Marineland Bonded Filter Pad (312 sq in)
$6.19
The cartridge-killer: a big bonded floss pad you cut to fit any filter, for pennies compared with branded replacement cartridges. Pure mechanical polishing.
Pros
- Universal — cut to fit any filter, so one 312 sq in sheet replaces dozens of proprietary cartridges
- Dense floss gives fine polishing and doubles as a mechanical pre-filter to trap debris
- Dirt cheap — the lowest-cost way to keep water clear, versus a monthly cartridge bill
- Trims to fit most HOBs, canisters and sumps
Cons
- Traps so much debris it needs rinsing or swapping every few weeks
- Sheds a little lint on the first rinse
Score breakdown
Specifications
| Media Type | Mechanical (bonded floss) |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | N/A (mechanical) |
| Volume | 312 sq in sheet |
| Micron Rating | Fine + coarse bonded |
| Replacement Interval | Every few weeks |
| Reusable | Rinse a few times |
| Lifespan | Weeks |
| Compatible With | Any filter (cut to fit) |
| Format | Cut-to-fit sheet |
| Dimensions | 312 sq in |
Alternatives
$17.86 · 94 / 100A+
The buy-it-once biological media: a porous ceramic with enormous high surface area for bacterial colonisation, inside and out. Rinse and reuse for years — it never needs replacing.
$19.99 · 94 / 100A+
Ceramic ring bio media with a porous internal maze for fast bacterial colonisation. Universal, well-priced and reusable — a proven default for any filter.
$9.19 · 92 / 100A+
A rechargeable synthetic resin that polishes water to a sparkle and pulls out organic waste before it becomes nitrate. Bleach-regenerate it and reuse — not a single-use carbon.
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