HOB Filter Medi

[FLARGUE]

Do any of you maintain a HOB type filter for your nano reef? I've been using an Aquaclear 50 and with so much space, i'm wondering what you guys prefer as filter media? Do you use a protein skimmer in conjunction? Looking forward to hearing your input.

[Clown79]

I did on my 55g and my 15g.

 

I used filter floss that I cut to size and changed twice a week.

 

Carbon which I bagged myself.  I prefer seachem matrix. I like the shape, size, and next to no dust.

I like bagging my own because I use smaller quantities changed every 2 weeks. 

 

Purigen

 

I would siphon out any particles in the filter ever 2 weeks and cleaned the filter completely every 2 months.

 

This keeps the filter working at its best and reducing any nutrient issues.

[FLARGUE]

That sounds like a great setup.

I'm using filter floss, and Purigen occasionally. I've started to get a little green hair algae, so I just started running Phosbond too. I still have a few square inches of space so maybe I'll try some seachem matrix.

[Clown79]

Purigen is great. It last until it goes Brown so using it regularly is best.

 

Be careful with phos reducers, they can strip a tank of p04 which you don't want.

 

 

[FLARGUE]

What do you recommend regarding phosphate reducers.

 

Can i run them, continue my weekly 25% water changes, and just feed my corals and fish more often?

Or do people recommend cycling the phos reducers?

 

[Clown79]

Most will recommend to use phos reducers as needed in small quantities rather than regular basis.

 

While using them, phos needs testing regularly and with a reliable tester like Hanna or salifert.

[FLARGUE]

Appreciate it! I'll look into these phosphate reducers a bit more

[reeferx2]

I'm running floss and chemi blue nano in my HOB AC20, used to run chaeto with a light as well, but my tank has been doing much better since removing it.