New Reef Octopus 1000 HOB skimmer

sfin52 · Aug 28, 2020

Aquaclear is easily diy into a decent refugium

Dsumpter · Aug 28, 2020

Kryptonian said:
You're running this skimmer on a decent size tank. The protein skimmer and filter do have similar functions but I'd recommend adding secondary filtration such as a hob power filter to do a few things for you. Some get away with just the skimmer but if you start running into parameter problems, you might end up kicking yourself trying to get them under control with just a skimmer working the water.

(1) It's going to work with your skimmer to help you have the best parameters. Some fish and corals are very sensitive and added filtration definitely has its benefits.
(2) You get added filtration such as filter floss to help keep your aquarium water crystal clear.
(3) You can add extra porous filtration media to boost your nitrifying bacteria in an HOB filter.
(4) If you ever come across the need to run something like activated carbon or other media, you can add bags to an HOB filter.

For about $60 total, here's a very cost-effective option, that I'm running alongside my RO HOB 1000, the Emperor 400 from Marineland. Right now I'm seeing some available for $50. When I set mine up, I ran the bio bag that it came with for 3 weeks (just so the carbon could get the water super clean before adding fish), then tossed it in the trash. Replacing bio-bags every month can get expensive.

Next, I replaced the bio-bag slot with cut to fit Marineland Bonded Filter Pad. You can get a roll of this stuff on Amazon for $5 and you won't have to buy more for at least a year.

Next, I added Fluval Biomax Bio Rings to the secondary chambers inside the plastic filter media container. I box of rings is enough to fill the filter and they're also like $6 on Amazon. These will allow you to build up a ton of good bacteria.

Once that's all done, I just rinse the filter floss in RODI about once every two weeks and rinse the ceramic filter media in RODI about once a month. $60 and the maintenance is very low with no repetitive upkeep costs!

So I could just reinstall the HOB filter that came with the tank. Thats what I used from day 1 through the cycle process.

Kryptonian · Aug 28, 2020

Yes, if that's what came with the tank, it's just redundancy. More filtration = better water.

A lot of "came with the tank" filters have a carbon component such as a bio bag. Just make sure that if it does have activated carbon, you change it out about once a month. Rinsing off and putting back does not work with carbon.

Dsumpter · Aug 29, 2020

Thank you guys so much for the advice and the tips and encouragement. I had no idea there was a "break in period" but it seems that it is breaking in nicely now that I know what to look for. The micro bubbles are all but gone now and the foamy froth on top of the water is non existent. I've dumped 1 more cup of yellow nastiness yesterday after work and now it seems the foam going up into the cup is very dry. So I am guessing now is the time to start adjusting collection cup height. Oh ya I also trimmed about and inch off of the intake so it is now skimming the surface also. So am I looking for a more wet skim, or just leave it where it is? Or just watch it for a few days and see what it does.