Filter media

[kalcock78]

I have a 55 gallon saltwater tank. 2 months old. Aqueon 75 gallon HOB filter. Should I change out the standard filter media that comes with the filter? What is best practice?

 

[fish_collector]

I don't know what media Aqueon uses in the HOB filters. But in general if it has a foam block, you should always rinse that off in some tank water so you don't destroy the bacteria that has colonized it, and if it has a carbon or charcoal section, that can be replaced at least monthly. Every 3 months or so you should disassemble the HOB filter assembly and clean the pump and impeller, it'll get pretty slimy.

It is up to you to decide if you want to use preloaded filter cartridges from Aqueon or buy a zippered nylon bag and refill with your own carbon. Fwiw, pelleted carbon is much safer for your fish than the granular type, always rinse it well before you use it so the fines don't get into the tank. ROX 0.8 carbon is expensive but doesn't require much and is THE safest carbon to use in a marine aquarium. I mention this because some carbons/charcoals are coal based and are very harmful to a lot of the fish we keep, tangs and angels in particular.

 

[Saltyreef]

I have a 55 gallon saltwater tank. 2 months old. Aqueon 75 gallon HOB filter. Should I change out the standard filter media that comes with the filter? What is best practice?

Its fine filter media for basic needs.
I would over size the HOB filter by 2x minimum though. 2 of the 55 gallon HOBs would be ideal since its only got one pickup tube and no surface skimmer like the seachem tidal HOB.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally I remove the media that comes in hob filters and I add rubble and a baggie of carbon and thats how I roll. The hob filter does not 'export' nutrients or docs so water changes will be your main source of filtration. Hopefully you have a pair of powerheads in the tank along with that hob.

 

[Saltyreef]

Personally I remove the media that comes in hob filters and I add rubble and a baggie of carbon and thats how I roll. The hob filter does not 'export' nutrients or docs so water changes will be your main source of filtration. Hopefully you have a pair of powerheads in the tank along with that hob.

Agreed. Thats another reason why i like the tidal HOB. Its got a huge chamber for media or bags and you can still run a 3 stage sponge prefilter. The chamber just pulls out for easy cleaning.
I used to run 2 and had made the 2nd into a DIY refugium. I think its the best reef HOB on the market because it also employs a surface skimmer that you can tune.