How to DIY an AC 70 fuge - Page 2

killagoby · 08/12/2005, 10:52 PM

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 · 08/12/2005, 11:36 PM

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

Mantis · 08/30/2005, 12:38 PM

Very nice, excellent ideas

vanmo92 · 09/08/2005, 08:24 PM

cool thread i will probrobly do it soon

vanmo92 · 09/08/2005, 08:25 PM

good idea

ToUcHoFeLeGaNcE · 10/10/2005, 11:40 AM

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 · 10/10/2005, 08:16 PM

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

Sugar Magnolia · 10/11/2005, 10:47 AM

That'll work just fine.

David D'Amicantonio · 10/12/2005, 12:17 PM

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 · 10/19/2005, 09:18 AM

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 · 10/22/2005, 07:18 AM

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 · 10/30/2005, 06:07 PM

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

chiliaddik · 12/07/2005, 03:10 PM

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 · 12/08/2005, 08:20 PM

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 · 12/09/2005, 08:52 AM

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 · 12/09/2005, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 12/13/2005, 05:55 PM

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

hondadude2k5 · 12/15/2005, 03:26 PM

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 · 12/16/2005, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 01/05/2006, 12:22 PM

"I'm still thinking about that baffle" I too was baffled

, 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 · 01/05/2006, 01:27 PM

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 · 01/26/2006, 12:21 PM

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 · 02/01/2006, 11:39 AM

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.

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

MadSkillzMan · 02/07/2006, 01:12 AM

hey i did one of these myself.

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 · 03/07/2006, 09:07 AM

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.

08/12/2005, 10:52 PM	#26
killagoby Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroe, NJ Posts: 2,150	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... __________________ How much money did you spend on that rock again?

08/30/2005, 12:38 PM	#28
Mantis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,027	Very nice, excellent ideas __________________ "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice." Steve Jobs TOTM September 2011 http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/87-tank-of-the-month Current Tank Info: 400 gallon

09/08/2005, 08:24 PM	#29
vanmo92 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Silverthorne, CO. Posts: 2,045	cool thread i will probrobly do it soon __________________ PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bow Mixed Reef 1 fw tank

09/08/2005, 08:25 PM	#30
vanmo92 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Silverthorne, CO. Posts: 2,045	good idea __________________ PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bow Mixed Reef 1 fw tank

10/11/2005, 10:47 AM	#33
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	That'll work just fine. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

08/12/2005, 11:36 PM	#27
thanew Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Bernardino & Orange Posts: 44	want to say thanks for this, I'm going to do a few mods to your current mods tomorrow

10/10/2005, 11:40 AM	#31
ToUcHoFeLeGaNcE Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 2,113	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.

10/10/2005, 08:16 PM	#32
David D'Amicantonio Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 138	would a 13W PC 6500K bulb work fine for cheato growth

10/12/2005, 12:17 PM	#34
David D'Amicantonio Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 138	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

10/19/2005, 09:18 AM	#35
Gawain1974 dc fanboy Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Annick's flaps Posts: 1,212	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! __________________ Honey badger don't care!

10/22/2005, 07:18 AM	#36
alpine Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Jacksonville,FL Posts: 1,156	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. __________________ Jorge We are the Reef Central....It is useless to resist. We will assimilate you into our collective. Resistance is futile.

10/30/2005, 06:07 PM	#37
wmfsoll2 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 222	Nice mod. I think that i may do this mod for my 10 Gal. Reef __________________ Bill. Thomas Edison : "SUCCESS is 90% ATTITUDE and 10% KNOWLEDGE" Current Tank Info: Setting up new 90 Gal.

12/07/2005, 03:10 PM	#38
chiliaddik Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 128	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.

12/08/2005, 08:20 PM	#39
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	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. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

12/09/2005, 08:52 AM	#40
TheUltimateNoob Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vienna, VA Posts: 1,657	very nice fuge. do you know what the dimensions are for an AC70? will it fit ok on the back of a 10g tank?

12/13/2005, 05:55 PM	#42
MAreefer1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MA Posts: 769	nice man nice...i posted something simaler a little while ago __________________ BRS Current Tank Info: 75 gallons of SW,55 main 20 gallon fuge

12/15/2005, 03:26 PM	#43
hondadude2k5 Awesome Dude Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oro Valley, Az, usa Posts: 593	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. __________________ Need MORE zoos! Current Tank Info: 26G Bowfront Reef 12G Aquapod SPS Reef and 10g Mixed frag tank

01/05/2006, 12:22 PM	#45
JRPhd Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SE WI for now Posts: 392	"I'm still thinking about that baffle" I too was baffled , 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 __________________ Me fail Inglish, that's unpossible. Current Tank Info: 40g Oceanic stretchhex. 24" PC Aqua Lunarlights. 50lbs. Marshall LR. 2"SB. Heater. Maxi-900x2. Aqua C Remora Skimmer w/ maxi-1200. DIY HOT Fuge with Chaeto. mmmmm chaeto.

01/05/2006, 01:27 PM	#46
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	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. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

01/26/2006, 12:21 PM	#47
Fish_Freek Cheese Head Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kimberly, WI Posts: 386	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?? __________________ ~~ Bob ~~ Current Tank Info: 75g reef tank, octoHB2000 HOB skimmer, 2x EG D120 Led black boxes

02/01/2006, 11:39 AM	#48
ahill3780 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Loganville, Georgia Posts: 141	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. Thanks for the info, and keep us posted with your pics! __________________ Powered by Microsoft Reef Current Tank Info: 10g nano reef, 30 lbs aragalive sand 2" bed, 40 lbs LR, AC70 mini-fuge, 60W Tetra Heater, 25W 50/50 Coralife PC. 1 Ocellaris, 1 Cleaner Shrimp, 4 Turbo Snails, 2 Xenia (currently splitting), GSP, Hawaiian Feather Duster, 2 unidentified Zoanthids

02/07/2006, 01:12 AM	#49
MadSkillzMan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 282	hey i did one of these myself. 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

03/07/2006, 09:07 AM	#50
OrangeKoi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Va Posts: 556	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.