Advice needed on modifying HOB power filters...

[parker002]

I have two Aqueon Quietflow 55 hang-on-back power filters in my 55G tank.

www.aqueonproducts.com/products/aqueon-power-filter74412.htm

I'm using the "stock" polyfilter media and have great results so far (I removed all of my rock and decorations at one point and still had no ammonia).

My problem is that molly/platy fry are thriving inside the filter tanks. They get sucked into the intakes and I would prefer they either find a place to hide in the main tank or get eaten.

I have not found anything in terms of a sponge that I could place as a "sheath" over the intake tube. I'm wondering if I could just as easily insert a cylindrical sponge INSIDE the intake tube without adversely affecting the flow of the pumps.

[Carl]

You could probably fit a simple Hydro Sponge Replacement Sponge over the intake (such as the number #2)

However the Filter Max is specifically adapted for this and I know the person who runs my previous aquarium maintenance company has used the filter Max #2 with this particular filter, but if my memory is correct he had to cut the intake a little to fit this particular filter.

I would not recommend a sponge inside the intake, this would restrict flow too much

Carl

[parker002]

I ended up getting two of these:

www.americanaquariumproducts.com/images/graphics/hydrospongetwo.jpg

I removed the bottom part of the intake (the part that is like the plastic mesh) and it happened to be the same exact diameter as the clear tube that came with the Hydro Sponge.

So installation took all of about 30 seconds and they are working great! Thanks! It's pretty cool - excess food used to end up in the HOB filter media where it would rot. Now excess food clings to the sponges, where my mollies finish eating it.

One thing though - how do you recommend cleaning them? I've noticed that they're picking up alot of cat hair (I know!).

[bikeguy33]

lol....dont let the cats swim in the tank.....sorry. couldn`t help it

[Carl]

Apr 14, 2010 22:14:10 GMT -5 bikeguy33 said:

lol....dont let the cats swim in the tank.....sorry. couldn`t help it

Good One bikeguy ;D

Anyway, I would clean these about every two weeks or as often as necessary.

I recommend using used aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water so that the sponges can work biologically as well.

It's pretty cool - excess food used to end up in the HOB filter media where it would rot. Now excess food clings to the sponges, where my mollies finish eating it

This is another advantage of using a sponge pre filter

Carl

[parker002]

Apr 14, 2010 22:14:10 GMT -5 bikeguy33 said:

lol....dont let the cats swim in the tank.....sorry. couldn`t help it

It's like a virus. There's nowhere it can't go.

2 years ago we replaced every last bit of our carpet with hardwood floors. I never realized how much cat hair is literally hidden within the carpet. It now collects on the floors in big balls - the term "dust bunny" is apt, since that's about how big they get!

I'm guessing that the hair is actually coming from the towel I'm using to dry off my hand/arm after placing items in the tank.

[parker002]

Apr 15, 2010 9:30:35 GMT -5 Carl said:

I recommend using used aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water so that the sponges can work biologically as well.

Is there a way to clean them without removing them from the tank? Placement is an issue - they're extremely heavy and getting them to fit just right and not have a lean in my HOB power head was hard...

[Carl]

Apr 15, 2010 10:58:42 GMT -5 parker002 said:

Apr 15, 2010 9:30:35 GMT -5 Carl said:

I recommend using used aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water so that the sponges can work biologically as well.

Is there a way to clean them without removing them from the tank? Placement is an issue - they're extremely heavy and getting them to fit just right and not have a lean in my HOB power head was hard...

Not Really.

How did you connect it?

A standard Sponge Pre-filter is easy to clean (one of the "selling points")

However since you used standard Sponge filter; did you install with the base and cut the lift tube, if so you should be able to lift up on the intake tube to remove the sponge?

I have a picture of this on this page (I recently added this article, in fact this thread was the kick for me to post it)
Sponge Filter Resources

Carl

[parker002]

The HOB intake tube is actually a "meshed" tube inside of a larger tube. The larger tube attaches to the motor itself.

I assembled the sponge filter completely - base, extension (to raise it a bit), filter, adapter, and then the clear tube. I took the smaller, "meshed" tube out of the intake and inserted the clear tube into the larger tube. It all fits together perfectly, as if they were made to be used that way.

However, removing the sponge filter assembly requires me to move the HOB itself since I didn't cut anything and there's a good 3 inches of clear tube inserted into the intake. It's not that I can't do it. It's just kind of a hassle because of how they are situated. Plus they're at the bottom back of the tank, as far away as they could possibly be from where I need to get at them.

[Carl]

I guess (correct me if I am wrong) is the Aqueon Filter has the motor outside the filter and simply lifting the intake tube as with most other Power HOB filters is impossible.

However is the way the Aqueon Filter is attached to the back of your tank a factor in making lifting the entire unit 3 inches too time consuming?

Carl

[parker002]

Apr 16, 2010 11:55:01 GMT -5 Carl said:

I guess (correct me if I am wrong) is the Aqueon Filter has the motor outside the filter and simply lifting the intake tube as with most other Power HOB filters is impossible.

However is the way the Aqueon Filter is attached to the back of your tank a factor in making lifting the entire unit 3 inches too time consuming?

Carl

You are correct - the motor housing is on the front and actually is in the water, while the reservoir and filter housing is on the backside of the tank. It's actually exactly as pictured on your website here:

www.americanaquariumproducts.com/images/graphics/aqueonhob30.jpg

So yes, just lifting the intake tube is not possible - it has to be detached from the motor housing by lifting up on the whole unit. My tank is in a corner making access to the back of the tank impossible without removing the cabinetry on top and then removing the hoods.

Like I said, it's not impossible, it's just a hassle. I guess I could just clean them when I do water changes - I do them every 2-3 weeks and it takes a good 2 hours with my setup. But I would like to clean them more often since they're collecting so much junk.