Media Basket Debacle - Please Help!

[Krudude]

I’m a first time poster and very new to the hobby. I made a bonehead mistake and would greatly appreciate some help with my current predicament!

I have a IM Nuvo Fusion 20 AIO that’s been running for just shy of 6 months. Within 1 of the 2 filter columns located in back of tank, I scrapped the included filter sock and opted instead for a 3 chamber media basket from InTank. Now to the bonehead mistake. When attempting to install the media basket, I quickly realized that it’d be a tight fit. Tired and frustrated, I forced the media basket into the filter column. As you likely saw coming, attempts at removing the media basket have been unsuccessful. Prior to forcing media basket into place, I added Purigen (chamber #1), Phosguard (chamber #2) and floss (chamber #3).

I’m likely not thinking through this clearly, but I only see 2 options...

Option #1 - Render media basket, Purigen and Phosguard permanent additions to the tank.

Option #2 - Attempt to remove above items via force and/or breakage.

My preference is Option #1, but I’m hoping for feedback from the experts. Again, I greatly appreciate the help! I’ve included below tank inhabitants (in case helpful).

Clownfish (2)
Six-Line Wrasse
Purple Firefish
Yellow Watchman Goby
Pistol Shrimp
Fire Shrimp
Emerald Crab (2)

Green Toadstool Leather
Finger Leather
Pom Pom Xenia
Green Mushroom
Zoanthids (2)
Cheato (quasi refugium in back)

 

[Ron Reefman]

Welcome to R2R and I'm sorry it's under such a stressful situation.

I'm not very up on your tank or the media basket you have. However, I think getting it out is the only good long term solution.

Is there any chance you can break up the media basket and pull it out in pieces. Maybe reach in with some long needle nose pliers twist at the basket and pull it out in chunks as it breaks apart?

A couple of photos of your situation might be helpful.

Good luck.

 

[Waters]

I agree with Ron.....I think the best option is to remove it. The floss will get to the point where it is so full of gunk water won't even flow through it. The Phosguard and Purigen will quickly become exhausted and become nothing more than bacterial media and a place to collect detritus. If it went in, hopefully it will come back out

 

[Retro Reefer]

Welcome to R2R .. Did InTank say these fit the IM20? If so I would break it up if needed to get it out and send it back to them for a refund.

 

[lion king]

You have to remove the phosquard, as it will reach saturation and release phosphates back into your tank.

 

[Krudude]

I appreciate the feedback! I was afraid that the Purigen and/or Phosguard would be an issue. Bring on the needle nose pliers! And FYI, I previously contacted InTank regarding the oversized media basket. They argued that IM frequently manufacturers tanks that aren’t to spec. Anyways, not worth fighting them on it. Thanks again

 

[lion king]

I appreciate the feedback! I was afraid that the Purigen and/or Phosguard would be an issue. Bring on the needle nose pliers! And FYI, I previously contacted InTank regarding the oversized media basket. They argued that IM frequently manufacturers tanks that aren’t to spec. Anyways, not worth fighting them on it. Thanks again

I had to grind down the legs and side of my intank media basket to make it fit properly, for a bc29.