Who is using a pre filter for the AC HOB filters?
- Thread starter DavidZ
- Start date
I'm using the small fluval prefilter. It's small, effective, and looks sharp. The big drawback is it clogs quickly... I'm lucky if it lasts a week.
I had this guy a while back, and it was amazing. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002565HU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1378152332&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165
I had this guy a while back, and it was amazing. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002565HU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1378152332&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165
I use a cut AC sponge. I've been thinking about getting some SS mesh to replace it though. My mystery snails tend to commit suicide on the filter intakes though so I'm not sure if this would be a problem with stainless steel mesh.
I've used the Marineland RUGF pre filters on them before. Works well, doesn't clog too easily but I usually swished it in water every week just to make sure.
I use the Fluval's as well, have to wring it out every 4 days or so, or the outflow drops greatly, other then that I'm happy with them, black so they blend in well with my background, cut up AC sponges looked like crap.
Depends on the size of the AC, I use api prefilters on AC 70s, I think I have Fluval sponges (or knock offs) on AC 50s. I usually rinse them every 2-3 weeks if flow slows. There are fine & gross API prefilters, I like the "gross" to catch plant material but not slow the flow...depends on what you have in the way of "bits" to filter out...my fish like to graze on them.
Ive used both filter foam(like the blue sleeves for HOT canister) and sponges for the Zoo Med Power Sweep power heads. The sponges look better and are really only suited for larger hob's. The foam last a lot longer between cleanings and can be used for any size filter since I would just cut it to size and zip tie it on, but they don't look nearly as good in the tank.
I use the fluval prefilter on all my small AC's(like the 20) I find it works great. It does clog relatively quickly, but I don't consider that a problem. By that I mean if the prefilter is clogging that means it isn't getting into the filter and it's less work to rinse out the prefilter than the other media. By having the finer type of prefilter I end up doing less maintenance as a whole, just a couple minutes every 4 to
