Aquapod Filter CHAMBERS -What should I use in them?AP OWNERS

[saltman123]

I am starting up a 12 gallong aquapod and am curious to know what you all use in the 4 filter chambers?

I've heard things such as:
Chamber 1-sponge or filter floss
Chamber 2-Carbon or Chemipure with
Chamber 3-phosban
Chamber 4-Heater and Upgrade Maxi-jet 900

I've also heard of using just Filter Floss in the first instead of the sponge, then putting live rock in chamber 2 and 3 without any carbon,chemipure, or phosban.

Also, has anyone modded the top plastic piece to act as a skimmer? I've also heard that before.

Any tips to help me get my Aquapod running happily will be appreciated. The tank will be a reef tank for now....but may eventually get fish once I learn lots. But for now just a reef tank.

I've also had someone suggest putting some Chaeto in a sach in the 2nd and 3rd chamber. I definitely don't want to create a fuge back there and have to install a wacky light so any other easier suggestions appreciated.

 

[saltman123]

Anyone? :lol:

I've heard all sorts of combinations so I am hoping to hear one that works well.

 

[Coraline2020]

Hey Saltman...

Just wanted to chime in, although I'm not sure I can help...

I have the AQ24, but I only have 2 chambers in the back. Here's what I have in them though...Chamber 1 (right side as you face the tank) I have 1/2 of the original sponge filter (cleaned at least weekly) and a HOB skimmer (SeaClown 100) and a bag of carbon. Sometimes I run Purigen in there also. In Chamber 2 I have a 100W heater, and two (2) maxijet 900's for flow. One of the Maxi's replaced the stock pump (runs cooler) and the other is plumbed over the back wall into a "Y" of lockline.

Hope this helps...

Liz

 

[saltman123]

Hey Saltman...
Chamber 1 (right side as you face the tank) I have 1/2 of the original sponge filter (cleaned at least weekly) and a HOB skimmer (SeaClown 100) and a bag of carbon. Sometimes I run Purigen in there also. In Chamber 2 I have a 100W heater, and two (2) maxijet 900's for flow.
Hope this helps...
Liz

Thanks for the response liz. Well I guess I won't be using a skimmer since it seems useless from what most people say on such a small tank if you stay consistent on water changes.

So when do you run purigen? when the water gets cloudy? I am wondering how Purigen differs from Chemi-pure and carbon itself?

 

[Coraline2020]

I usually run purigen only if/when I see an algae outbreak I'm not positive on this, but I think that carbon only absorbs some chemicals and "polishes" the water, whereas Purigen, Chemipure, etc will also address issues like phosphates, nitrates, silicates, etc. I do however see the difference in the tank with and without the skimmer, and recommend using one (although if I did it again, I would go with the AquaC by Remora).

Hope this helps.

 

[paneubert]

Chamber 1 (right side as you face the tank) I have 1/2 of the original sponge filter (cleaned at least weekly) and a HOB skimmer (SeaClown 100) and a bag of carbon.

When you added that skimmer, did you have to modify the hood at all or lower the overall water level? I ask because I am looking at getting a skimmer for my Aquapod 24.