Hang on filter or not ??

First of all, thanks for all wonderful 3-reef members for your support. Now I need some advise on removing my Hang-on Aquaclear filter, here's link Aqua Clear Hang-On-Back Power Filter, UL Listed

it's 80 gallon bowfront and been setup for 6 years and it was FOWLR until last March. Now i have added numerous softies like zoas, mushrooms, devils' hand, sinularia, cabbage coral, kenya tree and colt coral. I don't have refugium, but wet/dry filter with bio balls and skimmer in it. I am bit lazy to have refugium yet, but so far no problem everything doing good. Just wondering do I still need hang on aquaclear filter anymore?? I remember last time filters replaced 2-3 years back, so am I doing any harm by taking out all benefical bacteria? will get pictures soon...

 

To be honest, if everything is doing good, then just dont change anything. Like ive taken off HOB filters and it makes the tank a lil dirtier and does not endup well. But if your tank is doing good, then dont change anything with it, better to keep it stable then change something that could go wrong.

 

You can always just take out the bioballs and replace with chaeto or the like.

 

Yeah, or you can replace them with LR rubble, which is the same thing as bioballs but just no maintenance on them

 

Yup. I just don't like bioballs much. I had good success with them initially but they're a detritus sink.

 

Yeah, when ive used them my nitrates always get worse. i took them out, but i dont have anything to replace them. but everything is fine though.

 

Thanks Zoa...I also thought not to disturb anything on good working system, but my wife was saying yesterday HOB filters not adding charm to tank .

 

regarding replacing bio-balls with LR rubble, is it OK if LR along with chaeto not submerged under water but water will be running over it?

 

for best results it will need to be submerged. just google Aquaclear DIY fuge, and that is exactly what i did with my HOB filter.

 

wow...never thought HOB can be used as fuge, thanks for pointing it.