DIY refugium fluval aquaclear 50 hob filter conversion

[Trillaman954]

I hope this works…but I made a refugium out of a HOB filter I bought at the pet store because I have no space for a sump for my 20 gallon hex. I’m hoping for the chaeto to grow and give shelter for breeding copepods. One can only dream…

 

Items:

•Fluvial Aquaclear50 HOB filter
•7.5 inch submersible light

•Gorilla glue black tape 

•Loctite waterproof aquarium safe Silicone sealant

•Scissors

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCX4F86/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B07ZCX4F86 (Light)

 

here are the steps I took 

 

i blacked out the AQ50 with gorilla glue black tape to circumvent light leakage. 
 

 

 

 

[Trillaman954]

Then I cut the filter basket in 3 pieces and made it into a chaeto guard. I also made another guard to block any chaeto from getting into the pump. I used silicone sealant to attach the guards to the filter.

[Trillaman954]

With the scissors I cut a semicircle on the top of the filter basket that’s blocking the pump so that the top of the light can fit snug and for the lid to be able to close. Then I placed 1 suction cup that came with the light towards the bottom of the filter to work as a swivel so I can adjust the chaeto under the light. I mounted the light diagonally.

[Trillaman954]

Then I made a notch for the power cord to allow the lid to close. And also blacked out the lid with the tape.

[Trillaman954]

When I was done I was left with a small chaeto hob growth chamber with minimal light leakage. I hope 🤷🏽‍♂️

[debbeach13]

Very Nice.

[Trillaman954]

7 days later. After I added this system I’ve noticed my tank now had pods, but I’m assuming that’s because of the chaeto. They do seem like they are reproducing.  And the chaeto ball has gained 6 grams in weight. Does this mean this is working? This would mean it increased in mass approximately 31% in 7 days. Is that appropriate for this macro?

[Trillaman954]

 

7 days later it’s now at 29.2. It’s been 2 weeks. So in 2 weeks it grew 10 grams in mass. What are y’all thoughts? Is this successful?

[Trillaman954]

Is 29 grams of chaeto enough to displace the nutrients needed for unwanted algae and cyano in a 20 gallon tank? Obviously not because I’m having a bad algae attack as we speak…🤣🤣but copepods are plentiful. Never noticed so much.