Jstkpswming

Hey guys! Just upgraded my filter. I cut out some of the old filter and placed it in with the new media. I dont care for the carbon so i was thinking of putting either another sponge or some more bioballs. Which would be better to replace with? Also my main question here, does the adjustable flow rate have an optimal filtration level? I dont care for the current, just want optimal filtration. I can see when its highest flow some overflows and is just used as current, not even going through media.

Thanks! Also how is the ammonia media bag you can get? Seems like it could be a good precaution or alternative to the carbon.

harpua2002

It is totally up to you whether you use another sponge or another pack of ceramic rings (I assume you are referring to Biomax). Either option will provide plenty of surface area for your bacteria to grow.

Looking at your aquarium info, it seems you are using the AC 30 on a 14 gallon. If so, I'd just let it run full force; it only pumps 150 GPH and won't be too much current.

Once your tank cycles through, you should have no need for any ammonia removing media. You don't need carbon either. Sponges and ceramic media will do the trick if you just want to use those. A word of caution- since you just seeded your new filter with media from the old, be sure to do some extra water testing until you are sure this won't cause a mini cycle. It's possible you may need to do an extra water change or 2, but if so it should pass quickly.

Jstkpswming

Thanks for the info. and the quick reply!

ccb04

The AquaClear 30 rates at 150 GPH max flow ... in your 14g that puts you at roughly 10.5x turnover ... which is good. More filtration is never a bad thing ... provided the current isn't bothering the tanks inhabitants.

If the full-flow current isn't bothering any of your fish as mentioned ... the vast majority of time you'll want to run the filter without the flow control engaged. The flow control feature is handy for such things as feeding time, as it helps keep the food from getting blown around the tank.

As far as media ... I don't use carbon most of the time (usually when removing meds). In my AquaClear 50 ... I use filter floss on the bottom, followed by the sponge, and then 2 biomax inserts.

Jstkpswming

Thanks for your input ccb04, i appreciate any info with this filter, its a little more complicated than the old cartridge. One question, does this filter force water to the bottom of the media and up, because it looks like there are bypasses and overflows. Just makes me wonder how good the flow is throughout the media. Wish i wouldve taken a good look at the system before putting it on the tank.

harpua2002

It's a great filter, and the only hang on type I prefer to use. I haven't noticed much bypass with any of mine.

ccb04

Pretty much all HOB filters have some bypass. Some of it would seemingly be to avoid overflow due to clogged media ... and some of it could simply be the design of a given filter.

Yes, the water is designed to mostly be forced up and through the media in an AquaClear. Put a piece of white filter floss under the sponge and you will see how much debris it collects from the bottom. You can also view the water being forced through the bottom as the filter is pretty much clear.

I've also read stories of people not keeping up with routine maintenance on their AquaClears ... and having pressure build up from clogged media thus forcing the media basket upwards ... as the clogged media restricts the flow from the bottom.

If you are worried about the slots on the side of the media basket regading bypass ... prehaps use the double sponges with biomax on top. You mentioned you were considering using two sponges anyway. In the regular setup ... Carbon would be the 2nd media, somewhat covering the slots on the sides of the media basket. Using the 2nd sponge will pretty much (or completely), cover the side slots in the media basket.

The addition of filter floss on the very bottom helps trap debris and reduces fouling of the media on the upper-tier of the basket. This should be changed every 5 days or so however, to avoid what I mentioned above (clogged media forcing the basket upwards).

Another simple way to help avoid debris (especially larger particles) from fouling the media ... as well as the impeller ... is to use a pre-filter sponge over the intake tube. This is also useful in tanks containing fish with delicate finnage.

Pesonally, and as an overall package ... the AquaClear is the best HOB filter I've used ... and I've used quite a few.

aquarist48

Good morning. I love my Aqua Clears (AC). I too add filter floss (actually high loft batting material from the craft dept. at WalMart)3 layers of it, to the very bottom of the filter. It traps all the major waste there and helps to keep the media on top of it much cleaner. I change the floss every 5 days. I throw it in the trash. I don't depend on the floss for bio media purposes. (if it were a new cycling tank I wouldn't trash it) Personally I use carbon religiously but many do not.
I also added a surface skimmer to the AC. It attaches to the intake of the filter. Adds more oxygen and keeps film/debris off the surface. Too, I added a sponge to the intake tube which gives me more good bio media. Here is a picture of the surface skimmer:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=12703
I really like these types of HOB's. I have 2 110's w/500gph ready for my new tank.
I always use mine on FULL flow.

ccb04

aquarist48 ... how is the surface skimmer? I've been thinking of adding one. Any noise issues like suction sounds?

Regarding adding a sponge to the intake ... did you use an AC sponge or something else?

aquarist48

Hello ccb...I love the surface skimmer. There is no noise from it. Sometimes though if food gets stuck to it and the fish bump it, it has to be adjusted. It will suck itself closed but it doesn't stop the filter from working. I just have to pull the clear plastic up until it floats and all is fine . They are on sale now at drsfostersmith.com for $7.99 I think. They normally run about $12 US.
You can use an AC sponge (small one) if you want. Just cut an X in the sponge and slide it over the intake tube. I actually had a round sponge that fit perfectly over the intake tube from an old mag drive I had.

ccb04

Thanks, aquarist48.

I've actually used the AC sponge. I just cut an AC20 sponge in half. Don't know how well that would work over the mid-level intake on the surface skimmer though.

My betta tank would likely be the 1st candidate to get a skimmer.

aquarist48

The round sponge that I use covers the entire base of the surface skimmer to the point it's impossible to go any higher. I think it would be good for you Beta.
Sorry, JSTK...didn't mean to hi-jack your thread

ccb04

Thanks, aquarist48.

Yes, Jstk ... didn't mean to hi-jack your thread with my questions for a48. Hope we've been helpful to you.

Jstkpswming

Thanks for all the great ideas and advice! Im definitely going to add a sponge to the intake, and adding more biomedia near the bypass (just in case) is also something i will try out.

Would you guys recommend using the ammonia remover bag? I heard once its effects are long gone you could still just rinse as usual and it could be sufficient for holding BB. My only concern is that its initial ammnia removing capabilities would hinder established BB. Just thought it may be a good media to add just in case of possible spikes, but not sure, what do you guys think?

ccb04

In a cycled tank ... you shouldn't need to use zeolite (ammonia remover).

If your tank is cycled and you run into a problem like an ammonia spike, etc... simply do some small partial water changes while adding either Prime or Amquel+ water conditioners ... both of which detox Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate for 24 HRS.

As far as media configuration and filter performance ... it works well set up several different ways. It's really your personal preference.