Aquatic Experts Polishing Filter Pad, 24 x 36 in

The Aquatic Experts Polishing Filter Pad is a thin, dense sheet of filter material for trapping very fine particles. It measures 24 by 36 inches and about 1/8 inch thick, and you cut it to fit your filter, sump or aquaponics system. It’s the last stage before water returns to the tank, the one that turns clear water into sparkling water.

50 or 100 micron

This page covers both ratings. The 50 micron pad has the denser fiber network and traps finer particles, so it clears water faster but clogs sooner. The 100 micron pad lets more through, which means less clogging and less flow loss. Many keepers run 100 micron full time and switch to 50 micron to clear a cloudy spell.

Where to put it

• After coarse foam, so big debris doesn’t block it.
• In wet/dry filters and sumps, as a sheet over a tray.
• In canisters, as a cut disc on the top or last basket.

Coarse foam such as the ALEGI sponge pad makes a good first stage.

Replace it often

A pad this fine fills up quickly. Watch for reduced flow, and swap or rinse it when water starts bypassing it. At 24 by 36 inches, one sheet cuts into many replacements, which saves money over pre-cut pads.

Compared with floss

Thick floss, like the Aquatic Experts FilterFirst roll, holds more dirt before clogging. This pad is thinner and finer, so it polishes better but needs changing sooner. Some keepers use both, floss first and the pad last.

Who should look elsewhere

If your filter has little room or weak flow, a very fine pad can choke it. Use the 100 micron version or skip it.