Is using an aquaclear HOB filter for mechanical filtration "wrong"?

[Jorda320]

Hi.
I have a 2 year old 36 gallon bowfront that has been experiencing a continuous (likely dino/diatom) bloom. This is several months in. I've tried the blackout, reduced photo period,Vibrant, microbacter 7, as well as trialing a CPR hang on back refugium to grow macro algae. so far the only thing I've done with the hang on back refugium is grow tremendous amounts of this brown dino/diatom. My current thought is that since this is a smaller system and I do not have a sump my lack of any type of filter sock is not cleaning detritus out effectively. I have been using a DYI filter by combining a powerhead a bottle and some filter floss and that has been pulling out a lot of sludge and gunk. To get to the point I'm thinking about getting rid of the hang on back refugium and maybe replacing it with an aqua clear filter. I would just replace the filter floss in that filter frequently. Are there any reasons why I should not do this? I've always been told that these are just nitrate factories, but since I am sumpless I don't have the option of using a filter sock. Any thoughts?

 

[andrewey]

Your equipment is fine You can run a tank with a sump, without a sump, with a HOB refugium/without, with a HOB filter, or even with no filter . Some use socks, some don't. What really matters is your particular ecosystem and it's parameters, your nutrient input, your nutrient export, flow/light, and the organisms you have in your tank (including the possible diatoms/dinos).

I suggest you take a look at the dino thread for some great information on how to ID if you have dinos vs. diatoms before you go further. It will make a world of difference in how you approach the problem.

 

[Jorda320]

Your equipment is fine You can run a tank with a sump, without a sump, with a HOB refugium/without, with a HOB filter, or even with no filter . Some use socks, some don't. What really matters is your particular ecosystem and it's parameters, your nutrient input, your nutrient export, flow/light, and the organisms you have in your tank (including the possible diatoms/dinos).

I suggest you take a look at the dino thread for some great information on how to ID if you have dinos vs. diatoms before you go further. It will make a world of difference in how you approach the problem.

I'll look for that thread right now. Thank you for the encouragement

 

[andrewey]

I'll start here- the first post is a pretty good summary:

Dinoflagellates – Are You Tired Of Battling Altogether?

I don't know what percentage of folks had luck battling dinos with any of the methods in the old Dino thread but it's obviously a very low percentage, so I'd like refresh folks on the natural alternatives and lay out three areas of info: some of the factors that contribute to a dino outbreak...

www.reef2reef.com

It might seem bleak right now, but with a bit of investigation and some targeted treatments, I'm sure we can get your tank back on track, whether dino, diatom, or other

While you are reading that thread, make sure you eliminate any of the causes of diatom explosions as a good practice (RODI water where the TDS has been tested, mindful of additives being put into the tank, etc.)

 

[Uncle99]

Hi.
I have a 2 year old 36 gallon bowfront that has been experiencing a continuous (likely dino/diatom) bloom. This is several months in. I've tried the blackout, reduced photo period,Vibrant, microbacter 7, as well as trialing a CPR hang on back refugium to grow macro algae. so far the only thing I've done with the hang on back refugium is grow tremendous amounts of this brown dino/diatom. My current thought is that since this is a smaller system and I do not have a sump my lack of any type of filter sock is not cleaning detritus out effectively. I have been using a DYI filter by combining a powerhead a bottle and some filter floss and that has been pulling out a lot of sludge and gunk. To get to the point I'm thinking about getting rid of the hang on back refugium and maybe replacing it with an aqua clear filter. I would just replace the filter floss in that filter frequently. Are there any reasons why I should not do this? I've always been told that these are just nitrate factories, but since I am sumpless I don't have the option of using a filter sock. Any thoughts?

I have no sump and have used an aqua clear 110 on my 65g.
I just swap the sponge once a week
Done this way, for 3 years.
Also good for deploying carbon and GFO.
You can see it running on the left.

 

[NashobaTek]

I don't have a sump or fuge. Just the hob filters. Crystal clear water and healthy animals.

 

[AdamNC]

I used a AC70 on a 29 gallon standard for about 4 years. You tell me.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi,

I am a fan of the aquaclear. Just since they are so versatile. I buy them simply for the pump and housing. What you do with it after that is up to you,

Maybe post some pics and some numbers and info on your tanks so we can get an idea on if anything else may help as well, like some gfo or other things.