Aquaclear Mod with pics

[walton321]

Hello all. I think the Aquaclear filter is a great filter, but its current design, where poop and uneaten food is trapped at the bottom to decompose, is detrimental to the health of discus. Here's a simple mod for your Aquaclear filter where you can use bulk floss or pads that can be replaced within seconds. When the water starts flowing over the floss, then you know it's time to change it. Have fun!

Cut up the media basket and glue the bottom piece as pictured. I used quickset epoxy. Note: there are 3 vertical projectiles that need to be removed from the bottom of the case.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/IMG_4558.jpg

Slice up one side of the media basket as follows
(http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/IMG_4558.jpg.html)http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/IMG_4557.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/IMG_4557.jpg.html)

Glue to case. I used Amazing Goop glue here because it remains flexible. Epoxy didn't hold well.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/IMG_4560.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/IMG_4560.jpg.html)

Find this at your 99 cent store and cut/shape it to fit in the filter. Be sure to round off lower corners to fit bottom of case
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/6493daa3-a494-4b14-8656-66af06fe17a4.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/6493daa3-a494-4b14-8656-66af06fe17a4.jpg.html)

Glue to basket. In this case, I glued L-channels for easy cleaning/removal.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/IMG_4559.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/IMG_4559.jpg.html)

Finished project with extra room for carbon or media as you wish.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/walton321/Aquaclear/IMG_4561.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/walton321/media/Aquaclear/IMG_4561.jpg.html)

[blueluv]

Great idea. Could you have probably tried a pre-filter sponge instead?

[discus143]

+1 pre-filter sponge. The foam inset, never gets dirty.

Peter

[Elliots]

Peter, I hope you keep checking you foam insert because it does get dirty but it takes a much longer time.

[discus143]

Thanks Elliots, I do check and from time to time I clean it, but other then some slime I never saw much of anything in it...the sponge on the intake pretty much prevents any filth from getting there.

[walton321]

Yup, I thought about prefilters but then I would get my arm wet all the time reaching into the tank... With this setup I don't even get my fingers wet to change the floss. I use chopsticks :p

[discus143]

I thought being in aquarium hobby is about getting wet :confused:...hmm.... learned something new ever day ;)

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Nice idea I think, Lol. What is different about this setup vs the original way the AquaClear comes right out of the box other than yours is vertical and the design is horizontal? If doing proper tank maintenance, don't you clean your filters regularly anyway? I clean mine once a week and have been using them for years. I am sure it works for you, so good luck on your progress.

[discus143]

I think Walton321 idea is to prevent the foam from getting dirty, so using toothpicks/chopsticks :) he can remove/change the floss only...

Peter

PS. Walton321, please don't think that I am knocking your idea...any ideas that are helping people in this hobby are big plus.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

I think it is different and thinking outside the box is always good.

[discus143]

BTW, I do use hydro sponges (IV, V) on all my intakes. Not everybody likes that look of the big black object in aquarium, so I do see Walton321 idea as good.

Peter

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Great idea. Could you have probably tried a pre-filter sponge instead?



I too have prefilter sponges on my AC's as an added precaution.

[walton321]

BTW, I do use hydro sponges (IV, V) on all my intakes. Not everybody likes that look of the big black object in aquarium, so I do see Walton321 idea as good.

Peter

Yeah..I used to have those big round sponges too as suplemental filters. Now without them, there's more room for the fish to swim around. :)