Question about HOB filter

[Doglips56]

Hi all. I have a huge HOB filter I’ve been using on a 20 long copper QT tank. I want to use it on a FOWLR tank. If I (obviously) remove the filter media from it and thoroughly clean it is it safe to use on the FOWLR tank? The FOWLR is a 40breeder currently in use as my main DT but upgrading to a much larger tank today so there will still be inverts and little critters in the sand bed. Thanks as always!

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Hi all. I have a huge HOB filter I’ve been using on a 20 long copper QT tank. I want to use it on a FOWLR tank. If I (obviously) remove the filter media from it and thoroughly clean it is it safe to use on the FOWLR tank? The FOWLR is a 40breeder currently in use as my main DT but upgrading to a much larger tank today so there will still be inverts and little critters in the sand bed. Thanks as always!

I can't say for sure but I was under the impression copper leaches into materials other than glass, and everything else should be kept separate, for qt only.

On the other hand if that even is the case it would be such trace amounts after 40gallons of water and binds with rock and sand it would be probably beneficial to the system. I would say you are good if it is fully cleaned and no old filters are used. I also don't know for sure that's just my thinking .

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

If I understand correctly, you're just asking if you can use the same HOB filter, right? Why not just buy a new one to play it safe? They're pretty cheap.

 

[WheatToast]

If I understand correctly, you're just asking if you can use the same HOB filter, right? Why not just buy a new one to play it safe? They're pretty cheap.

+1. The old filter should be sterilized and kept for potential quarantining in the future.

 

[EricR]

If you'll be doing more copper QT in the future then new HOB for DT and keep old (sterilized) for future QT makes sense.

If not, personally, I'd just ditch all the media and pads/sponges, then just sterilize the HOB and use it.
Maybe run the HOB on a small container with your preferred sterilization solution for 24 hours, scrub it down, then run again in tap water and thorough rinse.

Good question for the chemists (which I am not) would be -- does plastic actually absorb copper? (Kinda doubt it but don't know for sure)
...and best method/solution to decontaminate plastic after copper,,, bleach/vinegar/citric/etc

 

[Doglips56]

If I understand correctly, you're just asking if you can use the same HOB filter, right? Why not just buy a new one to play it safe? They're pretty cheap

Nothing is cheap these days. I have a sump on this tank just wanted to get rid of it akd simplify things. I have a smaller job that I have been using on a tub to cure rocks and when I had to set up the QT the only HOB I had available was the big one which is rated for 75-100 gallons. May just keep the sump becaise aI keep a copper tank running at all times