sure there are no easy water paths. Even distribution of material
is key. Also use the sponge sleeve if you have one- if not get one- helps a
lot. Let the GF trim the plants:)
"zxcvbob" wrote in message
...
I'm reclaiming a long neglected 20 gallon tank that is overrun with algae
and "christmas moss." It also has java ferns, and a few sword plants, and
another stem plant whose name I can't remember right now. Hygro
polysperma, I think.

I did a 50% water change, and vacuumed a bunch of nasty crud out of the
tank. I put some goldfish in to root around and keep things stirred up
(also I like goldfish). The tank is looking a lot better already, and I
haven't started pruning the plants yet.

I just bought a HOT Magnum filter and am playing with it now. I stirring
the water really good and everything was green and cloudy. I put the
standard filter in (with no charcoal) and it didn't seem to do anything.
I
put the micron filter in and it's doing an OK job but it's about clogged
up
already after only 20 minutes.

Can I use polyester batting in the chamber of the regular filter? Or is
there some other way to use batting or sponge for a high capacity filter?
Or should I just use the micron filter and clean it twice a day until
things are under control?

Thanks, and best regards,
Bob