AC20 Filter help

[DudeDah]

Ok, I'm trying to get my Nitrates under control and looking for all possible remedies besides not overfeeding, Proper amount of LR all that good stuff, but I'm wondering what I can do to my AC20 (tank is a 12g Fluval Edge BTW) to make it more efficient even when my Nitrates are good. I would love some insight on what to do and reactions/thoughts regarding what I'm thinking. 1) I'm thinking of taking OUT the media basket and the sponge and just running the bag of Purigen I am presently using. I'm actually thinking of putting MORE Purigen in the bag and just running purigen, sans basket and sponge. Would adding Carbon or ChemiPure in addition be good? 2) I have an older larger AC HOB filter from a previous tank and am thinking about putting this larger impeller on the AC 20. 3) I have a prefilter on the inlet tube of the AC20, is that a good idea or just a place to collect gunk?

Thanks folks, I really want to get this thing figured out. I'm absolutely OBSESSED with it and want it to be a great little tank for myself and my daughter to enjoy.

[naterealbig]

You are thinking along the right lines here. I'd pull out the "junk" and just leave the bag with some purigen and carbon in it. I'd also do what you are thinking, and put the larger filter on the tank.

Also, when you say "prefilter" are you referring to the plastic 'guard' thingy on the end of the suction pipe? If so, yes, I would leave it on there. It will prevent small animals from getting sucked in, and will protect the small pump in the AC that is moving the water, from sand or other debris.

[DudeDah]

You are thinking along the right lines here. I'd pull out the "junk" and just leave the bag with some purigen and carbon in it. I'd also do what you are thinking, and put the larger filter on the tank.

Also, when you say "prefilter" are you referring to the plastic 'guard' thingy on the end of the suction pipe? If so, yes, I would leave it on there. It will prevent small animals from getting sucked in, and will protect the small pump in the AC that is moving the water, from sand or other debris.

THANKS so much for your reply, glad to know I'm on the right track!!

THe prefilter I'm trying to refer to is basically a cylindrical foam that fits over the end of the inlet tube. I yanked it.

Again, I appreciate your input.

[DudeDah]

Oh, and to my surprise, when I pulled the impeller assembly off my old AC filter (it is an AC100 IIRC) I was SHOCKED when it actually fit the AC20. THhe difference in flow is pretty dramatic.

[naterealbig]

Great to hear, and removing the foam stuff is definitely a good idea. I would also check the back of purigen once a week or so to make sure that there is not any waste getting trapped in that area.

Do you have the tank set up now? If so, what do you currently have in it?

Good luck, and have fun!

[DudeDah]

Do you have the tank set up now? If so, what do you currently have in it?



I do, it's a 12g Fluval Edge with just inverts right now. My AI Nano arrives this week so a few corals and two fish are in my future.

I got up this morning and found that my HOB filter had stopped working. I took the motor out and realized that the impeller was hitting the filter "box" so I took it out to my bench grinder and took some height off the impeller blades. Seemed like it might work but when I reinstalled the motor assembly it didn't work. SO, I looked at getting a new motor because I REALLY like the difference in flow. In doing so I learned the motors are all the same it's the impeller that is different (may be common knowledge but new to me). I think I'm going to order a new impeller for the new motor and see what happens.

BUT, I have my eye on a Vortech MP10 that someone has locally for sale and am wondering which scenario is better: A. My AC20 with stock impeller/flow and a MP10 or: B. A new impeller with greater flow and the Aqueon 500gph power head I presently have.

I guess there is also: C. New impeller/more flow and MP10 :inlove:

I would also check the back of purigen once a week or so to make sure that there is not any waste getting trapped in that area.



Great suggestion, thanks. How often should I be switching out the CARBON?

Good luck, and have fun!


THANKS!! I'm having a blast I'd just love to get the setup figured out and get my Nitrates in control so I can start adding some coral!!

[naterealbig]

In doing so I learned the motors are all the same it's the impeller that is different (may be common knowledge but new to me).

You will find that many pumps for the aquarium application are this way. For instance, the motor block on my skimmer is the same for the size smaller, and the size larger. If I want to increase the capacity, I don't necessarily need to buy a new skimmer. I can upgrade the impeller first, and see if that does the trick.

I guess there is also: C. New impeller/more flow and MP10

I'd go with option C. You and your fish/inverts will be happier in the long run :)


Great suggestion, thanks. How often should I be switching out the CARBON?

I'd replace 1/3 of the media each month.

THANKS!! I'm having a blast I'd just love to get the setup figured out and get my Nitrates in control so I can start adding some coral!!

A word of caution; It will be very tempting to load the tank with fish. Go slowly with fish additions (and feedings). Often times when the fish load gets too large, it is extremely hard to keep algae at bay. This is even more true for smaller tanks. When the algae overgrows despite normal maintenance, it can be very dis-heartening for a new tank owner, and the tank will become more of a chore than an enjoyment.