How to DIY an AC 70 fuge

[Sugar Magnolia]

This will be ongoing as I finish up the project, but here's what I started yesterday.

Your first step will be to remove the media basket and cut off the sides. Regular scissors worked fine. I then trimmed the two longer edges of the bottom portion to get rid of the ridge. Not necessary, but I did it anyway.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge001.jpg

Next, apply a bead of Aquarium silicone to the two short edges of the grey mesh grid.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge002.jpg

Place the grid on the inside edge of the main chamber of the filter. This will keep the chaeto or whatever macro you'll be using from spilling out into the tank.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge003.jpg

Front shot. Yeah it's crooked. I don't really care. ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge004.jpg

My next step was to use the two sides of the media basket as a shelf to prop my Jali 13 watt light strip over the fuge. I cut them down and am going to use the upper portion.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge005.jpg

Yesterday I used some silicone to attach them, but this morning, the hold wasn't what I'm happy with so I pulled them off and used some gorilla glue and reclamped them.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge008.jpg

You can skip the light shelf thing if you are using a clamp on lamp. These are great for mini fuges - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8154&N=2004+113030+1032+2146963258

Next step is to cut a piece of acrylic to create a baffle. This will separate the main chamber from the intake and impeller area. I clamped a small piece of plexi to the side and marked where I need to cut.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge009.jpg

Lowe's or Home Depot will have thin plexi along with the plexi cutter to score the plexi and then you can snap it. Easy to do.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge010.jpg

The shape of the Aqua Clear isn't a perfect rectangle. There's a bit of an angle to one side. My first piece didn't fit - I cut it too small. Second try worked great. You'll have to round the lower corners of the plexi. Dremel works well for this.

This morning I siliconed the baffle in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge012.jpg

Once that dries, I'll add some more to the thread.

[bennerkla]

This is so awesome!!! Thank you so much!!

Are you going to put a heater in the first intake section? That is what I wanted to do with mine. Also, are you goign to buy an AQ mini impeller or shave it down? Could you give us a link to the light you bought?

Thanks.

[aural]

this is GREAT sugar! very comprehensive. I cant wait to see the rest of the project and maybe set one of these up in my wife's 20L

[Carl_in_Florida]

For people who have done this stuff it seems so simple but if you have never done it, they don't know where to start.

Great job Sugar. I wish we could index some of these basic how to's.

CArl

[Sugar Magnolia]

Thanks Carl!

More...

You'll need to cut down the U-tube to fit in the tank. DO NOT cut the lower portion of the intake tube, cut the U-tube on the opposite side of the adjustment knob. Cut it to fit whatever size tank you'll be running the fuge on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge015.jpg

I swap out the impeller that comes with the AC 70 with an impeller from and AC 20 (mini). It slows the flow down. If you'd prefer more flow, then leave the impeller. (You could also use the impeller for any of the other smaller Aqua Clears) To take out the impeller lift up the grey piece of plastic where the U-tube rests inside the filter. It pulls right out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge022.jpg

Ac 70 impeller on the right, the AC 20 impeller on the left.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge021.jpg

This is the filter pad I use. It fits perfectly in the baffled area that I created. A replacment pad for an Eclipse Six will work too , but you'd have to make your baffled area wider.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge017.jpg

Filter pad in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge016.jpg

A shot from the back. Notice the pad doesn't go all the way down. It doesn't need to. If you shove it all the way down it defeats the purpose of running it - the water will flow right over the top of it rather than through it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge018.jpg

[Sugar Magnolia]

The fuge is in place on the tank, and I tossed in some LR rubble that I keep in there. (great to have on hand for mounting frags.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge023.jpg

Chaeto and some miscellaneous macro that I pulled out of my 30 cube. It seems to be growing well in my fuge.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge024.jpg

And finally, the Jali light strip over the top and the fuge is done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/stanton4/ACfuge025.jpg

[bennerkla]

Great thread! Thank you so much!

[Jordan55]

Looks great! It is always fun making a little project.

I could have rounded the edges of the plexi glass.... but instead I just placed a piece laying down... then the piece going up.... it works just as well.... but a little more time and plexi glass.

What size tank is it on?

[gfk]

this might seem like it is a silly question, but how tall do you leave the plexi glass you cut to hold the filter in there?

how much room from the top of the plexiglass to the top of the filter?

also what is the model of that hang on back filter? i have a whisper on my 20 reef but i would like to do something like this but am unfamiliar with your abbreviations

[CrazyBeagle]

Sugar I cant thank you enough ! This is exactly what I was looking for. I will try to do this myself very soon. I will post my results after. Where did you buy the light? Do you have any light getting in the tank at night ? Again thanks alot.:)

[Sugar Magnolia]

The plexi is about 1" down from the water line - basically 1" below where the water would flow out of the tank. AC is simply an abbreviation of the filter's manufacturer, Aqua Clear.

Since chaeto doesn't go sexual, I only run my fuge light during the day while my tank lights are on. I'm sure if I left the lights on 24 hours a day, the chaeto would grow twice as fast as it does, which is pretty darn fast already. I have to prune it back every three to four weeks because it fills the whole chamber.

The Jali light came from here. http://www.petsolutions.com/Jalli+11+13+watt+Compact+Strip-I-12516835-I-C-33-C-.aspx

[Melbourne]

Sugar,
Good post. I'm running a similar setup on my 2.5g nano also, the back is just wide enough to fit a spare Remora skimmer waste cup I had, so I'm using it as a basic skimmer driven off a limewood airstone and azoo air pump. I was also able to fit a small heater in the back along with the macro for the fuge - but recently removed the heater and replaced it with a small stealth heater in tank.

-Mike

[bennerkla]

Why did you glue the supports for your lights inside the fuge? Why not on the outside of the filter?

[CrazyBeagle]

Sugar wouldnt you get more from your fuge if you left the light on 24/7? I thought you are supposed to leave it on.

[Sugar Magnolia]

You certainly can leave the lights on 24/7 but then you may be dealing with light spilling over into the main tank. Also, chaeto won't go sexual if not lit 24/7, plus it would grow just that much quicker than it already does, so I choose to light mine only while the tank lights are running.

Ben, I didn't mount the brackets on the outside, because the sides of the media basket have tabs on them. I cut the tabs off, but it wasn't a flush cut and I wanted to be sure I got a good bond between the brackets and the sides of the filter. You can modify it anyway you see fit. ;)

[CrazyBeagle]

But doesnt that defeat the purpose of the fuge??? I thought that by keeping it lit , it keeps the ph stable thru the night???? I am confused:(

[Carl_in_Florida]

the ph stability comes from alternating lighting cycles.


CArl

[CrazyBeagle]

So that means the light in the fuge should be on when the display light is off??? If it isnt on, does that defeat the purpose of the fuge ??

[atram]

Thanks for the detailed information. I'm building a 5.5 for the buildoff at reefmonkey and wanted to add a fuge, this should do nicely.

I have a CPR aquafuge on my 15L and have never had any nitrate readings.

Also, I run my lights on alternating cycles to provide PH stability.

Al

[csammis]

Originally posted by CrazyBeagle
So that means the light in the fuge should be on when the display light is off???

Yes, if you want to use your refugium to attempt to control pH swings.

If it isnt on, does that defeat the purpose of the fuge ??

No, because pH stability isn't the one purpose of a refugium. Macroalgaes also provide phosphate scrubbing, and allow microorganisms a peaceful, seperage "refuge" to grow and mature before entering the main tank and becoming food.

[bennerkla]

Please stickey this moderator!!

[killagoby]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to build one as soon as I get home from vacation...

[steelhealr]

Excellent DIY.....I wish it was easy to do on the 24G NC...you'd have to cut a massive hole in the back of the hood. I bookmarked this. Kudos. SH

[ACBlinky]

Fantastic thread, wish one this easy to follow had been available when I made mine!
I'm using my AC70 fuge on a 14g and want quite a bit of flow, so I use an AC50 impeller. I initially tried the AC30, but found it wasn't quite enough - so glad I chose to mod the 70 rather than the 110, which only fits one size of impeller.

[stash98]

I actually just sold the AC300 fuge I modded. I did things differently though..

I used one end of the media basket as my barrier..I made a little extra room for a heater. I did the exact same thing with the grill in the front and the mini impeller.

all you have to do is buy the coralife mini aqualight. It fits perfectly over the Ac300. I kept the top on mine and cut a square out of the top..i then siliconed clear plexi for the light to shine through. the pics I have rean't that great, but they show my mod..it is a bit diferent then magnolias...doesn't require quite as much work..and you will have the top intact also..so no openings.

fuge:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/stash98/DSC00470.jpg


Top:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/stash98/DSC00471.jpg



Just buy a 6700k bulb and you are done..a similar alternative to <agnnolia's fuge, if you are looking to kep a closed off fuge.

[killagoby]

I built mine and used an AC300 on my 29 gallon reef. I'm using 4" of Mineral Mud in it w/ a piece of LR also. I have a Palm PC light coming to me in the mail and as soon as I get that I will add some cheateo. Thanks for the thread...

[thanew]

want to say thanks for this, I'm going to do a few mods to your current mods tomorrow :)

[Mantis]

Very nice, excellent ideas

[vanmo92]

cool thread i will probrobly do it soon

[vanmo92]

good idea

[ToUcHoFeLeGaNcE]

man, the wife is gonna hate you! Think you got my brain rolling again! Just got a 2.5gal minibow and a ac20or30 would probably be just right ! lol. Thanks again. Keep up the AWSOME work! Shows true dedication.

Touch.

[David D'Amicantonio]

would a 13W PC 6500K bulb work fine for cheato growth

[Sugar Magnolia]

That'll work just fine.

[David D'Amicantonio]

i was thinking if a small mangrove would fit in the fuge (without the top of course)...and would it be a good idea to help with nutrient export along with the cheato.....p.s. it will also be lighted by the 6500 15W PC bulb...enough?....it'll be about 4-5 inches from water line of the filter

[Gawain1974]

Hey, this is an excellent thread, Adrienne! If/when I set up a nano, I'll be sure to follow these plans for a fuge. TIA!

[alpine]

David D'Amicantonio

A mangrove can get really tall and the roots need space to grow.I have used mangroves in the past and they are great for nutrient export.You would be surprized how fast they grow,especially the roots.Also mangroves need to be out of the water with only about 1" or 2" below water.

[wmfsoll2]

Nice mod. I think that i may do this mod for my 10 Gal. Reef

[chiliaddik]

Hey Sugar Mama! My AC70 is on it's way and I can't wait to get this on my 5.5 gallon tank!

I've just read through all of this and from what I am gathering, all I need to go buy is a pc. of plexi (baffle) and that's it? (I already have the silicone) Other wise everything is there already, right?

I plan to use a clip on light.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yep T, plexi from either Home Depot or Lowe's and they sell the scoring tool right in the same area. No table saw needed.

If you're planning on running a poly/carbon pad, I now use the bio-bags that are made for Whisper filters. Can't find the Millenium filters locally anymore.

[TheUltimateNoob]

very nice fuge. do you know what the dimensions are for an AC70? will it fit ok on the back of a 10g tank?

[coyoteseven]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6250167#post6250167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheUltimateNoob
very nice fuge. do you know what the dimensions are for an AC70? will it fit ok on the back of a 10g tank?

I'm using the AC70 modified fuge on my 10g and it works great! There was also enough room for me to set up an old power filter(don't know the brand) with a Fluval surface skimmer to run carbon.

Between the AC70 and No-name, I'm getting plenty of flow and crystal clear water.

On the average 10g glass tank, there should be enough room on the back for two AC70s to fit side-by-side.

[MAreefer1]

nice man nice...i posted something simaler a little while ago

[hondadude2k5]

I made a fuge out of my AC110 for my 26gal bowfront. All i did was remove the filter media and replaced it with 2 pounds live rock and a couple scoops of my live sand. I use the media basket as the screen between pump and fuge area. I have some cheato and some macro in it with a clip on light.

[chiliaddik]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6247325#post6247325 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sugar Magnolia
Yep T, plexi from either Home Depot or Lowe's and they sell the scoring tool right in the same area. No table saw needed.

If you're planning on running a poly/carbon pad, I now use the bio-bags that are made for Whisper filters. Can't find the Millenium filters locally anymore.

Luckily I can still get ahold of the Millenium filter pads locally, but you can get them online too. The whisper bio-bags are good (and cheaper!!!) too...I used those before to add some extra carbon, I just didn't use the carbon it came with, I use Marineland.

I got the millenium filter pad yesterday before I started the project. So far I have the grey grate siliconed in and I cut the u-tube and put the end extension on it and siliconed it.

I'm still thinking about that baffle....I am gathering I need to make it about 4.5 inches tall, right? Before I silicone it IN there for good...do I want to put it as close to the left as I can so I can just squeeze in the filter pad?? Did you silicone that baffle all the way down the side and seal the bottom as well?

[JRPhd]

"I'm still thinking about that baffle" I too was baffled :lol2: , but I think in this case, the baffle goes all the way to the bottom. But hopefully SM can comment.

I saw some other mod that used half of the media basket as a baffle. Might that be an option, or do the holes in the basket cause too much flow?

And lastly, can't you just adjust the flow by throttling the u-tube to the right, rather than replacing the impeller?

Jon

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yep, the baffle goes all the way to the bottom. Throttling the U-tube to the right only reduces the flow a minimal amount. Replacing the impeller reduces the flow significantly.

[Fish_Freek]

Is it possable to just trim down the impellar fins or remove a few of them to reduce flow instead of buying a new impellar??

[ahill3780]

Nice job SM! I've seen a few threads on how to mod these AC's into mini-fuge's and I have been planning on converting my AC70 into one. I don't have a dremel tool to trim the baffles which is holding me back. Great idea on swapping out the impeller - I was thinking of ways to reduce flow and had concidered this possibility, I just wasn't sure if the smaller (20's, 30's) ones would work in my AC70.

Also, I was wondering - if I were to decide to run the lights on the fuge on the same photoperiod as the display, wouldn't it be ok to just light it with the lights for the system, or should the fuge be more brightly lit than the main system?

Here is a shot of my 10 gallon nano with the AC70 sitting on the side waiting to be converted.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/108520Office-Nano-3-007.gif

Thanks for the info, and keep us posted with your pics!

[MadSkillzMan]

hey i did one of these myself.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/MadSkillzMan/IMG_0155.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/MadSkillzMan/IMG_0156.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/MadSkillzMan/IMG_0157.jpg

my difference is, i had 2 aquaclear baskets to canibalize. I simply used one, and broke the bottom off the other. it slid right into place perfect. ive got a huge ball of chaeto in there..all i have now is a desklamp but im looking to get something else on it

truly a great idea..the flow rate is nice and high which is what i needed since i didnt have a ton of power heads to play with

[OrangeKoi]

This is great! Thanks. I knew there was an alternative to spending $300.00. Very much appreciate your sharing the idea and the clear instructions so that a non diy person can learn to be a diy person. I will build this for my new 2.5 which currently has the smallest filter of this type which will increase my water volume, making it easier to maintain (once I figure out the ato) right? Maybe I'll even be able to put in a swimmer or two eventually...I've just set up my tank. Never done it before, only been reading ...up to now. Thanks again.

[MadSkillzMan]

NO problem. ive got mine on continuous battery backup now, so worst that can happen if power fails is, no light and no skimmer, so this little beast will push a ton of water for some time

glad it could help someone else

[OrangeKoi]

I've built it. Except for the stupid I pulled with the cutting tool(never cut toward yourself), it was great fun and easy to do. I just used a die cutter to round the bottom edges. If you grip just the edge (2-3 mm about) and bend it kind of peals it right off. the silicon hides any irregularities and it worked fine. It is drying now. I need to get a 30 impeller as I'm sure the 70 is too fast for my nano, and I'm going to try finding the millenium. I believe I saw some at the pet store. Cool stuff!:rollface:

[OrangeKoi]

That silicone is pretty smelly. Is it dry enough after 2 days or should I wait longer. I can't read the small print.:(

[MadSkillzMan]

id wash it/let it soak a bit first

[OrangeKoi]

:dance: :reading: :spin1:

Hhhmm HH Hmmm one more day aught to do the trick. It isn't so smelly today.

So, If I use the diy wave maker on my fuge and...the diy gravity fueled, air forced ato fed into the pump chamber of the ac fuge mod...if I can get the air lines figured out so that the "off" level is the required level, that should be the lowest level, right?

Do you think that interval powering will be ok for the ac fuge mod? Or will the on/off and on again be hard on the motor?, or the spinning mechanism?

[reefnetworth]

why not just remove 3 blades from the 70's impeller (six, down to three) insted of buying another filter just for the smaller impeller? that would slow the flow by 50% wouldnt it? and save $$$ without destroying a perfectly good filter. just a thought.

[reefnetworth]

why not remove 3 blades from existing impeller? cuts flow 50% and no additional $$ or scrap filter, just for the impeller. "kill the seal for just fur?"

[reefnetworth]

impeller could be cut from the original AC 70. if you remove half the blades, half the flow. will that work without using another impeller?

[coyoteseven]

I bought an extra replacement ACmini impeller (about $3) when I ordered my AC70 from Big Al's and changed it out with the original to slow the flow way down. Works like a charm and I still have the original impeller if I decide to return the AC70 to regular filter duty.

Replacement impellers can be ordered through DocF&S, Marine Depot, Big Al's, etc.

[puffer21]

Do you think this would work with a 50 one.

[coyoteseven]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7192089#post7192089 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by puffer21
Do you think this would work with a 50 one.

The AC mini, 20, 30, 50 and 70 all use the same size impeller assembly. The only difference is the length of the impeller blades... the shorter the blade, the less water that is moved (i.e., less flow).

This is a better solution, IMHO, than trimming or cutting away the original blades yourself. When you do the trimming yourself, no matter how careful you are, the chances of imbalance are greater. Imbalance can cause excessive wear and tear on your unit, requiring a total replacement of the pump and/or entire filter.

Just my 2¢

[puffer21]

ok thanks

[puffer21]

Sugar Magnolia did you keep your Jailli light on the tank? How did it work? Also do you think super glue will be able to hold the light up?
Thanks Puffer21

[MadSkillzMan]

i think super glue would. I need to find myself a more perminent light

[puffer21]

OH but is that light good?

[bobajum]

Can someone help me with my AC70 mod??

I made all the proper mods to the AC70 outlined in this thread and I replaced the impeller with the AC20 impeller.

The problem I am having is that I get very little flow with the AC20 impeller. It seems like i barely get a trickle coming out of the output area. I currently dont have my water all the way to the tank's edge as I am waiting for LR. When I look at the U tube that feeds the water to the motor, there is still a lot of air still trapped in there. Is there any way to make the flow any better or is this normal?

Thank you in advance.

BTW...Sugar, thx for the detailed pics for this mod. It was very easy to follow and to do.

[MadSkillzMan]

well, based on the fact you dont have the tank full of water AND the lower power impeller, i beleive itd be normal. Do youu have the U tube all the way to the left? you can slide it to regulate flow (i didnt know this at first lol)

Now honestly, ii have the original impeller on mine (actually a new filter all together) and it doesnt come out as strong as it would with just filter media. Depending on the tank, you might want to keept he bigger impeller, as with SW you want some incredible amount of moving water to keep the LR and corals happy. I think a 10g would require the samller impeller, but 20+ you could get away with the bigger impeller.

Oh, big warning, if you have macro algae IIn the aquarium...it WILL grow on the intake tube, and slow your flow down bigtime. I remedied this by putting a foam spongey cartridge from my protein skimmer pump on it. The only drawback is, it fills up with crud (and takes away from the skimmer) but also turns into more of a nitrate factory. I dont see this as being much of a problem though, since the macro algae is inches away..so i just see it as a way to feed it. Well that and im dosing Kalk, so my phosphates are pretty much in check.

Hope this info helps!

[coyoteseven]

Even with a full tank of water, my AC70 with the AC20 impeller has air in the intake tube, it doesn't hurt the functioning of the filter a bit.

With the tube set to the left (highest flow setting), the actual flow is still very low... as it should be when used as a fuge. The slower the water passes through the macro, the more contact time it has to process the nitrates/phosphates.

HTH

[MadSkillzMan]

ahhh good to know coyoteseven. i may lower mine then...sadly i havent been able to use the light on mine for 2 days due to the ungodly temps up here...its weird how a small flourescant bulb raises the temp so fast

at night ill throw it on..my photoperiods are so messed up right now

[bobajum]

Thx for the info Coyote. I was afraid I did something wrong but if the trickle is normal, I guess all turned out correctly.

[MadSkillzMan]

anybody have any issues with theirs getting gross? Mines got like brown remains of Cheato all over the place

[OrangeKoi]

I put in one of those little bumble bee snails...though I'm not sure you are supposed to...maybe the brown is good? For the critters...

[bigmayreefer]

How far does the AC70 hang over into the tank? Im cutting a glass lid for my 5.5 and need to know haw much room to leave for the pickup tube and return for when i get my filter to mod it.
Thanks.

[Miggy]

Can you get hold of these in the UK because i really want to put a fuge on my reef.

[Colin]

The thread that wouldn't die...

This mod is requested and linked to a lot still, so I thought I'd add my part.

When I did this, I used one of the sides from the filter basket. I left out the filter pad and used an AC 20 impeller. It stays in place without any silicone. Light is provided by a 27W adjustable arm table lamp from Home Depot.

I found that there was just barely a trickle of water coming out. The culprit? When I cut the intake tube (on the U, as recommended) the bulge where the strainer part connects on fell right where the groove in the filter body that holds the tube going into the tank is. The result is that the intake tube would pop up just a little and prevent good suction. The solution was to sand down the ridges on the filter body that were preventing the tube from seating fully.

The other issue I found is that when the power is cut from the filter, the water in the filter syphons back into the tank, potentially overflowing the tank. My solution was to put a small hole in the intake tube on the filter side a little below the normal water line. That way when the water level begins to drop, air enters the tube and breaks the syphon. The downside is that the filter will not re-start unless enough water is added to the filter to cover the hole. Is there a better way to do this? I left the heater in the tank so that if the syphon is broken the tank will still have heat.

Thanks for the great thread!

--Colin

[Rosseau]

I currently have an AC fuge going. However I fear that sufficient light isn't reaching my chaeto on the very bottom.


It's packed all the way down. Anyone foresee problems here?

[smash102]

This is the first time I have done a salt water tank and a fuge was suggested as on of the filtering possibilities.

1.) How well dose this really work for keeping good chemical balance within your tank?
2.) Have you ever had a problem with the algae sporing and causing levels to spike?

It seams easy to do and maintain, but I am looking for some veteran assurance or discouragement for a first timer.

[AnneRiceBowl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6684151#post6684151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MadSkillzMan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/MadSkillzMan/IMG_0157.jpg[/IMG]



Is that some kind of DIY skimmer in this pic?

[Colin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9130545#post9130545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smash102
This is the first time I have done a salt water tank and a fuge was suggested as on of the filtering possibilities.

1.) How well dose this really work for keeping good chemical balance within your tank?
2.) Have you ever had a problem with the algae sporing and causing levels to spike?

It seams easy to do and maintain, but I am looking for some veteran assurance or discouragement for a first timer.

I don't know about the sporing issue, but in the 3 weeks or so that I've had mine up and running with chaeto, I've seen my nitrates go from 30 to near 0. I think it's great.

--Colin

[Bmgrocks]

Yes I JUST FINISHED MY mod! Was an AC 70, so excited, and i am waiting on my silicone to dry...

But instead of using Acrylic Bafffle, I just used the Filter Insert, the grey plastic piece as a Baffle. I think its ok.

But what is the purpose of putting a Millenium Filter cartradge infront of the Baffle?

As for the impeller, i broke off 3 of the impellers, to lessen the flow, i don't think that significant imbalance etc. will take place and throw the whole filter outta wack. If so, ijust buy a lower grade AC impeller.

Should I have Sand, Rubble and Chaeto in my new Fuge?

[MadSkillzMan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9191050#post9191050 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AnneRiceBowl
Is that some kind of DIY skimmer in this pic?

No, its a seaclone, might as well be DIY

Basically the powerhead has a hose that allows air into the intake to create the bubles

THe skimmer worked great for a year, now it doesnt pickup much. I added an airsotne which helped, but that soon was no use

Im going to drill it, and put a powerhead on the side like a REAL skimmer

[Bmgrocks]

bump

[tylerandamanda]

i wanted to do this mod to a aqua clear 110 to hang on my sump of my 90gallon. would this be a waste of my time or would it successfully reduce nitrates and phosphates. i can get an impeller to reduce flow but is it gonna be too small of a refugium.

[clowninaround74]

i was wondering if this mod can be done to an AC 50 cause i dont have enough room behind my tank for the 70...same steps????

[Crackerballer]

tylerandamanda: I am gonna do this with an AC110 and run it on my 40 or 75. I don't see why it wouldn't help some. If you do it, and it doesn't help, get another one and run 2.

[disney95]

This is what I did today. I did not want to go thru the hassle of cutting and glueing also just on the off chance I want or needed to use the AC 70 for a filter . I just got some gutter gaurd from the hardware store and used 2 zip ties and put a clamp light on it . This is hanging on my aquapod 24 I did not need the filter part because I have them in the aquapod chambers and remora skimmer
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n313/grccola/DSC_0233.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n313/grccola/DSC_0247.jpg

[clowninaround74]

disney....just wondering how far off of the back of the tank the filter takes up...i only have 4 1/8" so im hoping it can fit. if not i have to go with the AC 50. Just wondering!

Thanks

[disney95]

just about 4 inches

[waskman]

Does this have to be done on a AC70? In the case of a 10 gallon tank is bigger not better? I thought this might allow more room for refugium/heater and such. im a newb so i was just wondering.

[shiftyfatdwarf]

that is awesome. im going to use this idea when i set up my new 20gal. i have a filter just like that one and should be a fun project.

great idea!!

[highflight]

That looks great. Awesome job! Do you know what size aquarium an AC70 would be suitable for? and, how can I "bookmark" a thread like this to come back to when I have time to modify my AC?

[stupac21]

highflight-

underneath where you submited this reply click on subscribe to this thread then you can go to MY RC and you can see the threads that you're subscribed to.

[WillWorkForFish]

I just happened to have an AC70 and an AC20 laying around..
I already made it and tested it, works great, just waiting until I can save some $ and go open top on my aquapod to set it up..

[OrangeKoi]

Does anyone know if there's a larger version of this?

[zzak]

Like an AC110 you mean?

[BigJPDC]

Hello - love the mod, bought the filter for my 10g nano and have it going with just a carbon bag for now. I have two questions for the experts, actually just one big question:

1. Can you fit a heater in with the chaeto? If so, which one would you recommend? The stealth 100w I have is too long to fit.
2. Is it a good idea to place a heater in such close proximity to the chaeto ball?

It would be cool to find a piece of thin LR shaped such that it would protect the chaeto from the heater - anybody doing this? This is like a hang-on sump for nanos.

thanks!

jp

[fishrock]

reading this thread with alot of interest.
i plan to use an aquaclear 500 on a 24x18x18 but just wanted to know if an impellor from say an aquaclear 200 or 300 would work?
i think the flow, even turned down on the 500 will make a whirlpool.
i'd like the room of the 500 for the fuge with the flow from the 300.
is it possible.
also is the AC surface skimmer compatible with all models? and how good a job does it do?
thanks for any help:)
adam

[BigJPDC]

For anybody using this mod as a fuge in a sump on a big tank - how far off the water level can you keep the AC70 before the waterfall noise becomes annoying? The return section of my sump keeps the water about six inches below the tank rim.

jp

[WillWorkForFish]

fishrock the AC 20, 30, 50, and 70 can all switch out impellars..
the 110, will not switch out with the others.. the pump is a little different.. You might be able to mod the impellar somehow to slow the flow down a little bit..

[WillWorkForFish]

I'm going to be using my AC-Fuge on my Aquapod when I go open top..
I broke my AC20 impeller before I could test it out, so with one broken impeller blade, it wasnt barely pushing any water through..
Has anyone tried using the AC-30 impeller and had success, or is it pushing the water too fast?
I need to order another, just trying to decide which one..

[fishrock]

does anyone have the dimensions for the AC 70 (i'm assuming this is the old 300?) like lengthx width x height.
thanks
adam

[OrangeKoi]

Hey, Big,

I had mine running on a lower level at one point. It sounds like you would expect, a little splashing into the surface. I enjoy the sound myself (as long as I know the source). If you are annoyed by water splashing well, it's doubtful you would be happy unless you extended the lip of the water tray. A little flap at an appropriate angle, curve the sides up so it doesn't fall off the sides, silicone and let it dry. That should make it soundless for you.

[hootie51]

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread here, but I really want to build a fuge and this looks like it might be the way to go as I don't have any more room in my sump for a fuge. The only question I have, and sorry if it was answered in this thread I just didn't feel like reading 5 pages, is it not necessary to add LS to the fuge? All you need is LR rubble and the macro? Thanks

[coyoteseven]

I just threw straight chaeto in mine... no LR, LS.

[reefman13]

I have a 12 month old AC70 I ain't use'n. Probably do something along these lines.

[fishrock]

can someone measure the "fuge" dimensions please?
as in how much room for the fuge area not the whole filter dimensions.
thanks
adam;)

[dynaschm0e]

Fishrock, dimensions for all from manufacturer's site:

A-595 Aqua Clear 20 (Mini) 4 7/8" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-600 Aqua Clear 30 (150) 6" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-610 Aqua Clear 50 (200) 7" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-615 Aqua Clear 70 (300) 8 1/4" L x 6" W x 8" H
A-620 Aqua Clear 110 (500) 13 1/2" L x 6 3/4" W x 9" H

Has anyone tried this mod with the aquaclear 110? I am interested in the larger water volume of the 110. PEZBEAN
said a while back in this thread, "fishrock the AC 20, 30, 50, and 70 can all switch out impellars..
the 110, will not switch out with the others.. the pump is a little different.. You might be able to mod the impellar somehow to slow the flow down a little bit.."

Has anyone successfully tried any mods to slow the flow in the 110?

Would a less wattage pump from a 70 and an impellar from a 20 or 30 fit in a 110?

Thanks. -Trey

[BigJPDC]

Well the AC70 worked wonders in my 10g nano - nitrates from 20 to 5 in under two weeks.
The bad news is that I picked up another one to go HOB on my AGA 65, and it does not fit over the tank rim. What a drag. I have no room in my sump so am pretty stuck now unless I dremmel some of the plastic.

jp

[Slakker]

AFAIK the impellar on the 110 isn't interchangeable with the other models, but you might be able to finagle the smaller pump in there.

[fishrock]

ok, have made my AC300 fuge.
i am using an impellor from an AC200 and also a surface skimmer.
i cant seem to keep the intake tube full of water even without the surface skimmer skimming, which is resulting in micro bubbles, which i'm not fond of. is this the norm?
also, what other macro would be suitable other than cheato?
i just have some floss in mine ATM to polish the water.
tank is still cycling.
thanks
adam:)

[Crackerballer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9792733#post9792733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dynaschm0e
Fishrock, dimensions for all from manufacturer's site:

A-595 Aqua Clear 20 (Mini) 4 7/8" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-600 Aqua Clear 30 (150) 6" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-610 Aqua Clear 50 (200) 7" L x 4" W x 5 3/4" H
A-615 Aqua Clear 70 (300) 8 1/4" L x 6" W x 8" H
A-620 Aqua Clear 110 (500) 13 1/2" L x 6 3/4" W x 9" H

Has anyone tried this mod with the aquaclear 110? I am interested in the larger water volume of the 110. PEZBEAN
said a while back in this thread, "fishrock the AC 20, 30, 50, and 70 can all switch out impellars..
the 110, will not switch out with the others.. the pump is a little different.. You might be able to mod the impellar somehow to slow the flow down a little bit.."

Has anyone successfully tried any mods to slow the flow in the 110?

Would a less wattage pump from a 70 and an impellar from a 20 or 30 fit in a 110?

Thanks. -Trey

I have the AC110 and have started prepping it. I am gonna see how the flow is, then just trim the impeller as I need to. Its so big I have 2 heaters in it and was going to setup my 20 gallon long with it as a HOB refugium.

[Crackerballer]

Ok, just filled up my 20L and turned on the ac110. Flow is CRAZY. Def gonna have to tone it down if I am gonna run it as a fuge. I mean this flow is crazy. The surface ripples twice after leaving the filter. I wouldn't need a power head thats for sure.

[Crackerballer]

Just cut the impeller on the AC110. It has 6 blades and I chopped 3 of them in half. Still sucks alot of water. I am gonna wait till I get my 20L setup before trimming any more though. Hard to guage the flow when the filter isn't modded yet and there is only clear water in it.

[fishrock]

anyone?
adam

[Crackerballer]

Adam, even muth my impellar being cut, I had no micro bubbles. If the tube is not staying full you are not drawing up enough water. Did you completely fill the filter and make sure the tube is locked down in place? Stupid question but seems like this could be an easy problem to fix

[Musho3210]

is it possible to have a sand bed in the fuge?

[dirtyone]

i have had some sand, not alot, in my AC fuges. mostly rubble and macros.

[fishrock]

thanks cracker,
i have made sure the tube is seated right and have also tried sucking the air out of the u tube......works for a bit but with the surface skimmer going it does get air in.
i just use the surface skimmer overnight to clear the surface the adjust it back in the morning.
thanks
adam

[Musho3210]

would a visi-therm stealth 100 watt fit in any of the compartments?

[WarEagleNR88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9985073#post9985073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Crackerballer
Just cut the impeller on the AC110. It has 6 blades and I chopped 3 of them in half. Still sucks alot of water. I am gonna wait till I get my 20L setup before trimming any more though. Hard to guage the flow when the filter isn't modded yet and there is only clear water in it.
Just remember the 110 is a good pump. 500gph! Turn on your standard water-saving 2.5gpm tap. The AC110 is over 3 times the amount leaving the tap.

I also own a AC110 I've been thinking of modding into a fuge. There's plenty of flow through it and I don't know if that's what I want. My intentions of modding it was to trim a little off each impeller. I may order a double and try cutting every other impeller off and see which one works the best. Still thinking for now.

[fishrock]

war,
what if you just made a very tall baffle, almost as high as the outlet section.
then the water would pretty much flow over the top of the baffle and almost straight out of the outlet section. of course some is going to go into the fuge area as it has to to get out the outlet section. but to me it seems it would really slow the flow in the fuge area.
my baffle is about half the height of the fuge and totally siliconed in, so the water leaves the impellor, hits the baffle and rises up, slightly over the fuge then out the outlet. so not a great amount of flow in the actual fuge area.

adam

[WarEagleNR88]

Oh ok. I see what you mean, fishrock; partition the filter box with a baffle and let some of that quick moving flow pour right out the outlet but allow a little to pour into the 'fuge area of it. Correct?

I think I still want to use the whole thing if I'm going to do it by slowing the flow a little by modifying the impeller. Looking at it, it really is a big HOB filter. There's like an entire gallon of water in it.

[fishrock]

correct, you could even drill a hole or 2 in the baffle just below water height to get water to go into the fuge area if you wanted more flow.
just ideas off the top of my head though.
adam

[dskrezyna]

Its a great idea but that looks like A LOT of work?

[ZooZ]

Hey supermongolia this is a great mod. Im just starting to mod my AC and got most of the equipment in place. The thing i dont get is why we need to cut the intake tube?? Can anyone clarify or post pics of how the moded the intake tube.

[Colin]

You have to cut the intake tube because it is too long for small tanks. It would hit the bottom of the tank. You'll need to cut it down to fit.

--Colin

[ZooZ]

i see...i dont think it will be a problem for my 26G. Its 24" deep. What is that surface skimmer ppl are talking about?? I already have a HOB counter current skimmer.

[dirtyone]

heres a link from one of my AC conversions..... http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1768

[ZooZ]

dirtyone you placed your baffle somewhere completly different from where supermongolia did. He placed it so that the intake chamber and actually fuge area are seperated. How far away from the intake chamer and how high off the floor of the filter Should the acrylic baffle be?

[ZooZ]

Does the baffle need to be siliconed to the base of the filter?? How high should it be and how far from the intake and impeller area?

[dirtyone]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10196113#post10196113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
Does the baffle need to be siliconed to the base of the filter?? How high should it be and how far from the intake and impeller area?

i siliconed it cause it didnt have anything to hold it in place. i used one side of the basket for one of my baffles and its just far enough away so you can get at teh impellar and the impellar guard. the other baffle is acrylic and the bottom is also, its the same size as the bottom of the basket. the way i made mine was like havign a solid bottom basket and one solid side so that the water would flow over the top of the fuge and also under and up the other side to accross the top. for the short time i had it, it worked awsome. i sold it so i could build the same out of a AC110. HTH

[ZooZ]

Im going to be using acrylic as the baffle. I still dont know if it should be sealed against the bottom of the flter. How high it should be and how far from the intake chamber.

[dirtyone]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10197087#post10197087 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
Im going to be using acrylic as the baffle. I still dont know if it should be sealed against the bottom of the flter. How high it should be and how far from the intake chamber.
mine where if i remeber correctly where half way to the top of the water level. i was just triing something different on mine, all you really need is one baffle and large enough so the water doesnt disturb what you keep in your fuge.

[ZooZ]

ok you havent answered my question dirtyone. I need to know if the acrylic baffle needs to be sealed againt the floor of the aquarium. and How far away from the intake chamber should it be? Anyone?

[dirtyone]

it doesnt really matter how far away from the intake chamber, i left enough room so i could get at the impellar. yes it should be siliconed because theres nothing to hold it in place.

[Slakker]

Also depends on whether or not you want to be able to put any filter cartridges in there.

[ZooZ]

I got a AC70 but used the impellar from the 20. When i used the AC20 impellar the water barely filled up the 'u' section of the intake tube. It made a gurgling noise also. And theres soo much bubbles in the display when its on. Any way to stop the gurgling noise? Use a AC 30 impellar perhaps?

[Colin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10203362#post10203362 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
I got a AC70 but used the impellar from the 20. When i used the AC20 impellar the water barely filled up the 'u' section of the intake tube. It made a gurgling noise also. And theres soo much bubbles in the display when its on. Any way to stop the gurgling noise? Use a AC 30 impellar perhaps?

Push down on the intake tube with your finger and see if that helps. If so, the intake isn't sitting on top of the impeller chamber, but is stopping just a little short. Sometimes this happens when the intake tube isn't in quite all the way.

OR

I had this problem when I did mine. There are some vertical ridges in the groove on the front of the filter where the intake tube clamps in. These keep a modified intake tube from seating completely on the impeller. You may need to sand them off (I used a dremel).

There should be no gurgling or microbubles after the filter has primed and is up and running. I have an AC 20 impeller in mine and it's completely silent.

--Colin

[ZooZ]

I got it..thanks for the help colin. Its up and running. Going to see nitrates in 2 weeks from now. Current nitrates are at 30ppm. The only thing i screwed up on is my baffle does not go all the way to the bottom. Theres abour a 1cm gao due to the narrowing of the filter. I have a sand bed in the filter too. Should i be worried about this??

[Telal]

I just finished this mod on an AC70 I've got it up and running on my JBJ Picotope but I wanted to run a reverse light cycle on it and its in my and my girlfriends bedroom so I taped off the return and any parts the would be in contact with the water and used Krylon Satin Black to spray paint the outside until it was completely opaque. I made a new top out of a $2 piece of acrylic from lowes which I also spray painted opaque black leaving a window taped off directly above the fuge area and secured it using two rare earth magnets. One I glued onto the underside where the piece if the filter sticks up between the return and and the intake and the other I glued to the top of my diy top. I salvaged an old light that sits flat on the top and stuck in a 6700K curly CF bulb. I only get a little light leakage that I should be able to take care of with another spraypainted piece of acrylic glued to the front of my diy top that ends right above the returning water because there is light leaking from the grid on the front.

This thing is the perfect size to hold a Visi-therm Deluxe 50W, I made a baffle to seperate my heater and give me an area to hold filter floss and carbon or whatnot when needed.

I shaved too much of the stock impeller even though I shaved then tested then shaved more and tested again, the last time I had to shave off a lot to get each impeller blade even. So I've ordered a AC50 impeller for my AC70, I still want a lot of flow as I'm trying to make this the only thing on my picotope because I hate the look of equipment in the tank.

So far my nitrates have dropped from ~30 to~10 in a week and a half and the reverse light cycle has really helped keep my ph stable.

[ZooZ]

oh heyy i would do a reverse light cycle but its the light issue that bothers me...my tank is in my bedroom. I would really like to see some pictures of it and might try doing the same!!!

[Colin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10204632#post10204632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
I got it..thanks for the help colin. Its up and running. Going to see nitrates in 2 weeks from now. Current nitrates are at 30ppm. The only thing i screwed up on is my baffle does not go all the way to the bottom. Theres abour a 1cm gao due to the narrowing of the filter. I have a sand bed in the filter too. Should i be worried about this??

You're welcome!

The sand will be bad if it gets in the impeller chamber. It'll be noisy and could lock up.

For my baffle, I used the side off of the basket that came with it and just stuck it in the slot on that side of the filter. I'm only using chaeto, though. No sand or rock.

I had a reduction in nitrate from ~20 to 0 in a few days. It's amazing.

--Colin

[ZooZ]

oh yea...if your getting such good results with just the cheato i might take out the sand when i do some maintenance work on the filter...Do you use some type of floss to get the big debris out of the water? Oh yea and should the cheato be rolling or moving at all because i dont seem to have much circulation where the cheato is.

[Colin]

The chaeto is pretty good at catching the big stuff. Pods and worms will colonize it and eat the debris.

I think the water flow comes from the bottom to the top, so it flows through the chaeto. Mine doesn't move at all.

--Colin

[vegasaquaria]

What do you use to cut the extension tube?

Thanks!

[Colin]

I used a dremel. You could probably use a hacksaw too.

--Colin

[ZooZ]

How does the flow come from the bottom if the baffle is siliconed to the base of the filter? Sorry i just want to make sure my refugium is running probably.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10290472#post10290472 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Colin
The chaeto is pretty good at catching the big stuff. Pods and worms will colonize it and eat the debris.

I think the water flow comes from the bottom to the top, so it flows through the chaeto. Mine doesn't move at all.

--Colin

[dynaschm0e]

I use a dremel also to cut plastics and PVC, but used a coping saw prior: it works well because there are many small teeth. -Trey

[Colin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10296087#post10296087 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZooZ
How does the flow come from the bottom if the baffle is siliconed to the base of the filter? Sorry i just want to make sure my refugium is running probably.

The baffle should either have holes in it, or an opening at the bottom.

--Colin

[ZooZ]

oh ok...im all good then..going to test nitrates tomorrow and see if it went down from 20ppm prior to installing the fuge.

[SherryCobySam]

would pods survive if you left the flow a little high? I'm thinking I'd like to use something like this as the only waterflow, filtration on the tank.

[Doc Hammer]

Just curious, but could these mods be used on a AC 20? Because I recently picked up one for the hell of it, it being on sale of course, and haven't found a legitimate reason to use it!

[nynex]

Im currently converting an AC 20 into one for my 3 gallon deco. I thought about an AC 30. But the AC 20 was on sale and I think that will be fine for a 3 gallon.

[bteagle93]

im in the progress of a 10 gallon reef, and i have a whisper 60 HOB filter....could i use this mod on that?

[Colin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10634264#post10634264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bteagle93
im in the progress of a 10 gallon reef, and i have a whisper 60 HOB filter....could i use this mod on that?

I imagine it would work on just about any HOB. The aquaclears work so well because they're HUGE. Size matters in this case.

--Colin

[Morn]

Sorry to drag this back out of the archives.

A quick question on the filter media, is it a purely carbon insert? In the UK I am having trouble getting something similar, so I am having to improvise here.

Is the insert in this project so act as a physical filter, or is it solely as a water buffer?

Cheers

[imrinkrat]

The filter for this truly acts as a physical filter, its a pad with floss on the outside and carbon on the inside... This will accomplish two things. 1. the floss will trap any larger particles and 2. the carbon will keep your water clear.... Using this on most nano tanks means that you have to remove whatever existing filtration you are currently using (especially with AIO's which exclusively use these filter pads as their only source of filtration after you remove the bio wheel). So technically you can use any sort of filter media that would fit or none at all just as long as you have other sources of filtration for biological, chemical, and mechanical.

[bristle]

I'm wondering about those that have modded their AC110/500s. I want to keep this in my bedroom. If I were to trim the impeller, would it be out of balance and rattle and make a lot of noise? Or is it very quiet the way it is?

How many blades were modified on the impeller. Anyone have any pictures to show how they did it and their results?

Thanks.

[Chuck-e]

ok, Quick questions here...

1) how well does putting a heater in this fuge work, is the fuge chamber big enough for say an average 110watt heater and does it effectivly heat your tank?

2)i'm setting up a 20cube and i'm not sure what size impeller to use? i need flow but i don't want my cube looking like a toilet flushing :confused:
anyone use this mod on a 20-24 cube

Thanks for any help!

[bpoore89]

That fish place runs an aquapod 12 with this very mod. They just swap out the impeller with one from one of the much small ac filters. The flow through the filter is only a trickle

[Chuck-e]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11643625#post11643625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpoore89
That fish place runs an aquapod 12 with this very mod. They just swap out the impeller with one from one of the much small ac filters. The flow through the filter is only a trickle

so bing a noob(sorry)thats what you want just a trickle not a heavy flow?Soooo no matter what size tank using the ac12 impeller would be a good idea?Sorry for the nub questions but i'm tieing all my loose ends up here and i dont want to do any trial an ERROR.hehe if ya know what i mean! thanks

[Crackerballer]

Chuck-e, I am doing the AC110 tonight and tomorrow. I just cut 3 out of the 6 blades and still have pretty decent flow. And yes, you could make plenty of room for a LARGE heater against the back wall. I will post pics when I am done.

[Deb91]

Crackerballer, Are you going to post pictures as promised? :)

[Ratkiller]

Hey Cracker, where are the pics???:D

[Whacked]

I just read thru this whole DIY thread. One thing that really stood out to me.
People are talking about swapping the impeller for a smaller one, or hacking the existing impeller to pieces.

Go back to the first page, take a look at Sugar's second post in this thread. Pay attention to the second picture.
See that tab in the flow adjustment plate that the intake tube sits in?
Remove it.
This allows the intake tube to be moved that much further to the right, thus decreasing the flow.

Such a simple mod and no need to hack up a impeller.

I havent done the AC 'fuge mod but it is a option that I am considering.
I have a AC70 on my 29gFW tank and I did the mod I mentioned to it. I really decreased the flow (which is nice for feeding time).
Also with that extra play in flow adjustment, its much easier to get all the air out from the intake tube. Just quickly slide it back and forth a few times.

[E.intheC]

This is an excellent idea! I'll be using my extra AC 70 I have for the new tank I'll be setting up. I'm very inspired! Thanks!

[ngn8dogg]

I'm thinking about making one of these with a AC i Have lying around. Is it really necessary to put the plexi in there? why would you want to slow the flow down?

[donk228]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14259950#post14259950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ngn8dogg
I'm thinking about making one of these with a AC i Have lying around. Is it really necessary to put the plexi in there? why would you want to slow the flow down?
I think the idea behind the plexi is to keep the pump output from blasting directly into the refugium area, thereby allowing some dwell time for the water to be filtered and an area of low flow as a refuge for more delicate creatures like sponges. It also gives an area to stick some filter floss for mechanical filtration.

That said, I skipped the plexi baffle and didn't notice any ill effects when I had mine set up. There were still plenty of calm areas around the rubble and lots of pineapple sponges growing. I cut a piece of filter floss and put it against the grid on the return/outflow section when needed for mechanical filtration.

[spllbnd2]

Sorry to drag this back out of the archives yet again.

Questions;

1. How does everyone light their AC fuge? Reverse lighting, full time or just use the aquarium light? What typeof light do most use (wattage)?

2. What have people found to be a good way of slowing the flow down on the AC 110?

3. If putting baffles into the filter, how does the water flow through this filter? Does it go from the bottom to the top or reverse of that?

I plan on modding a 110 for a minibow 7 next week and I shall post photos of the fuge build.

Cheers and thanks for the help.
Alex

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo263/spllbnd2/7%20Gallon%20MiniBow/IMG_0608.jpg

[spllbnd2]

**BUMP**

[joel00782]

i will go with Reverse lighting its better

[spllbnd2]

I finished off the AC110 build and decided to go with a reverse lighting schedule.
Put 2 pounds of LR in along with about 1.5" sandbed into the fuge area.

[jonathanws]

when i modded fuges in my 12g tanks, i left the light on 24/7, and every month or so got rid of 3/4 the chaeto. worked well for me, occasionally i would just manually turn it off

[Agu]

2. What have people found to be a good way of slowing the flow down on the AC 110?

Impellers from some of the smaller ACs are interchangeable with the AC 110. Check some of the earlier posts in this thread.

Also some people have cut off/back every other impeller (3 of 6). Problem with this is if it's out of balance it'll wear out the pump faster.

[spllbnd2]

The way that I slowed the flow down enough is to take out the black circular device that blocks part of the impeller so that way you can move the intake over just that much farther.

Also put two baffles in and then I also added a baffle to the output with teeth not only to divert the flow but also to keep the macro algae in the fuge.

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo263/spllbnd2/Aqua%20Clear%20110%20Refugium/IMG_0679.jpg

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo263/spllbnd2/Aqua%20Clear%20110%20Refugium/IMG_0650.jpg

Cheers,
Alex

[spllbnd2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14897156#post14897156 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Agu
Impellers from some of the smaller ACs are interchangeable with the AC 110. Check some of the earlier posts in this thread.

Also some people have cut off/back every other impeller (3 of 6). Problem with this is if it's out of balance it'll wear out the pump faster.

Also forgot to mention that the impeller for the AC110 is not interchangable with any other model of Aqua Clear (I tried).

And if you do decide to cut blades or shorten blade length on the impeller I personally would have a spare handy just in case it is off balance after modding it.

Cheers,
Alex

[WillWorkForFish]

does anyone have a heater small enough to fit in their Ac-70 Fuge?

[spllbnd2]

Might try a Hydor Thor heater. The 25 watt and 50 watt are only 7" high.

[WillWorkForFish]

Does anyone know of a small clip on light that mounts nicely over the AC-70 fuge?
I am running one on my 5.5 and I don't want the large dome reflector sticking out of the back, it's half the size of my tank..
looking for something a little smaller..
similar to this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190287451392

[Korrine]

I'm wondering about fuge lighting on a AC 50 myself. Just ordered the AC.

[terahz]

My AC50 is also on its way. the AC70 would not fit the space I have on the hood. I hope the 50 is big enough to store something useful. Will post here when I get it kicking.

[terahz]

Ok my AC50 mod is really minimal, but I think it worked out pretty well.

I have a AGA10 aquarium that came with Aqueon10 HOB and I used the screen/holder it had for the filter there. It turned out that holder is exactly the same width as the AC50's outflow so all I had to do is cut about 1 inch of it and silicone it on the 'exit' of the water flow. The fit was so nice that I can still use the original media basket. The flow goes below the media basked and them moves through the the entire area and either rotates back down or goes in the tank. Now all I have to do is find some chaeto and the fuge will be complete.

The cover still fits nicely on top. Attached you can see how it is attached.

Thanks a lot for this thread.