How to DIY an AC 70 fuge - Page 4

Rosseau · 01/25/2007, 11:01 AM

I currently have an AC fuge going. However I fear that sufficient light isn't reaching my chaeto on the very bottom.

It's packed all the way down. Anyone foresee problems here?

smash102 · 02/01/2007, 04:17 AM

This is the first time I have done a salt water tank and a fuge was suggested as on of the filtering possibilities.

1.) How well dose this really work for keeping good chemical balance within your tank?
2.) Have you ever had a problem with the algae sporing and causing levels to spike?

It seams easy to do and maintain, but I am looking for some veteran assurance or discouragement for a first timer.

AnneRiceBowl · 02/08/2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MadSkillzMan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...n/IMG_0157.jpg[/IMG]

Is that some kind of DIY skimmer in this pic?

Colin · 02/08/2007, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by smash102
This is the first time I have done a salt water tank and a fuge was suggested as on of the filtering possibilities.

1.) How well dose this really work for keeping good chemical balance within your tank?
2.) Have you ever had a problem with the algae sporing and causing levels to spike?

It seams easy to do and maintain, but I am looking for some veteran assurance or discouragement for a first timer.

I don't know about the sporing issue, but in the 3 weeks or so that I've had mine up and running with chaeto, I've seen my nitrates go from 30 to near 0. I think it's great.

--Colin

Bmgrocks · 02/28/2007, 09:49 PM

Yes I JUST FINISHED MY mod! Was an AC 70, so excited, and i am waiting on my silicone to dry...

But instead of using Acrylic Bafffle, I just used the Filter Insert, the grey plastic piece as a Baffle. I think its ok.

But what is the purpose of putting a Millenium Filter cartradge infront of the Baffle?

As for the impeller, i broke off 3 of the impellers, to lessen the flow, i don't think that significant imbalance etc. will take place and throw the whole filter outta wack. If so, ijust buy a lower grade AC impeller.

Should I have Sand, Rubble and Chaeto in my new Fuge?

MadSkillzMan · 02/28/2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AnneRiceBowl
Is that some kind of DIY skimmer in this pic?

No, its a seaclone, might as well be DIY

Basically the powerhead has a hose that allows air into the intake to create the bubles

THe skimmer worked great for a year, now it doesnt pickup much. I added an airsotne which helped, but that soon was no use

Im going to drill it, and put a powerhead on the side like a REAL skimmer

Bmgrocks · 03/03/2007, 11:30 AM

bump

tylerandamanda · 03/04/2007, 07:02 PM

i wanted to do this mod to a aqua clear 110 to hang on my sump of my 90gallon. would this be a waste of my time or would it successfully reduce nitrates and phosphates. i can get an impeller to reduce flow but is it gonna be too small of a refugium.

clowninaround74 · 03/04/2007, 09:16 PM

i was wondering if this mod can be done to an AC 50 cause i dont have enough room behind my tank for the 70...same steps????

Crackerballer · 03/05/2007, 08:41 AM

tylerandamanda: I am gonna do this with an AC110 and run it on my 40 or 75. I don't see why it wouldn't help some. If you do it, and it doesn't help, get another one and run 2.

disney95 · 03/15/2007, 11:02 AM

This is what I did today. I did not want to go thru the hassle of cutting and glueing also just on the off chance I want or needed to use the AC 70 for a filter . I just got some gutter gaurd from the hardware store and used 2 zip ties and put a clamp light on it . This is hanging on my aquapod 24 I did not need the filter part because I have them in the aquapod chambers and remora skimmer

clowninaround74 · 03/15/2007, 11:34 AM

disney....just wondering how far off of the back of the tank the filter takes up...i only have 4 1/8" so im hoping it can fit. if not i have to go with the AC 50. Just wondering!

Thanks

disney95 · 03/15/2007, 11:55 AM

just about 4 inches

waskman · 03/26/2007, 10:31 PM

Does this have to be done on a AC70? In the case of a 10 gallon tank is bigger not better? I thought this might allow more room for refugium/heater and such. im a newb so i was just wondering.

shiftyfatdwarf · 04/06/2007, 09:37 AM

that is awesome. im going to use this idea when i set up my new 20gal. i have a filter just like that one and should be a fun project.

great idea!!

highflight · 04/06/2007, 10:11 AM

That looks great. Awesome job! Do you know what size aquarium an AC70 would be suitable for? and, how can I "bookmark" a thread like this to come back to when I have time to modify my AC?

stupac21 · 04/06/2007, 10:30 AM

highflight-

underneath where you submited this reply click on subscribe to this thread then you can go to MY RC and you can see the threads that you're subscribed to.

WillWorkForFish · 04/06/2007, 10:36 AM

I just happened to have an AC70 and an AC20 laying around..
I already made it and tested it, works great, just waiting until I can save some $ and go open top on my aquapod to set it up..

OrangeKoi · 04/06/2007, 10:06 PM

Does anyone know if there's a larger version of this?

zzak · 04/07/2007, 07:18 AM

Like an AC110 you mean?

BigJPDC · 04/07/2007, 08:04 AM

Hello - love the mod, bought the filter for my 10g nano and have it going with just a carbon bag for now. I have two questions for the experts, actually just one big question:

1. Can you fit a heater in with the chaeto? If so, which one would you recommend? The stealth 100w I have is too long to fit.
2. Is it a good idea to place a heater in such close proximity to the chaeto ball?

It would be cool to find a piece of thin LR shaped such that it would protect the chaeto from the heater - anybody doing this? This is like a hang-on sump for nanos.

thanks!

jp

fishrock · 04/09/2007, 02:14 AM

reading this thread with alot of interest.
i plan to use an aquaclear 500 on a 24x18x18 but just wanted to know if an impellor from say an aquaclear 200 or 300 would work?
i think the flow, even turned down on the 500 will make a whirlpool.
i'd like the room of the 500 for the fuge with the flow from the 300.
is it possible.
also is the AC surface skimmer compatible with all models? and how good a job does it do?
thanks for any help

adam

BigJPDC · 04/09/2007, 06:45 AM

For anybody using this mod as a fuge in a sump on a big tank - how far off the water level can you keep the AC70 before the waterfall noise becomes annoying? The return section of my sump keeps the water about six inches below the tank rim.

jp

WillWorkForFish · 04/09/2007, 09:02 AM

fishrock the AC 20, 30, 50, and 70 can all switch out impellars..
the 110, will not switch out with the others.. the pump is a little different.. You might be able to mod the impellar somehow to slow the flow down a little bit..

WillWorkForFish · 04/09/2007, 01:49 PM

I'm going to be using my AC-Fuge on my Aquapod when I go open top..
I broke my AC20 impeller before I could test it out, so with one broken impeller blade, it wasnt barely pushing any water through..
Has anyone tried using the AC-30 impeller and had success, or is it pushing the water too fast?
I need to order another, just trying to decide which one..

01/25/2007, 11:01 AM	#76
Rosseau Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kingston, Ontario Posts: 2,049	I currently have an AC fuge going. However I fear that sufficient light isn't reaching my chaeto on the very bottom. It's packed all the way down. Anyone foresee problems here? __________________ Still fighting entropy.

03/04/2007, 09:16 PM	#84
clowninaround74 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver Posts: 1,149	i was wondering if this mod can be done to an AC 50 cause i dont have enough room behind my tank for the 70...same steps???? __________________ -Randall- What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing. -Ron Burgundy- Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube

03/05/2007, 08:41 AM	#85
Crackerballer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chapel Hill Posts: 455	tylerandamanda: I am gonna do this with an AC110 and run it on my 40 or 75. I don't see why it wouldn't help some. If you do it, and it doesn't help, get another one and run 2. __________________ No tank currently setup.

03/15/2007, 11:34 AM	#87
clowninaround74 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver Posts: 1,149	disney....just wondering how far off of the back of the tank the filter takes up...i only have 4 1/8" so im hoping it can fit. if not i have to go with the AC 50. Just wondering! Thanks __________________ -Randall- What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? Heck, I'm not even mad; that's amazing. -Ron Burgundy- Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube

04/07/2007, 07:18 AM	#95
zzak Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Powell, OH Posts: 103	Like an AC110 you mean? __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 2x10g w/Penguin 150's & AC70 fuges. Sunpod 150w's 14k for lighting, 5g Minibow Hospital w/40w PC or 70w MH. Automated Top-Off and continuous water exchange (~20%weekly)

02/01/2007, 04:17 AM	#77
smash102 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 78	This is the first time I have done a salt water tank and a fuge was suggested as on of the filtering possibilities. 1.) How well dose this really work for keeping good chemical balance within your tank? 2.) Have you ever had a problem with the algae sporing and causing levels to spike? It seams easy to do and maintain, but I am looking for some veteran assurance or discouragement for a first timer.

02/28/2007, 09:49 PM	#80
Bmgrocks Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,006	Yes I JUST FINISHED MY mod! Was an AC 70, so excited, and i am waiting on my silicone to dry... But instead of using Acrylic Bafffle, I just used the Filter Insert, the grey plastic piece as a Baffle. I think its ok. But what is the purpose of putting a Millenium Filter cartradge infront of the Baffle? As for the impeller, i broke off 3 of the impellers, to lessen the flow, i don't think that significant imbalance etc. will take place and throw the whole filter outta wack. If so, ijust buy a lower grade AC impeller. Should I have Sand, Rubble and Chaeto in my new Fuge?

03/03/2007, 11:30 AM	#82
Bmgrocks Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,006	bump

03/04/2007, 07:02 PM	#83
tylerandamanda Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 27	i wanted to do this mod to a aqua clear 110 to hang on my sump of my 90gallon. would this be a waste of my time or would it successfully reduce nitrates and phosphates. i can get an impeller to reduce flow but is it gonna be too small of a refugium.

03/15/2007, 11:02 AM	#86
disney95 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hazlet, NJ Posts: 660	This is what I did today. I did not want to go thru the hassle of cutting and glueing also just on the off chance I want or needed to use the AC 70 for a filter . I just got some gutter gaurd from the hardware store and used 2 zip ties and put a clamp light on it . This is hanging on my aquapod 24 I did not need the filter part because I have them in the aquapod chambers and remora skimmer

03/15/2007, 11:55 AM	#88
disney95 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hazlet, NJ Posts: 660	just about 4 inches

03/26/2007, 10:31 PM	#89
waskman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9	Does this have to be done on a AC70? In the case of a 10 gallon tank is bigger not better? I thought this might allow more room for refugium/heater and such. im a newb so i was just wondering.

04/06/2007, 09:37 AM	#90
shiftyfatdwarf Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: newark, ohio Posts: 53	that is awesome. im going to use this idea when i set up my new 20gal. i have a filter just like that one and should be a fun project. great idea!!

04/06/2007, 10:11 AM	#91
highflight Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Virginia/DC Posts: 16	That looks great. Awesome job! Do you know what size aquarium an AC70 would be suitable for? and, how can I "bookmark" a thread like this to come back to when I have time to modify my AC?

04/06/2007, 10:30 AM	#92
stupac21 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Veteran, NY Posts: 292	highflight- underneath where you submited this reply click on subscribe to this thread then you can go to MY RC and you can see the threads that you're subscribed to.

04/06/2007, 10:36 AM	#93
WillWorkForFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 662	I just happened to have an AC70 and an AC20 laying around.. I already made it and tested it, works great, just waiting until I can save some $ and go open top on my aquapod to set it up..

04/06/2007, 10:06 PM	#94
OrangeKoi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Va Posts: 556	Does anyone know if there's a larger version of this?

04/07/2007, 08:04 AM	#96
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	Hello - love the mod, bought the filter for my 10g nano and have it going with just a carbon bag for now. I have two questions for the experts, actually just one big question: 1. Can you fit a heater in with the chaeto? If so, which one would you recommend? The stealth 100w I have is too long to fit. 2. Is it a good idea to place a heater in such close proximity to the chaeto ball? It would be cool to find a piece of thin LR shaped such that it would protect the chaeto from the heater - anybody doing this? This is like a hang-on sump for nanos. thanks! jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

04/09/2007, 02:14 AM	#97
fishrock Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mary Valley, Australia. Posts: 37	reading this thread with alot of interest. i plan to use an aquaclear 500 on a 24x18x18 but just wanted to know if an impellor from say an aquaclear 200 or 300 would work? i think the flow, even turned down on the 500 will make a whirlpool. i'd like the room of the 500 for the fuge with the flow from the 300. is it possible. also is the AC surface skimmer compatible with all models? and how good a job does it do? thanks for any help adam

04/09/2007, 06:45 AM	#98
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	For anybody using this mod as a fuge in a sump on a big tank - how far off the water level can you keep the AC70 before the waterfall noise becomes annoying? The return section of my sump keeps the water about six inches below the tank rim. jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

04/09/2007, 09:02 AM	#99
WillWorkForFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 662	fishrock the AC 20, 30, 50, and 70 can all switch out impellars.. the 110, will not switch out with the others.. the pump is a little different.. You might be able to mod the impellar somehow to slow the flow down a little bit..

04/09/2007, 01:49 PM	#100
WillWorkForFish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 662	which impeller should I use? I'm going to be using my AC-Fuge on my Aquapod when I go open top.. I broke my AC20 impeller before I could test it out, so with one broken impeller blade, it wasnt barely pushing any water through.. Has anyone tried using the AC-30 impeller and had success, or is it pushing the water too fast? I need to order another, just trying to decide which one..