I started my 20g long about 2 months ago. I'd read about using an AC110 slightly modified as a refugium for chaeto, DSB, and LR rubble. Since the filter costs the same as two powerheads and it would double as my circulation, I figured I can't lose. My clown and sally lightfoot are happy with the tank, but I'm not happy with the noise. The impeller makes such a racket. I've had this problem from time to time on my AC70 and AC110 on my other tanks, but this persists like nothing else. I have nothing in my filter but my heater and two pieces of LR that are at the far end (away from the impeller).
I've taken the motor apart and inspected the impeller, magnet, and the shaft. The magnet and impeller seem to be fine, but the shaft has some shiny parts on it, as if it has been polished by some kind of sediment. I'm using crushed coral as my substrate, FWIW. Should I ditch the AC110 and its potential for an inexpensive refugium for 2 powerheads, or is there a way to keep these from making so much noise?
I've taken the motor apart and inspected the impeller, magnet, and the shaft. The magnet and impeller seem to be fine, but the shaft has some shiny parts on it, as if it has been polished by some kind of sediment. I'm using crushed coral as my substrate, FWIW. Should I ditch the AC110 and its potential for an inexpensive refugium for 2 powerheads, or is there a way to keep these from making so much noise?
