Filter Options, no room for sump

[OlPainless]

I have a local fellow reefer w/a similar set-up and he uses a large HOB filter but instead of the carbon/bio balls, etc.. he put chaeto in it and a large foam filter/pad. It's been up over a year (that I'm aware of) and his tank is thriving.

Are you able to get a picture of this set up? Whats the benefit of just running chaeto instead of the carbon/bio balls etc.?

 

[Mical]

I'll get pics next time I see him. His theory was, in previous tanks cheato worked great for filtration in his sump(s). But this tank didn't have room for the sump so he "downsized" sump specs into his overflow box and so far it's worked. I believe his tank is 29gals and all I recall seeing was a HOB filter with cheato & sponge.