DIY Emporer customization

[TorPeteO]

Hey guys,

I came across this really cool site about optimizing a Marineland Emperor filter...check it out. I thought it was really cool, but I got to thinking; what was the need to perform step one;

Remove the 2 blue colored, filter foam/plastic filter screens from the power filter. Using the single edged Craft Razor, carefully cut a slit down one side of the blue foam for each filter screen. Dump the carbon granules inside each screen into the trash if they are used, or save unused carbon in a zip-lock bag for later use, if desired. Rinse empty filter screens in de-chlorinated water, then re-fill each filter screen with pre-rinsed matrix rock. Re-install both foam filter screens into the filter.

It seems to me a little like overkill...isn't the media in the media cartridge enough, especially when optimized, that it's not necessary to remove the carbon and add more media?

If anyone can clear this up, it'd be appreciated. Thanks,
Peter

 

[Yenko]

It wouldn't be called optimizing if you didn't do everything possible to improve performance.

 

[Discomafia]

I use a Penguin and have used an Aquatech, (same manufactorer) and the cartridges can easily hold more media. Carbon's a good idea, not so much if you're planning on planting your tank.

 

[FrAnK3333]

Interesting.

 

[Tolak]

I don't think I have a single hob filter that I haven't customized/optimized in some way. Any that take cartriges don't use cartriges, they get an Aquaclear sponge & some floss. The A.C.'s all have extended intakes, some with sponges on the intake. Nothing wrong with improving on a design.

Tolak

 

[TwoTankAmin]

To be truly utilitarian, a filter must provide bio, mech and chem filtration. An Emperor gets its superior bio-filtration from its wheel(s). Its mech filtration comes from the blue cart and, when needed, chem filtration from the optional medial container. The carbon in the blue carts is a pita for those who dont want to run carbon but it will fill to capacity fast if you rrinse and reuse them or it can be removed.

The problem with adding stuff to the blue cart is you actually risk making the filter less effective by reducing the flow thru rate. You also make it more difficult to clean the blue cart with stuff shoved inside that needs to be removed to be rinsed.

I have had an E-4000 running for 4+ years now. I have tried all sorts of different media loads and configurations. A couple of years ago I concluded the best load ie easiest to clean, most effective and cheapest was 4 blue carts which are rinsed and reused weekly until they shred.

I also have 18 assorted AquaClears runiing- hooray for sponges and floss.

 

[Yenko]

Sponges and floss are the greatest thing to ever happen to filters. I love sponges and floss. I use polyester wool for my filter; it gets pretty bad flow rates, but because my DIY filter for my 10 gallon tank has a capacity of 1.5 gallons, theres quite a bit of space for bacteria to spread out. The tank is also very hypoeutrophic; the plants suck up ammonia and nitrite, which reduces the need for a filter, and they remove nitrate, which reduces (Or in my case removes) the need for water changes.

So, plants are the best filters. The only thing they can't do is circulate your water and provide mechanical filtration.