HOB Filter for Reef?

Sharkbait19 · Mar 3, 2022

Hey everyone,
I was looking into doing an upgrade from my Fluval Evo 13.5, and I really like the Evo’s aio setup not dealing with all the sump filtration underneath. I was looking at flex tanks, biocubes, etc., and then wondered how hard it might be to upgrade the tank on my own in a manageable, affordable way (of course, “affordable” and “reef” hardly go hand-in-hand lol). Would the Seachem Tidal Hang on Back filter, combined with a wavemaker and lighting system, be sufficient enough to create a reef, or would I be better off sticking with sumps and/or buying one of the pre-built aios I’ve been looking into?

Losirk · Mar 3, 2022

You'll need an ATO to replace all the evaporation caused by the HOB's "waterfall". Sumps can be pretty cheap if you DIY, like using a 20 gallon long and adding chambers / baffles

Mr. Mojo Rising · Mar 3, 2022

HOB filter is fine and provides many benefits and easy to clean, it’s a good option for smaller tanks. I run them on 2 of my tanks.

Idech · Mar 3, 2022

I use a Tunze 3168 internal filter on my 75 gallons. Along with the Tunze 9012 DC simmer and Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO.

They’re a great trio : practically invisible, not too noisy and no possible overflow.

ScottJ · Mar 3, 2022

I run a Tidal 55 on a 20gal high, great filter. Love the surface skimming, and you can put a lot of different media in it.

fryman · Mar 3, 2022

Sharkbait19 said:
Hey everyone,
I was looking into doing an upgrade from my Fluval Evo 13.5, and I really like the Evo’s aio setup not dealing with all the sump filtration underneath. I was looking at flex tanks, biocubes, etc., and then wondered how hard it might be to upgrade the tank on my own in a manageable, affordable way (of course, “affordable” and “reef” hardly go hand-in-hand lol). Would the Seachem Tidal Hang on Back filter, combined with a wavemaker and lighting system, be sufficient enough to create a reef, or would I be better off sticking with sumps and/or buying one of the pre-built aios I’ve been looking into?

I have a 16 gal very simple reef tank that has a tidal as the only filtration. I clean the filter weekly along with a 5gal water change. It's easy and works fine although I just have easy coral in this tank.

To maintain alk/ca I use vinegar super-saturated with kalkwasser. It's like a slurry actually so pH jumps a little when I dose it but seems to be ok.

SudzFD · Mar 3, 2022

I run the Aquamaxx HFm. I love it. A great skimmer and some bio mechanical filtration and a small Refugium with dosing ports as well. It’s been a great all in one setup. I run that and my wave maker with no issues.