hello, quick question. in my fluvel 405 i have 4 sponges and 4 baskets. the 4 baskets have 2 compartments each.

i know i need the sponges but have no idea about whats in the baskets and weather or not i need it!

im guessing the stuff in my filter is very old now, and i never clean it, i only clean the sponges.

what does it all do and do i really need it for keeping oscars?

I'll guess and say its blocks or tubes. If so it will be Biomax or something of that kind. yes you do need it and it can be washed in old tank water like sponge But it is better to replace a small bit every so ofter as the holes fill in after time. Best to have a mix of sponge and fluval biomax or something like it.

ow i know the top 2 are those things with the hole in and the other stuff is black stones???

what does it actually do for my tank though?

most likly carbon. If so no you dont need it. only after medication you should add as it helps to remove unwanted med, or it can be of a little help to absorb ammonia. But for oscars not needed as we are always changing water.and carbon starts to leak back all it obsorbed after 2-4wks. I have a big bag hanging in my tank at mo as I had medication in a few wks ago. I dont put it in my filter but hang it over outflow of pump in a bag as its then easy to remove when you need. try to crush a bit if it crushes easy into black mush its carbon.

it is indeed carbon i have just got the fluval 405 it comes with 4 lots of biomax and 4 bags of carbon.

i have used the stuff out of my 404 for the 405:).
i will check on my next water change:)

if you do decide to remove the carbon, I would suggest you put more biomax in its place. Also dont clean your filter at same time as removing the carbon will also remove a small amount of good bactria along with it. your flow rate might change a little but not much worth worrying about. there are 2 types of biomax too. blocks and tubes, I like tubes as I think water can find its wat through easier.

there are many kinds of bilogical media on the market and basically they all serve the same function, to house the bacteria colony. you can use whatever type you like as long as it fits in the media basket. you dont have to use only fluval products. try researching different brands and find one that you think will give you the most surface area for your particular filter.

well pointed out. Biomax is a trade name for fluval and other brands maybe better or cheaper. Thanks I didnt want to promote any one brand but have done by mistake.

thanx for all the advise guys:)