What to fill my HOB with?

[LukeSivyer45]

I got a seachem tidal 35 for my 9 gallon. Ive put the matrix in my 20 gallon to allow bacteria to colonise. I will rum a bit of carbon because I use deodorant in my bedroom and want no chance of it getting in. Ive still got about 1/3 of emptiness. I cant make a refugium but what should I put in there?

 

[Sump Crab]

I usually just run some filter floss and leave room for carbon in case of emergency

 

[PeterZammetti]

I got a seachem tidal 35 for my 9 gallon. Ive put the matrix in my 20 gallon to allow bacteria to colonise. I will rum a bit of carbon because I use deodorant in my bedroom and want no chance of it getting in. Ive still got about 1/3 of emptiness. I cant make a refugium but what should I put in there?

Use the seachem matrix zippered bag it came with, and replace the matrix with Fluval Biomax
Normally we replace sponge with poly pads that you cut to fit, however the Tidal's sponge is superior in that you can completely clean it under the tap with no problem. Add one white polypad above sponge.
Then use Chemi Pure Elite or Blue above poly pad
The Biomax goes on top ensuring it is completely underwater.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

I usually just run some filter floss and leave room for carbon in case of emergency

I think I’m going to do the same as you, I just want to make the use out of the free estate given.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

Use the seachem matrix zippered bag it came with, and replace the matrix with Fluval Biomax
Normally we replace sponge with poly pads that you cut to fit, however the Tidal's sponge is superior in that you can completely clean it under the tap with no problem. Add one white polypad above sponge.
Then use Chemi Pure Elite or Blue above poly pad
The Biomax goes on top ensuring it is completely underwater.

Interesting method, what made you switch the matrix for fluval biomax?

 

[PeterZammetti]

Interesting method, what made you switch the matrix for fluval biomax?

They are both fine however, I like the biomax because you can see it break down and know when to add more. Remember, you never remove the old whole pieces.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

That is such a cool reef, I would never think to make a themed one, especially as cool as star wars!

 

[Azedenkae]

I got a seachem tidal 35 for my 9 gallon. Ive put the matrix in my 20 gallon to allow bacteria to colonise. I will rum a bit of carbon because I use deodorant in my bedroom and want no chance of it getting in. Ive still got about 1/3 of emptiness. I cant make a refugium but what should I put in there?

What if you remove the matrix? Would you have more space for a fuge there? Or maybe an algae scrubber?

Presuming you have enough live rock, additional biomedia in the HOB is not really necessary, so can use the space for other things.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

What if you remove the matrix? Would you have more space for a fuge there? Or maybe an algae scrubber?

Presuming you have enough live rock, additional biomedia in the HOB is not really necessary, so can use the space for other things.

Ive thought about a fuge but in the UK its hard to find a small enough light. Not only that but chaeto i bought last time melted on me. Could you explain what an algae scrubber is because I thought there for big tanks, like calcium reactors and reactors in general.

 

[Azedenkae]

Ive thought about a fuge but in the UK its hard to find a small enough light. Not only that but chaeto i bought last time melted on me. Could you explain what an algae scrubber is because I thought there for big tanks, like calcium reactors and reactors in general.

Sure. The most basic definition is, you grow algae and that soaks up nutrients. Same concept as growing chaeto, but like all those pest algae is what you are growing instead. A lot easier to grow those algae. ^_^

 

[LukeSivyer45]

Sure. The most basic definition is, you grow algae and that soaks up nutrients. Same concept as growing chaeto, but like all those pest algae is what you are growing instead. A lot easier to grow those algae. ^_^

Ok seems a good idea because im thinking of moving my clowns into this 9 gallon. You may think thats cruel however its 45cm by 30cm by 30cm. Im just wondering how I can fit one into this hob.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Small pouch of chemiPure Blue is all you need for total control of clarity, toxins and nitrates/phosphates

 

[LukeSivyer45]

Small pouch of chemiPure Blue is all you need for total control of clarity, toxins and nitrates/phosphates

I have a bag of chemipure which hasnt been used however apparently it can strip nitrates and phosphate very quickly. I think i have the 5.5 oz one.

 

[Azedenkae]

Ok seems a good idea because im thinking of moving my clowns into this 9 gallon. You may think thats cruel however its 45cm by 30cm by 30cm.

Eh I don't really care.

Im just wondering how I can fit one into this hob.

Yeah it is pretty small. XD Could have the lid off, and a light on top of it shining down maybe?

 

[LukeSivyer45]

Eh I don't really care.

Yeah it is pretty small. XD Could have the lid off, and a light on top of it shining down maybe?

Does it have to be a certain spectrum? Lower spectrum lights seem to be smaller but i dont think they can grow it as efficiently.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

In mine i put rock rubble, frag pugs, dead frag skeletons, and I run phosguard, and sometimes carbon.

 

[Azedenkae]

Does it have to be a certain spectrum? Lower spectrum lights seem to be smaller but i dont think they can grow it as efficiently.

For algae, just white light works - really any is fine.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

For algae, just white light works - really any is fine.

I might give it a shot then.

 

[LukeSivyer45]

In mine i put rock rubble, frag pugs, dead frag skeletons, and I run phosguard, and sometimes carbon.

Have you noticed your calcium go up as the skeleton breaks down? That is a cool way to run it, like a pico frag system.

 

[GHOSTLY]

I suggest filter floss, purigen, carbon, and de-nitrate