DIY replacement for Eheim Classic white filter pads?

[Dinyar]

I've run a number of Eheim Classic canister filters for years, and have always used Eheim-branded replacement white filter pads. I would now like to find a cheaper DIY alternative, and was thinking of simply cutting regular filter floss to the required shape. I would be interested to learn about other people's experience along these lines. Have others tried this? What material have you used? Do DIY solutions clog up faster than the branded product? Etc. Thanks!

[andywoolloo]

it's funny you mention this, I was just recently wondering the same thing! I have these

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=4231

and was wondering if I could cut them to fit to try instead of the white eheim filters.

[Yann]

Hi!!!

I never bought these pads for the filter, except the first one that came with... I have always used and never had any problem with it... way much cheaper in long term...

Cheers
Yann

[Dinyar]

Thanks Yann. I'll give generic filter floss a try in my Eheim Classics. Anyone else who's done this?

[Marc van Arc]

You could also use the sponge-like filter pads uesd in Eheim Pro series. Be sure however to get them from a (brandless) pond filter. They are much larger and because they lack the name Eheim way cheaper. Simply cut them into the shape needed and you won't have worries of this kind for years. Or use a combination of this and filter floss. Works great.

[Martin S]

I just purchased 10 non branded filter pads for the 2226 on a well known auction site for 8.99 with free P&P - branded ones are about £4 for 3, so a real saving!
i'm in the UK, but am sure there are people selling them in the US as well as the UK.
HTH
Martin

[racoll]

I'll give generic filter floss a try in my Eheim Classics. Anyone else who's done this?

I do just the same as Yann. Works just fine.

[sidguppy]

here too

eheim pads cost a fortune and regular filter cotton costs like nothing. zilch.
I was given loads......

works fine here; I have 5 tanks running on several versions of Eheim professionel and I use blue sponge in the lowest baskets and regular cotton floss in the upper basket

some of the ones for the larger tanks are equipped with 3 baskets. I put in crushed lava or ceramic tubing in the middle basket.

[apistomaster]

I also use polyester filter floss but I have found if you stuff it in one of the Eheim reusable filter bags it is a little more convenient. The bag of floss can be molded to fit any Eheim. The bag also prevents the possibility of loose floss fibers from becoming wrapped around the impeller shaft.
Maybe it's overkill but it has worked well for me.

Marc Van Arc's suggestion is a good way to go, too.