micro filtration pad OR progressive micro filter

by david yurik
(brunswick, OH)

what exactly is the difference between the micro filtration pad and progressive micro filter. besides the obvious of the dual layer in the progressive filter if i just want to run 1 of the two as my last stage in an xp3 which one should i use and why? 20 and 30 are in the bottom, stars and seachem matrix are in the middle ( thinking of going to single pads in the bottom with more seachem ), and biochem zorb and micro filtration pad currently in the top. i wonder if i should shift from the micro filtration pad to the progressive micro filter on that final stage. also the trays are pretty good size. can i put two bags in one tray half? thanks. david.yurik@gmail.com

A: The Progressive Micro-Filter was developed for the XP4 as an upgrade the the standard Micro-Filter. The dual-layer acts somewhat like a funnel trapping larger particles in one
part and smaller particles in the other layer. Due to the constuction of the filter it will usually last about twice as long before needing replacement. We really don't recommend using more than one filter. This can slow the flow of the water through the filter and may damage the motor.