HOB media advice.

Primetime62 · Aug 26, 2022

Hello, so I finally upgraded my 20 gal. tall tank with an AC 110 and right now just running what came with it. I may conceit into a refuge down the road but for now what do y’all recommend I use for this guy? Stock? Floss? Carbon? No carbon? I’m open to all suggestions and past experiences. Thanks!!!!

Zach B · Aug 26, 2022

Floss works well as a filter, I also am a big fan of chemipure elite. As you said a refugium would be another great method of natural filtration as well as provide a safer home for pods, sponges, etc. Best of luck to you! Tank looks great

Primetime62 · Aug 26, 2022

Zach B said:
Floss works well as a filter, I also am a big fan of chemipure elite. As you said a refugium would be another great method of natural filtration as well as provide a safer home for pods, sponges, etc. Best of luck to you! Tank looks great

Thanks! I think I might try the floss. Are the bio chips worth using?

Zach B · Aug 26, 2022

Not sure which product you're looking at but bio media is a good place for beneficial bacteria, pods, etc. I'm sure others with Nanos can help assist you as well. Once again best of luck

Azedenkae · Aug 26, 2022

I'd suggest floss just for mechanical filtration, since your biological filtration should already be handled quite readily by your live rock.

Uncle99 · Aug 26, 2022

Used this method for 5 years, the Aqua-Clear.
Bag of carbon and sponge.
I bought 2 sponges which I swapped out weekly.

Chrisv. · Aug 26, 2022

I love to see that you're doing it this way. Hob power filters are WAY under appreciated by reefers. The more we learn about the abundance of pelagic bacteria, it's role as coral food, and how readily it is removed by skimming and UV, the more I think these alternative methods really deserve a serious look.

I'm running chemipure blue and floss in mine. Love it.

Chrisv. · Aug 26, 2022

Uncle99 said:
Used this method for 5 years, the Aqua-Clear.
Bag of carbon and sponge.
I bought 2 sponges which I swapped out weekly.

In a tank like this, the live rock has massive biological filtration capacity, the coral consumes nitrates and phosphate like crazy, and the power filter removes particulates and provides a chemical filtration opportunity. Excellent execution.

Double monti 61 · Aug 26, 2022

I have two fluval aqua clear power filters rated for 10 to 30 gallons per hour and a power head I use no media in the aqua clear filters just only ceramic tubes in one and ceramic tubes and sera siporax in the other and a small hang on back protein skimmer nothing else.Tank is 15 gallons and almost 4 years old.

Primetime62 · Aug 27, 2022

Chrisv. said:
I love to see that you're doing it this way. Hob power filters are WAY under appreciated by reefers. The more we learn about the abundance of pelagic bacteria, it's role as coral food, and how readily it is removed by skimming and UV, the more I think these alternative methods really deserve a serious look.

I'm running chemipure blue and floss in mine. Love it.

Thanks!! My 1st saltwater tank was over 20 years ago with a canister filter and fluorescent tubes! Then switched to wet dry sump with sump skimmer and T5s, then bio cube with MH! After that was another 50 gal. with 20 gal homemade sump with refuge and skimmer and LEDs. After taking a couple years off I’m trying out this 20 gal desk tank… Times ( and prices! ) have certainly changed! Heres some old tank pics!

Chrisv. · Aug 27, 2022

Primetime62 said:
Thanks!! My 1st saltwater tank was over 20 years ago with a canister filter and fluorescent tubes! Then switched to wet dry sump with sump skimmer and T5s, then bio cube with MH! After that was another 50 gal. with 20 gal homemade sump with refuge and skimmer and LEDs. After taking a couple years off I’m trying out this 20 gal desk tank… Times ( and prices! ) have certainly changed! Heres some old tank pics!

I remember those days! 4 normal output fluorescence bulbs and a fluval 303!