From evaporation?Tanks have plenty of water but they go dry. ?![]()
The water level in all of my tanks is high enough to reach the bottom lip of the outflow section of my AC's, I get the best surface agitation that way.
From evaporation?Tanks have plenty of water but they go dry. ?![]()
The beneficial bacteria we need is not found in any numbers in the water column as they attach to surfaces...so a UV sterilizer will not impact the BB needed for the cycle.Why would anyone want a UV sterilizer on a filter where you are trying to GROW bacteria?
Sponge filters are great, especially for bio-filtration, but not the best at mechanical. However, many, many tanks run with simple sponge filters.I have one 29G tank running only on a 50G air driven sponge filter and it stays clearer than some of my other tanks.
I've never had an Aquaclear filter siphon back into the tank unless the tank water level gets low like during a water change. The simple fix is to always pull the inlet tube out prior to draining water.Tanks have plenty of water but they go dry.
That's not how it works. The uv light is typically in a chamber on the inlet side, so the light doesn't affect the media containers. But there's considerable debate that the water passes through too quickly to be effectively treated by the UV light. I have one in my canister filter, but never use it.Yes, I know that, so why have the sterilizer as PART of the filter?
Why risk sterilizing the BB colony in the filter?
Hmmm, it’s only my smaller Aqua Clear 30’s that I have the issue with. I can raise the water higher and see if it stops it from draining. Can’t go to the bottom of the filter housing though as it’s almost at the top of tank. I’ll add more water to see if that helps.From evaporation?
The water level in all of my tanks is high enough to reach the bottom lip of the outflow section of my AC's, I get the best surface agitation that way.
@AbbeysDad now I wonder if I should add an HOB also. I had read that air driven sponges did provide mechanical filtration through particles that get trapped in the sponge. In your opinion, should I purchase an additional HOB?The beneficial bacteria we need is not found in any numbers in the water column as they attach to surfaces...so a UV sterilizer will not impact the BB needed for the cycle.
Sponge filters are great, especially for bio-filtration, but not the best at mechanical. However, many, many tanks run with simple sponge filters.
I've never had an Aquaclear filter siphon back into the tank unless the tank water level gets low like during a water change. The simple fix is to always pull the inlet tube out prior to draining water.
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Yes, it is but thanks!@Deanasue
also make sure the filter is set to max flow rate
@AbbeysDad now I wonder if I should add an HOB also. I had read that air driven sponges did provide mechanical filtration through particles that get trapped in the sponge. In your opinion, should I purchase an additional HOB?
I would definitely raise the level in that tank, you'll get better surface agitation...with a waterfall effect like you have, the agitation is limitedHmmm, it’s only my smaller Aqua Clear 30’s that I have the issue with. I can raise the water higher and see if it stops it from draining. Can’t go to the bottom of the filter housing though as it’s almost at the top of tank. I’ll add more water to see if that helps.![]()
Actually, I keep it lower for more agitation. As it falls farther, it makes more. However, I raised the water last night as I also have a sponge filter in them which provides oxygen.I would definitely raise the level in that tank, you'll get better surface agitation...with a waterfall effect like you have, the agitation is limited
There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of large fishrooms that rely solely on air driven sponge or box filters. So if your water is clear, your sponge filter is doing the job with no need for a HOB or any additional filtration.@AbbeysDad now I wonder if I should add an HOB also. I had read that air driven sponges did provide mechanical filtration through particles that get trapped in the sponge. In your opinion, should I purchase an additional HOB?
If you want a clearer water for your tank, HOB or Top filter are the best.
They can remove most of the debris and small particles in your tank.
HOB is also useful when you need to do chemical filtrations.
I also like the "waterfall" effect from the HOB as it gives you a therapeutic effect(just my opinion).
I don't like the water splash from the sponge filter as it will splash on my lighting and I have to wipe my lighting every now and then.
My lighting will become "sticky" with the water from the tank if I don't wipe it away.
Some sharing about HOB filters.
If I am not wrong, Seachem Tidal HOB (bigger model) have a unique design where the motor and impeller sit inside the water/tank.
This makes the priming function to be extremely powerful.
You won't have any problem of restarting the filter whenever there is a power cutoff.
But the filters are not cheap.
Usually, I will buy some cheap China or Asian(eg. Dophin) brands HOB filters.
When you are looking for a filter, firstly, they must have big compartment for you to put more filter medias especially for big tanks. The bigger the space for the filter media, the more BB can grow on it.
Secondly, customize your own filter medias with a combination of sponge pads and Biohome media or ceramic rings.
Cut the sponge pads into smaller pieces where you can rinse them at any time.
Thirdly, consider the flow rate carefully if you don't water too much water splashing.
A flow rate of 4-5 times the volume of your tank is more than enough especially if you have two filters in your tank.
Usually, I will just buy two units of Dophin H-500(less than US$15 each) for a 29 gallons tank.
Or if I want a slower flow rate filter I will buy two Dophin H-300(430liter/hr) model. (US$11 each).
The H-500 model has big compartment and has a flow rate of 580liter/hour.
They are very cheap and I can replace them anytime when they get too dirty and hard to clean.
I'm too lazy to clean them if they get too dirty or hard to clean(LOL).
It *seems* like more agitation, but in reality, you'll get the entire water surface moving with the outflow lip touching the waterActually, I keep it lower for more agitation. As it falls farther, it makes more. However, I raised the water last night as I also have a sponge filter in them which provides oxygen.![]()
Thank so much. I went ahead and purchased an HOB last night. Told my hubbie you said I had to get one. (Just kidding). My cories will love it anyway because they love to play in the current.There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of large fishrooms that rely solely on air driven sponge or box filters. So if your water is clear, your sponge filter is doing the job with no need for a HOB or any additional filtration.
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Not to get back on my soapbox, but filters merely make water clearer, not any cleaner or more pure. It's plants and our routine periodic partial water changes that increase/maintain the purity of the water.
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Sponge filters, while great for biological filtration are somewhat lacking in trapping particles and most sponge filters are somewhat fine porosity and require more routine cleaning. (although I see that Aquarium Co-op now has a more coarse sponge filter).
The bottom line is that if your water is clear, additional filtration just isn't necessary. And clear water is largely a matter of fish type, numbers, feeding, and tank maintenance factors.
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As I've written many times, my HOB filters are filled with sponge material making them "HOB sponge filters"...so the only difference is the sponge(s) live in a box outside the tank instead of inside!
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There's a notion in the hobby that more filtration is always better. I've lost track of the number of times I've seen "there's no such thing as too much filtration" parroted on the internet. It's just not true.![]()