Aquaclear HOB for water polishing, Nitrate factory?

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by Buddyboy

Yeah, I think replacing the filter pads once a week sounds reasonable. I don't use the Aquaclear reusable pads, but the cut-to-size ones you mentioned. I wouldn't think of cleaning/reusing a pad after using it for a week. It's DEEESGUSTING!

I would love to have a fuge, but this is going to have to wait for awhile. But since we are on the subject, Nick, it looks like you have a 20G sump with a Tunze skimmer. Does this sump have a fuge in it? Are you using the Tunze 9010 skimmer? Are you happy with this setup? This is the same setup I would like under my next tank. Let me know your experiences!

Thanks!

haha - They are, rather. Soak it in hot water and it'll kill darn near anything.

As for the sump, I still haven't done pictures (don't ask why, I'm just lazy :P) but I've got it like this:

Tunze-->Baffles-->Fuge-->Return

I don't know how great the fuge is/will work, but i'll update as soon as I've got more details

[Buddyboy]

Looking forward to any updates Nick! I'm curious as to how your 20G sump/fuge works out for you. Not sure if it's big enough to get the job done, or if I should just go with a bigger tank, bigger sump/fuge and a bigger skimmer. I was thinking about a 40G breeder for the display tank. Nice and manageable. In any case, good luck with your setup!

[Doug]

I used my 500 AC on my last tank. Superb filter and great flow but the sponge filter is a pain to clean. It does collect detritus though. Man, I can rinse it forever. I like the Regent type power filter, with the throw away vertical pads for mech. filtration, just because they are easy to pull out and clean.

As with any though, the sponge type, pads or the floss in a sump, regular disposal and/or cleaning is needed or the detrius is still in the system.

[fishface]

when i had my 25g tank i had an AC500 modded into a refugium but instead of sponge block or filter floss, i just grew super dense chaeto. it worked as both to export nitrates as well as to polish the water mechanically.

[andsoitgoes]

Darryl, that is a BRILLIANT idea. Heaven only knows why I hadn't thought about that, I'm going to do that up now to shove in my sump

Okay - now you've gotten a fire under my butt, Bud - I'll post my setup now :P

[fishface]

when i had my 25g tank i had an AC500 modded into a refugium but instead of sponge block or filter floss, i just grew super dense chaeto. it worked as both to export nitrates as well as to polish the water mechanically, never did i ever have a nitrate issue.