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What filter media should you use for Fluval Edge?

The Fluval Edge is an all-in-one aquarium kit that comes with a built-in filter. So, what filter media should you use for this fish tank?

You can find out in this guide at Aquarium Blueprints.

What filter media types are included with Fluval Edge?

The Fluval Edge comes with a foam insert for mechanical filtration, carbon media for chemical filtration and BioMax media for biological filtration.

Compatible pre-filter sponge for Fluval Edge

If you have shrimps and/or small fish fry in your Fluval Edge tank, then we highly recommend that you get a pre-filter sponge as it will prevent these small creatures from being sucked into the filter.

A pre-filter will also trap particles, which means you won’t have to clean the medias inside the filter as often. Instead, you can simply rinse the pre-filter sponge and then re-used it until it starts to break down.

One last benefit is that the sponge will also prevent food from being sucked into the filter. As a result, your pet fish and other aquatic pets will be able to pick food off of these sponges.

Fluval has a pre-filter intake made specifically for the Edge series, which you can on Amazon with the following link:

Compatible filter pad for Fluval Edge

When it comes to filter pads, we found that the Edge Foam that comes included with the tank works really well at trapping floating particles. Not to mention that it also provides surface area for the beneficial bacteria colonies that consume ammonia and nitrates to grow.

When used in conjunction with the pre-filter sponge, the water in your tank should end up being pretty clear.

You shouldn’t need to replace the foam until it starts to break apart. If you need a replacement, then you can purchase one on Amazon via the following link:

Best Fluval Edge media for removing ammonia

Ammonia comes from uneaten fish food, detritus and other organic wastes that decompose in your fish tank. If you haven’t properly cycled your Fluval Edge, then ammonia spikes will occur, causing stress and sickness to your aquatic pets.

So, if you want to quickly remove ammonia, then we recommend getting the Aquarium Cleaning Foam Insert from Fluval. With this product, the toxic compound will be removed from the water column, making it safer for your fish and other inhabitants.

You can purchase the foam, if you are interested, with the following Amazon link:

Best Fluval Edge media for removing nitrates

High concentration of nitrates can become harmful if exposed to your fish for a very long time. To reduce the nitrate level in your tank water, you can do regular water changes.

Alternatively, you can pick up the Seachem Matrix Fluval Edge. This media features tightly-packed microscopic chambers with little to no oxygen. These spaces will allow the bacteria that consumes nitrates to grow.

Matrix also provides plenty of surface area for bacteria colonies that consume ammonia and nitrites to grow as well. Therefore, in terms of biological filtration, this is one of the best options available for your Edge.

You can purchase this filter media type with the following link from Amazon:

Best Fluval Edge media for removing odors, discolorations and other compounds

The carbon that comes with your Fluval Edge will help with removing odors, discolorations, medicines and other compounds found in your tank water.

With that said, it is recommended that you replace these chemical filtration media occasionally. Otherwise, they will lost their effectiveness over time.

You can purchase the Edge Carbon Clean and Clear Sachet, on Amazon with the following link:

Best Fluval Edge media for raising pH

Due to the organic wastes, the water in your Fluval Edge will become acidic if you don’t keep up with water changes.

To prevent your tank water from getting too acidic, we recommend adding Carib Sea Crushed Coral to either your filter or add it as a substrate. Theses corals will leech into your tank when the water gets acidic enough. As a result, it will slowly raise the pH to safe levels.

You can pick up our recommended pH-raising product on Amazon via the following link:

Best Fluval Edge media for lowering pH

Some fish and other aquatic species prefer soft, acidic water.

In order to lower the pH in your Fluval Edge safely, we recommend using the Aquatic Peat Granules from Fluval. This media will slowly leech tannins into your tank water, making it more acidic.

To keep pH low, make sure you replace these granules as they will eventually run out of tannins to leech.

You can purchase the pH-lowering media, if you are interested, from Amazon with the following link: