Advice on complimentary filtration

[parker002]

In my 55G, I am currently using a Rena Filstar XP3 and that is the only filter I have.

It is currently loaded with the stock sponges, the stock bio stars, a tray full of Seachem Matrix, a tray of Seachem Matrix carbon, and 2 filter pads.

I have the intake in the back left corner and the output in the front left corner.

I think I need more bio filtration but I don't have space in my tank for sponges or anything else of the sort. I also think I'm lacking flow at the far end of my tank.

I need something that occupies minimal tank space, something that could likely fit in the back right at the top.

[parker002]

Is the ViaAqua 305PF really 7.5" tall (when aligned vertically) and only 2.15" x 3". How good of a sponge pre-filter does it have? This looks like it might be the ideal solution!

[Carl]

Parker;
My suggestion would be the SunSun HJ-752 (158 gph)



For more circulation/filtration the next size up SunSun HJ-952 (210 gph) might work.

Both can be up in a corner and include a spray bar too

Carl

[parker002]

The 305PF occupies roughly the same space as the 752, but moves a lot more water.

I have a philosophical opposition to buying SunSun.

[Carl]

Mar 12, 2013 13:42:55 GMT -5 parker002 said:

The 305PF occupies roughly the same space as the 752, but moves a lot more water.

I have a philosophical opposition to buying SunSun.

The 305 definitely move more water, but does not have too much more head pressure.
The SunSun has more filter capacity and the spray bar attachment.

What is the philosophical opposition?

While I would rather not get into one companies issues of morality in an open forum, it was AquaTop/TruAqua that really has some issues in many way, and sadly Via Aqua played into their hands. So while I really liked their products, the last few years of doing business with them was aggravating to say the least. Starting in 2009 we ended up answering all questions directed at Via Aqua as many thought we were them and they rarely answered questions as their once excellent customer service turned to gelatin.

Carl

[parker002]

If the SunSun has more filter capacity, that's fine. I'm assuming the actual filter is just a plastic housing with a sponge insert? What's to keep me from putting Seachem Matrix in the bottom and using a modified sponge to prevent Matrix from getting sucked up into the pump?

[Carl]

My suggestion is to take the Sponge that comes in the SunSun HJ-752, cut it in half (this also gives you a spare sponge), then place Matrix at the bottom of the filter.
I would suggest sifting the Matrix first for any smaller grains, but otherwise this should work well and provide more complete filtration

Carl

[parker002]

That's precisely what I had in mind. Thanks!

[parker002]

I got my new HJ-752 setup today and I am SUPER happy.

First, it is truly compact. It doesn't even take up as much space as a Hydro Sponge 3. Mounting it was extremely easy and the spray bar is way cool - plenty of output flow.

I ended up moving the output from the Rena to the back right corner (directly above the intake, for all intents and purposes). The SunSun is mounted in the back left, so the Rena output is pointed directly at it. I situated the spray bar along the left edge of the tank so that the flow is directed towards the right, along the front of the tank. This is giving me a perfect circular flow, exactly how I wanted it to work.

Adding the Matrix took all of 5 seconds. I did notice that the bottom of the strainer is open. I happened to have a protective plastic cap in my OCD box of miscellaneous junk (I think it was a thread protector on a ball valve I bought once), similar to these:



It fit perfectly into the bottom of the strainer and I put a ring of silicone around the edge just to be sure. I put some Matrix from my Rena in the top section of the filter housing and then inserted about 2" of the sponge (I cut it in half as recommended) to hold the Matrix in place and replaced the bottom cap.

I do have one additional question - does this have to be submerged at all times when running? If I remove more than 5G of water, it's going to be below the water line - I want to make sure I don't burn it up while doing water changes.

[Carl]

Glad to read this worked for what you needed.

For ongoing running, these filter should be submerged;
However during cleanings I have temporarily allowed these filter to draw some air (often being too busy to unplug) and with these and many other brands from Hagen to Via Aqua have never had an issue with burning out when run partially dry for a short period of time.

Carl

[billg71]

Hey, Parker, how's the noise level on that filter?

I have a nano Fluval in the bedroom and it rattles annoyingly, if I don't do something about it soon it(and I) will be sleeping in the basement.

Thanks,
Bill

EDIT: Never mind, it quietens up nicely when you clean it every 3 months or so....

[parker002]

Imperceptible. My air pump is noisier than both it and the Rena canister. I love this little filter.