Good job Ben. I really like how you have shown the two products are very different in their intended purpose. While they both filter our aquarium water both filter differently. As you have shown Pinky removes waste in the form of solids, the Poly removes unwanted contaminants, metals, etc. it wasn't intended as a mechanical filter. Pinky = mechanical filtration Poly = chemical filtration Thanks for the excellent comparison and explanation of the two products. 👍
When I order fish from certain sellers they put a small piece of poly-filter in the bags to absorb waste from the fish. It also allows me to see if I have time to temperature acclimate or do I have to skip a step and just get the fish in the quarantine tank.
Great video ben I watched your other video on this and I bought some on Amazon for $9 I found it to not be that much money. But it is working great my water have never looked so clear thanks again Ben.
Poly Filter is a product which is a material that derived from the medical procedure dialysis, this is why it's so good at adsorption, it wont take out certain elements.
It's good stuff. A little pricy but seems to do a good job. Some vendors will put some in the bag of fish they are shipping to absorb things that could stress the fish in transit.
Ben, you should have an Amazon affiliate link, for people to buy either one! Awesome information though... I suppose I COULD go type it in myself.. LOL 😉
Hi Ben. Love watching your vids - especially those on filtration (my fav). I use the poly filter and the floss. They are totally different products doing different things. The floss is purely for mechanical filtration whereas the the polyfilter is a chemical filter. I use it in place of carbon (and sometimes with it). It is my understanding that, UNLIKE carbon, the polyfilter will not release the pollutants back into the system when saturated. I do use it till it is black all the way through. The colour it takes on is indicative of what it is taking out of the water.
Hey Ben, fun fact - Poly Filter was originally designed as the filter in kidney dialysis machines. That's why it's a chemically treated filter pad that works the way it does. It's not meant to be used like a regular filter pad. It's essentially a highly specialised chemical filter pad that goes in the clean water part of the filter AFTER the biological section. You're right on the money.
I haven't tried the poly filter. But I use pinky floss on all my hang on the backs. As I had just got the canister filter, I haven't cut up the floss for my canister yet. But with all the fish we have in all the tanks I noticed a huge difference between the pinky floss compared to most cartridges we find in pet stores. I actually love pinky floss and these fish clog up pinky floss every 2 weeks.
Hi ben great vid, does the poly need to be in flow or could it go inside the tank? as it would be hard to keep track of its progress inside a canister filter. Thanks 👍
I've used it both ways and had it go dark in both applications. I wouldn't leave in an HOB or canister longer than a week or two max. I'd be too concerned about restricted flow.
@@BenOchart thanks ben 👍 could be used as a quick alternative to carbon if I needed to pull something out the water, meds ect. Thank you for your reply, may get some and do a few experements, I have a new tank that needs to be cleaned I think il run poly on it to collect anything left over in the tank as a precaution.💪
I'm going to use it every 3 or 4 months for a few weeks just to pull random stuff out. Metals, phospates and the other things it claims to remove. Thanks for watching Dawn.
As a MEDICAL MD PATHOLOGIST I have used polyfilters in Both Marine r reef and freshwater tanks for 35 years THEY work and ARE NOTHING LIKE PLAIN FLOSS> I don t get what people don t understand. Polyfilter great for so many applications, cannot compare apples to oranges. POLYFILTER TM FOR THE WIN!!!!
Is it possible the fibers are more porous/rough, on the one product, than the other? Would be neat to see a magnified view of each fiber to see if that is the case?
I've had my 75g aquarium setup for five months now and have been dealing with diatoms for about 3-4 months. I purchased a kit to measure phosphate. As far as I can tell with the kit, I have a higher than normal amount of phosphates in the well water. I used phosguard for several weeks and it did not help. I also changed the amount I fed and reduced the time the lights were on. The only other thing I can think of it to create more flow. I have a Fluval 406. Would a FX4 or 6 be more appropriate for 20-35 mbuna? After seeing your video, I purchased the poly filter and put it in my canister on Friday to see if this would help. So far, no noticeable new diatom growth and it appears the rocks that I did not scrub, have less diatoms on them I'm not sure I can afford long term, but it gives me some hope.
That's good news. Rather than spending a lot of money on a new filter I would suggest that you first try a powerhead to create more water movement. You can pick up some pretty powerful (1000 gph+) SunSun powerheads on eBay for dirt cheap. Run it midway to low in the tank. If it pushes the fish around too much, put it on a timer so it only runs for around 8 hours a day. This will keep diatoms from attaching easily to the decor. Good luck.
@@BenOchart For the purpose of water circulation, would it be best to aim the powerhead straight along the back glass or towards the front glass at an angle for the best movement.
Poly filter is NOT a mechanical filter. The reason yours clogged so quickly when you had it placed at the sump inlet is because it's very dense, and quickly became saturated with tank particles that would otherwise be caught by your mechanical filtration. The poly needs to be at the end of the chain. We can't expect it to perform well as a mechanical when that's not at all what it's for.
Great video!! Well done..I always see a thumbs down on all your videos..I dont understand? Guarantee it's the same person. Oh well I thank you for your knowledge and experience. For this effort I would never give a thumbs down!! 👍👍❤ that's my 2 cents!! Cuídate Mucho my friend!!
Lito Loco 4 Fish Gracias Lito. I think you’re right but every time that troll visits the channel and gives my videos a thumbs down (without watching the video) it actually helps the channel grow since TH-cam doesn’t care about up or down, only visits and views matter. So I say to the troll, “please keep on coming back!” LOL
@@BenOchart 😂 you see brother I really didn't know that at all!!! I learned something again😂❤ God bless my friend!!! I truly enjoy all your knowledge packed videos..it's about growing and sharing!!!!💪🏽
Is it advisable to put a layer of pinky floss on top of every tray of a canister filter? It's light and will not affect flow but could add several more layers of mechanical filtration regardless of what is under it.
Thanks for your test and observations. Your conclusions see sound. My question is if it is a good option for a filter when one will be away from the tank for 5-7 days? I"n this scenario would ammonia or nitrite sequestrate media be better for a canister filter? Thanks again, jim
I would be a bit concerned about slowing down water flow, however, floating it in the tank while being away might be a good idea to safeguard against a spike in some unwanted contaminent. One commentator mentioned how some fish shippers put a small square in the bags of fish that they ship to help absord the bad stuff.
Thanks for another great video Mr. Ben. Since winter is coming I am able to chime in more now, this could be good or bad, lol!!!! I am very cautious when a product makes claims that can't be proven by the average Joe like myself. I want to make this very clear from the start that I am not saying this product doesn't do exactly what they say it will because I didn't even know about this until your video. Now lets get on with it. I totally understand that this product isn't comparable to the pinky floss, purple floss or even Diana Ross, they are all totally different products that are meant to do very different things, especially the later, lol!!!! The fact that it changed color and reduced flow are both actions that can make you think the product is doing exactly what the package claims, but is it? With the technology that we have today the changing of the color can easily be done in hundreds of ways once the material comes in contact with water. The reduction of flow is another result that can be accomplished simply by using a material that swells when it comes in contact with water. I believe you and I are close to the same age and I'm sure you remember when the Mood Rings were the hottest product around. The fact that it changed color depending on body heat had nothing to do with your mood at all, but all the kids riding the short bus swore up and down that your mood was what made the thing change color. I believe what really needs to be done is for someone who has the ability to test water that has the elements the product claims to remove, phosphate, metals etc..... Once those levels are recorded then apply this product as instructed and retest that same water after days or weeks and I would be very interested to see those results. Only then would it be something that I would consider purchasing. You did a fine job with this product, not trying to say you didn't or that this material isn't the best thing since sliced bread. I'm simply saying that I am very interested to see if this product actually reduces and removes these elements and by how much or is it just another Mood Ring to hit the market? Keep up the great job Ben. Later
Great point. I wonder if the company that makes it has independent lab results on a test like the one you mention. I would hope so. My mood ring is blue, so it means I liked your comment, LOL! Thanks Kevin, I appreciate you coming around!
No where on the packet did I see anything about recharging. It might be infused with something that is one and done. I'd have to call the maker to see.
Looking on eBay I find starting price on poly filter at $8.15 with free shipping. But I see some other listed much larger pieces for an inexpensive price. I'm guessing it's not the same??????
$8-9/ pad for a 4”x9” pad that lasts at most a few weeks. Compared to two ply filter floss at $10 for 20-30 sq yards. Huge price difference. Polyfilter meant to remove chemical contaminants and ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, of course some particulate matter. Should always be placed behind (downstream) next to the two ply filter media, with the harder chemical part on the outside, softer side up against the two ply.
Yes, but for a 4”x9” pad that lasts at most a few weeks. Compared to two ply filter floss at $10 for 20-30 sq yards. Huge price difference. Polyfilter meant to remove chemical contaminants and ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, of course some particulate matter. Should always be placed behind (downstream) next to the two ply filter media, with the harder chemical part on the outside, softer side up against the two ply.
Different applications. Like comparing Pinky to biohome or seachem matrix. Very different. I'm going to use the poly in my tanks for a few weeks every 3 or 4 months just to catch any odd contaminents that might be building up over time.
MR. BEN, my thoughts were on track when you mentioned the time frame on the the two different filtration, anyway very explained video boss 😎😎
Very helpful video.
Ben, your eyebiter is again the tank boss!
He still acts up but stays away from the venustus.
I swear by poly filter been using it for years now in certain tanks keeps water parameters spot on.
Every few months I'm gonna put some in there for a few weeks.
Good job Ben.
I really like how you have shown the two products are very different in their intended purpose. While they both filter our aquarium water both filter differently. As you have shown Pinky removes waste in the form of solids, the Poly removes unwanted contaminants, metals, etc. it wasn't intended as a mechanical filter.
Pinky = mechanical filtration
Poly = chemical filtration
Thanks for the excellent comparison and explanation of the two products.
👍
Thank you Michael!
Yes, can't compare an apple to an orange but people still do so. The Pinky is mechanical. Is the Poly chemical?
When I order fish from certain sellers they put a small piece of poly-filter in the bags to absorb waste from the fish. It also allows me to see if I have time to temperature acclimate or do I have to skip a step and just get the fish in the quarantine tank.
That's very cool, thanks!
Great video ben I watched your other video on this and I bought some on Amazon for $9 I found it to not be that much money. But it is working great my water have never looked so clear thanks again Ben.
Big Army Guy Hey, how you been? That’s Great feedback, thank you!
@@BenOchart I'm doing great you keep up the great videos Ben
Poly Filter is a product which is a material that derived from the medical procedure dialysis, this is why it's so good at adsorption, it wont take out certain elements.
It's good stuff. A little pricy but seems to do a good job. Some vendors will put some in the bag of fish they are shipping to absorb things that could stress the fish in transit.
Ben, you should have an Amazon affiliate link, for people to buy either one! Awesome information though... I suppose I COULD go type it in myself.. LOL 😉
I've thought about that and the zillions in revenue I've lost ... whatever, it's just money, LOL. Seriously, I need to look into that!
Top video dude 👊 I use the floss so will defo try this as well.
Let me know what you think, thanks!
Great information B..
I'm a cheapo..cheap Walmart floss chuck it out every 2 weeks.
Hi Ben. Love watching your vids - especially those on filtration (my fav). I use the poly filter and the floss. They are totally different products doing different things. The floss is purely for mechanical filtration whereas the the polyfilter is a chemical filter. I use it in place of carbon (and sometimes with it). It is my understanding that, UNLIKE carbon, the polyfilter will not release the pollutants back into the system when saturated. I do use it till it is black all the way through. The colour it takes on is indicative of what it is taking out of the water.
Hey Ben, fun fact - Poly Filter was originally designed as the filter in kidney dialysis machines. That's why it's a chemically treated filter pad that works the way it does. It's not meant to be used like a regular filter pad. It's essentially a highly specialised chemical filter pad that goes in the clean water part of the filter AFTER the biological section. You're right on the money.
I haven't tried the poly filter. But I use pinky floss on all my hang on the backs. As I had just got the canister filter, I haven't cut up the floss for my canister yet. But with all the fish we have in all the tanks I noticed a huge difference between the pinky floss compared to most cartridges we find in pet stores. I actually love pinky floss and these fish clog up pinky floss every 2 weeks.
Wonder if it will change color on a running tap or in a glass of water. The change of color could be just that, color change?
I thought about that but how would we know that the water didn't contain some contaminents? Some tap water, when evaluated is gross.
Hi ben great vid, does the poly need to be in flow or could it go inside the tank? as it would be hard to keep track of its progress inside a canister filter. Thanks 👍
I've used it both ways and had it go dark in both applications. I wouldn't leave in an HOB or canister longer than a week or two max. I'd be too concerned about restricted flow.
@@BenOchart thanks ben 👍 could be used as a quick alternative to carbon if I needed to pull something out the water, meds ect. Thank you for your reply, may get some and do a few experements, I have a new tank that needs to be cleaned I think il run poly on it to collect anything left over in the tank as a precaution.💪
Hi Ben!!! That stuff looks interesting!!!! I might try it in one of my HOB filters!!!
I'm going to use it every 3 or 4 months for a few weeks just to pull random stuff out. Metals, phospates and the other things it claims to remove. Thanks for watching Dawn.
@@BenOchart I think that's a GREAT idea!!! I LOVE your video's!! They are VERY helpful!!! Thank you Ben!!!
I started using the poly filter after seeing a vid by Rachel O'leary. It will even take tannins out. Amazing product. Great info!..🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿✨🌿
As a MEDICAL MD PATHOLOGIST I have used polyfilters in Both Marine r reef and freshwater tanks for 35 years THEY work and ARE NOTHING LIKE PLAIN FLOSS> I don t get what people don t understand. Polyfilter great for so many applications, cannot compare apples to oranges. POLYFILTER TM FOR THE WIN!!!!
I use carbon and zeolite in a mesh bag to remove ammonia etc and I use filter floss to remove particles in the water.
Sounds like a good combo!
Is it possible the fibers are more porous/rough, on the one product, than the other? Would be neat to see a magnified view of each fiber to see if that is the case?
Thanks
I've had my 75g aquarium setup for five months now and have been dealing with diatoms for about 3-4 months. I purchased a kit to measure phosphate. As far as I can tell with the kit, I have a higher than normal amount of phosphates in the well water. I used phosguard for several weeks and it did not help. I also changed the amount I fed and reduced the time the lights were on. The only other thing I can think of it to create more flow. I have a Fluval 406. Would a FX4 or 6 be more appropriate for 20-35 mbuna? After seeing your video, I purchased the poly filter and put it in my canister on Friday to see if this would help. So far, no noticeable new diatom growth and it appears the rocks that I did not scrub, have less diatoms on them I'm not sure I can afford long term, but it gives me some hope.
That's good news. Rather than spending a lot of money on a new filter I would suggest that you first try a powerhead to create more water movement. You can pick up some pretty powerful (1000 gph+) SunSun powerheads on eBay for dirt cheap. Run it midway to low in the tank. If it pushes the fish around too much, put it on a timer so it only runs for around 8 hours a day. This will keep diatoms from attaching easily to the decor. Good luck.
@@BenOchart Thank you for the tip! I'll try it.
@@BenOchart For the purpose of water circulation, would it be best to aim the powerhead straight along the back glass or towards the front glass at an angle for the best movement.
I use both
I love Polyfilter
How long can I use the pinky floss
How about other two ply filter material. If going to spend the money on poly filter it is an addition to the filter floss and two ply materials.
Poly filter is NOT a mechanical filter. The reason yours clogged so quickly when you had it placed at the sump inlet is because it's very dense, and quickly became saturated with tank particles that would otherwise be caught by your mechanical filtration. The poly needs to be at the end of the chain. We can't expect it to perform well as a mechanical when that's not at all what it's for.
Great video!! Well done..I always see a thumbs down on all your videos..I dont understand? Guarantee it's the same person. Oh well I thank you for your knowledge and experience. For this effort I would never give a thumbs down!! 👍👍❤ that's my 2 cents!! Cuídate Mucho my friend!!
Lito Loco 4 Fish Gracias Lito. I think you’re right but every time that troll visits the channel and gives my videos a thumbs down (without watching the video) it actually helps the channel grow since TH-cam doesn’t care about up or down, only visits and views matter. So I say to the troll, “please keep on coming back!” LOL
@@BenOchart 😂 you see brother I really didn't know that at all!!! I learned something again😂❤ God bless my friend!!! I truly enjoy all your knowledge packed videos..it's about growing and sharing!!!!💪🏽
Is it advisable to put a layer of pinky floss on top of every tray of a canister filter? It's light and will not affect flow but could add several more layers of mechanical filtration regardless of what is under it.
Just watch for clogging
Wonder if this holds for saltwater as well.
ATF intheHouse yes polyfilter works in salt water as well
I was curious too so I checked the manufacturer website. I appears so.:
poly-bio-marine.com/
James Green 😀👍🏻
Thanks for your test and observations. Your conclusions see sound.
My question is if it is a good option for a filter when one will be away from the tank for 5-7 days? I"n this scenario would ammonia or nitrite sequestrate media be better for a canister filter?
Thanks again,
jim
I would be a bit concerned about slowing down water flow, however, floating it in the tank while being away might be a good idea to safeguard against a spike in some unwanted contaminent. One commentator mentioned how some fish shippers put a small square in the bags of fish that they ship to help absord the bad stuff.
Compare a micron filter vs polishing filter
Nice video good to know accept we dont have that in the Netherlands sadly
...true, but you do have the Northern Lights 😉
Thanks for another great video Mr. Ben. Since winter is coming I am able to chime in more now, this could be good or bad, lol!!!! I am very cautious when a product makes claims that can't be proven by the average Joe like myself. I want to make this very clear from the start that I am not saying this product doesn't do exactly what they say it will because I didn't even know about this until your video. Now lets get on with it. I totally understand that this product isn't comparable to the pinky floss, purple floss or even Diana Ross, they are all totally different products that are meant to do very different things, especially the later, lol!!!! The fact that it changed color and reduced flow are both actions that can make you think the product is doing exactly what the package claims, but is it? With the technology that we have today the changing of the color can easily be done in hundreds of ways once the material comes in contact with water. The reduction of flow is another result that can be accomplished simply by using a material that swells when it comes in contact with water. I believe you and I are close to the same age and I'm sure you remember when the Mood Rings were the hottest product around. The fact that it changed color depending on body heat had nothing to do with your mood at all, but all the kids riding the short bus swore up and down that your mood was what made the thing change color. I believe what really needs to be done is for someone who has the ability to test water that has the elements the product claims to remove, phosphate, metals etc..... Once those levels are recorded then apply this product as instructed and retest that same water after days or weeks and I would be very interested to see those results. Only then would it be something that I would consider purchasing. You did a fine job with this product, not trying to say you didn't or that this material isn't the best thing since sliced bread. I'm simply saying that I am very interested to see if this product actually reduces and removes these elements and by how much or is it just another Mood Ring to hit the market? Keep up the great job Ben. Later
Great point. I wonder if the company that makes it has independent lab results on a test like the one you mention. I would hope so. My mood ring is blue, so it means I liked your comment, LOL! Thanks Kevin, I appreciate you coming around!
@@BenOchart I would be interested in this as well Ben. Glad your ring is blue because lately mine stays bright red, lol!!!!
Later
Can you wash the poly filter and reuse? That may be one way to stretch the value. Like Porigen can be put into a bleach bath and brought back to life.
No where on the packet did I see anything about recharging. It might be infused with something that is one and done. I'd have to call the maker to see.
cam i get pinky floss in Canada?
Looking on eBay I find starting price on poly filter at $8.15 with free shipping. But I see some other listed much larger pieces for an inexpensive price. I'm guessing it's not the same??????
There might be some knock offs trying to look like it. It isn't cheap which is why I plan on using it only a few times a year.
Vidio yang sangat bagus uncle.
Dewa Wisnu 🙏🙏🙏
$8-9/ pad for a 4”x9” pad that lasts at most a few weeks. Compared to two ply filter floss at $10 for 20-30 sq yards. Huge price difference. Polyfilter meant to remove chemical contaminants and ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, of course some particulate matter. Should always be placed behind (downstream) next to the two ply filter media, with the harder chemical part on the outside, softer side up against the two ply.
Good tip, thanks!
Floss pads are mechanical filtration. Polyfilter is meant to be Chemical filtration. Makes no sense to compare them.
Guppy Granny My exact same conclusion. Like comparing a sponge and purigen, 🍎 and 🍊 😀👍🏻
I agree. Its more like carbon replacement.
It is very expensive. Not just expensive, very expensive.
It is only $9 on Amazon
Yes, but for a 4”x9” pad that lasts at most a few weeks. Compared to two ply filter floss at $10 for 20-30 sq yards. Huge price difference. Polyfilter meant to remove chemical contaminants and ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, of course some particulate matter. Should always be placed behind (downstream) next to the two ply filter media, with the harder chemical part on the outside, softer side up against the two ply.
Different applications. Like comparing Pinky to biohome or seachem matrix. Very different. I'm going to use the poly in my tanks for a few weeks every 3 or 4 months just to catch any odd contaminents that might be building up over time.