reef_addict
New Member
I'm considering getting an AC500 and converting it to a refugium. I was hoping some of you could post what you did and pics of you have them.
Thansk all!
Thansk all!
Converted AC500 to Refugiums
- Thread starter reef_addict
- Start date
Here is a link for modding the AquaClear 70 (old 300), it is the same except for the size. http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1307
You may want to check this out if you havent already..., http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.p ... opic=85798
Jesse
Jesse
reef_addict
New Member
I guess this is the same thing without the brand name?
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-18-Hang-On-Refu ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-18-Hang-On-Refu ... dZViewItem
reef_addict
New Member
Can I use a ac300? it will be on a 10gal. The LFS wants $85.00 for a ac500! I could order a 500 online if I need to. But, If I can get the same results from a 300 I'll just get that. It will also make it easier to follow the DIY thread above, it uses a ac300.
You can use a 300, there is just more room in a 500. I currently have an AC 300 on my 10 gallon. You will need to use a smaller impellar though, mine has the original in it and it has too much flow inside the filterbox. I plan on ordering a smaller ompellar with my next on-line order.
TimSchmidt
New Member
Couldn't you just shave down the fins on the impeller a little bit at a time until you go the flow you wanted? I think I've seen the AC500 pretty cheap on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hagen-AquaClear-Aqu ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hagen-AquaClear-Aqu ... dZViewItem
reef_addict
New Member
Thats what I was going to ask...just take a dermel to the fins until the flow you want is reached.
There is still 2+ days left on bidding. I use ebay for almost everything and in the last few mintues it could go up 40 dollars. Not that is a bad price I just wondering what it will be at the end of bidding. I'm not really looking for the cheaps price I just find the LFS has the 300 for 29.95 and the 500 for 85.00 just seems like too much of a difference.
IMO.
There is still 2+ days left on bidding. I use ebay for almost everything and in the last few mintues it could go up 40 dollars. Not that is a bad price I just wondering what it will be at the end of bidding. I'm not really looking for the cheaps price I just find the LFS has the 300 for 29.95 and the 500 for 85.00 just seems like too much of a difference.
IMO.
ripcurrent
New Member
I did this mod on an AC70 and was less than impressed with the results. They turn into major detritus collectors and mine just ended up being more of a hassle than a benefit.
Unfortinatly there really arent any good refugium options for smaller tanks.. at least in my experience. Back when I started I had an Ecosystem HOB which is suppossedly one of the best you can buy... that wasnt very impressive. Then we put a CPR on my Moms tank, that was by far the best but still collected allot of detritus.
Unfortinatly there really arent any good refugium options for smaller tanks.. at least in my experience. Back when I started I had an Ecosystem HOB which is suppossedly one of the best you can buy... that wasnt very impressive. Then we put a CPR on my Moms tank, that was by far the best but still collected allot of detritus.
reef_addict
New Member
Rip,
What are you using now?
What are you using now?
ripcurrent
New Member
On my tanks that have a fuge they are integrated into the sump. If that's not an option... skip the fuge and get a nice HOB skimmer like a remora.
A
Anonymous
Guest
gotta agree again - i don't know if or how many times i've said this but i love my remora aqua c for small tanks - this may be the best investment for a reef tank you can possibly make! trying to make a fuge out of a HOB is an exercise in futility - unless your in to such things and just like to play and experiment.......... want tried and true - get a good protein skimmer!
ripcurrent
New Member
Like I said on your other thread... give us more details on your tank, what you want to keep, your budget, ect... that way we could give you specifics on what equipment and methods we'd use to best serve what your trying to accomplish.
I swear over the years I've built every tank available in my head. I'm sure I've already pondered what I'd do. Just tell me the size and i'll pull the blue prints out of my mental database. I need to get a life, who's with me :mrgreen:
I swear over the years I've built every tank available in my head. I'm sure I've already pondered what I'd do. Just tell me the size and i'll pull the blue prints out of my mental database. I need to get a life, who's with me :mrgreen:
reef_addict
New Member
Your right Ripcurrent,
I've got a 10.6gal glass tank 2 powerheads.
15lbs LR
2 inches mixed LS and off the shelf sand.
a 175W MH.
Salt .023
Ammiona .0
Nitrites .0
nitrates are .15
I use mineral water to topoff and do water changes. I just did my first. 50%. I haven't tested the Nitrates after it.
I want to keep a little of everything. I really like branching corals, zoos and sps. I was hoping for 1 small fish a clam and a shrimp too. But, I understand that it would be hard in a small tank.
I've kept salt tanks for 10yrs but this was 10 yrs ago. it was back in the day when everything just died. So, I gave up for the past 10yrs. But, with a 3 yr son I want to setup a tank for him. I searched the web and found nano tanks. Its funny because I kept a 20l with a ac500 and LR for 3 yrs. Back then no one said it could be done. I believe back then everything was collected with cyanide and just about everything die. Plus with no internet and poor equipment it just wasn't as refined as it is now. So I gave up.
Anyway, I just want to do the best for the tank. Money isn't the real issue. I just want the best so I don't have to deal too much with killing my critters.
sorry about rambling on..I'm good at that.
I've got a 10.6gal glass tank 2 powerheads.
15lbs LR
2 inches mixed LS and off the shelf sand.
a 175W MH.
Salt .023
Ammiona .0
Nitrites .0
nitrates are .15
I use mineral water to topoff and do water changes. I just did my first. 50%. I haven't tested the Nitrates after it.
I want to keep a little of everything. I really like branching corals, zoos and sps. I was hoping for 1 small fish a clam and a shrimp too. But, I understand that it would be hard in a small tank.
I've kept salt tanks for 10yrs but this was 10 yrs ago. it was back in the day when everything just died. So, I gave up for the past 10yrs. But, with a 3 yr son I want to setup a tank for him. I searched the web and found nano tanks. Its funny because I kept a 20l with a ac500 and LR for 3 yrs. Back then no one said it could be done. I believe back then everything was collected with cyanide and just about everything die. Plus with no internet and poor equipment it just wasn't as refined as it is now. So I gave up.
Anyway, I just want to do the best for the tank. Money isn't the real issue. I just want the best so I don't have to deal too much with killing my critters.
sorry about rambling on..I'm good at that.
reef_addict
New Member
I've been reading and looking at all the suggestion. I think I may go with a remora aqua c or a cpr bak pak. I've got a 2 x96 coralife pc that I can trade towards or sell. I'm starting to collect a lot of stuff and I'm not using it so this is a good way of getting rid of at least one thing. either way, I think I'll get the skimmer. I don't want to tear down the tank to drill it so, this seems a good way to go.
You still have the option of adding a sump without drilling by using a hang on overflow. You could add a sump with a built in refugium and also hide most of your equipment like heaters, thermometers, etc. You would have the benefit of having more water in your system, a good place to add an auto topoff to take care of evaporation water, and you can still add a good skimmer. In fact if I were recommending a hang on skimmer it would be the Aqua C Remora, they also have a in sump version of the same skimmer only they call it an Urchin.
I beleive in viewing all of my options before I take off running with one, take a look at what you want to acheive and decide if having a sump would benefit you more or if you just need to add a protien skimmer. I hope I haven't made things more complicated for you.
I beleive in viewing all of my options before I take off running with one, take a look at what you want to acheive and decide if having a sump would benefit you more or if you just need to add a protien skimmer. I hope I haven't made things more complicated for you.
reef_addict
New Member
You did but, Its no big deal. If anything I have time. I haven't commited to anything yet. the more info I gather the better off I am.