I bought a second hand Eheim 2080 as a second filter for my catfish tank. Normally I fill my Eheim’s with the filter material provided with them. But this one comes without most of the filter materials. What I did with my other filters for catfish tanks is adding a pre-filter unit filled with a piece of blue filter sponge (not completely since it will block the flow too much) which I clean every week. I do this to prevent the actual filter from becoming saturated too fast. I plan to do exactly the same thing with the 2080.
My question: what is your advice for filling the three baskets in the filter (bottom to top)? Should I go for the black plastic tubes Eheim provides for the bottom trays? Or should I go for the ceramic pipes straight away? Etc. etc.
Looking forward to your suggestions!
Bas