Replacing the wool in the cartridge - what should I use?

[SpaceCoyote]

Okay, so I have just bought a set of replacement, empty cartridges that came with the wool, but frankly the filling is a bit rubbish - very low quality, doesn't reach all the way into the cartridge and seems to disintegrate easily.

Being a bit OCD I wanted to replace the wool myself so I can get it exactly right, but I'm not sure what to use.

After watching some of the videos on here it looks like some people are using cotton type filler and other people are using something to do with fish?

Can someone recommend a product and if possible where I can buy it from in the UK please?

Thanks in advance.

[lyran]

Hi Space Coyote,

This is what generally gets used, have not tried it myself yet, but will be soon.
Hope this helps.

[SpaceCoyote]

Thanks, just what I had seen before, but couldn't find!

I'll take a trip to Pets at Home tomorrow.

Cheers

[wrecktangle]

I don't think we have Fluval in the states. I've yet to get to a pet store to look around.

I just tried the polyfil stuff others have mentiond. That stuff rocks!

Though I'm a bit confused. The carts I got from TW are more like a batting, like a sheet, very difficult to pull apart. The polyfil is more like a bunch of loose strands, easily pulled into threads. But the polyfil seems to work well, I'll fill up a few more carts and see how it goes.

[Larry]

I bought some Fluval water polishing pads at the local pet store right here in East providence RI.

[kitsune(Lisa)]

Hey all,  I have tried the pyrimid bags and still prefer the fluval for wicking.  In the states, I got some from petsmart--in the end it's cheaper than the pyramid bags. We all definately have our preferences.  Try different methods and see what works best for you.  1 small box of fluval lasts a long time.  No matter which way you go, just make sure you don't pack the filling in too tight-the looser the filling the better/faster the liquid wicks.  The nice part about the fluval #2, is it's rectangular shape--easy to cut and use.  It is thick, so i usually separate into thirds after I cut.

Lisa 

[lyran]

Thanks, just what I had seen before, but couldn't find!

I'll take a trip to Pets at Home tomorrow.

Cheers

I think I remember someone saying to make sure its the 2 plus fluval, maybe to do with the density of it, not sure.

[kitsune(Lisa)]

it's 2 something fluval or fluval something 2--get the one with the 2 in it.  it has to do with shape, size and texture.  When you see the rectagular sheets you will see that the texture/density looks right. I think you could use any of them but the #2 works best.

Lisa

[SpaceCoyote]

Thanks, just what I had seen before, but couldn't find!

I'll take a trip to Pets at Home tomorrow.

Cheers

I think I remember someone saying to make sure its the 2 plus fluval, maybe to do with the density of it, not sure.

Found some today at Dobbies Garden World.  Fluval 2 Plus and it works perfectly.

Finally got around to getting some glycerol too and I have created my own concoctions tonight and am very pleased with the results.

So thanks for the product link.

[kitsune(Lisa)]

[smokeless]

Actually, the "2" designation refers to the Fluval unit that it fits. I have Fluval 5 (the only type they had in stock), which are circular, so there's some waste involved cutting the pieces square.

[kitsune(Lisa)]

prior to finding the fluval 2, i bought one( still fluval) that is a 1/2 circle shape--It is softer than the fluval 2.  It works, but seems to have more stray 'hairs' than the 2.

Lisa