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How to convert this filter into reef worthy?


OscarZulu

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<-- newb

Aqueon%20Power%20Filters%2055.jpg

How would I convert this Aqueon Power 20 Filter into something that would efficiently help a beginner 20gal? I've heard to remove the cartridge completely... but what else should I do in that voided space now to help? I got 15lbs LR and 30lbs sand going. Week old.

 

I like the Subcurrent filter because of the top skim. Should I go ahead with it instead?

 

Thanks for any comments.

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HeyLookItsCaps

take out the filter pads.....put a screen across the exit area, get a 9w light for the back, plop some chaeto in there. HOB refugium....

 

IMG_3186.jpg

 

IMG_3189.jpg

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^This will work.

 

Or you can run the stock cartridge for a week or so; however, it will eventually become a biological filter (which you don't want). Afterward, you can run it empty (for flow and surface agitation), or add some media (like activated carbon or GFO) in a media bag. You could even use some Poly-Fil, from Walmart's craft department, as a mechanical filter.

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Is it practical to replace my charcoal cartridge with a foam pad or marine land filter pad or polyester filter floss, etc... and throw in a few bio balls in the back of the filter? Does this make any sense or am I still in left field?

 

I'm just looking at http://www.aquariumguys.com/mechanical.html and seeing what is suitable to use.

 

Anybody's recommendations of other specific products would be really appreciated.

 

Eventually I will upgrade, but for now I'm going to stick with this filter and do what I can to make it as efficient as possible.

 

Back to the original post, should I consider replacing with a Subcurrent? I've read alot of good things about it and it seems like it would do more than the HOB.

 

Thanks alot guys (and ladies)

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Is it practical to replace my charcoal cartridge with a foam pad or marine land filter pad or polyester filter floss, etc... and throw in a few bio balls in the back of the filter?
The live rock is the biological filter, you don't want additional bio-media (like bio-balls). Like I stated, you could run activated carbon in a media bad (or Chemi Pure Elite), a Poly Filter, even some filter floss if you change it out frequently.
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take out the filter pads.....put a screen across the exit area, get a 9w light for the back, plop some chaeto in there. HOB refugium....

 

What kind of material do you use for your screen? I see that's a LED light you're using, right?

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I'm thinking of keeping this HOB filter and converting it to a refugium as pictured above and buying a Subcurrent for filtration w/ chemi-pure and floss.. ideas?

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Can you practical do this with any hob? The one I have contains 2 filters, basically filter floss with carbon and a sponge. I removed the sponge but left the carbon and filters in there. Could I just removed the filters and fill the place with chaeto? And throw a light in there.

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Yep, as they stated befor, You dont need filters. The rock and sand do the bio for you. You can run Poly Fill for cleaning when you have a problem. Otherwise, lop in some cheato and throw a light over it. Instant fuge. Now you have nutrient competition.

 

By having one with a double filter, you have a larger fuge. Works good. I think there is a guy on here, InTank, that sells really cool submersible leds that work good for this type of thing.

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