Travis- I got pod piles in the tank, its just that I got the filter just sitting there I would like to put it to some type of use. I love to fiddle around with things like this, I could fill a room with things that I made or converted for my tank(some work some don't). it keeps me busy. plus my wife is trying to get me to paint the bedroom, so if I'm playing in the basement with the filter I can put off painting for a little bit..LOL