I used to use the filter pads. My thinking is that the particles that are trapped by the pad are just broken down into smaller pieces by the flowing water. Imagine if a big piece of food winds up on the pad and hundreds of gallons of water are flowing over it all day long. Wouldn't that make the food break down and re-enter the tank anyway? I think it would be better if the large piece was able to make its way back into the tank. That way something might be able to eat it.