40 Breeder HMF Build

[Athletic_Amph]

so after seeing more and more threads regarding an HMF design (Hamburger Matten Filter) I decided to incorporate one in to my 40g breeder...
I purchased the poret foam, glass braces, and air lift tube from SwissTropicals (per recommendations from numerous people here on MFK). I also had a spare Whisperer AP150 and plenty of check valves and airline tubing
I have always been a huge fan of Sponge Fitlers, so something this inexpensive really caught my eye...
and I've gotta say, it's been up and running since Friday and I absolutely love it

now it's just time for fish...

 

[deeda]

Looks good! I do suggest raising the airlift so the top of the PVC is level with the top of the foam as it allows a quieter operation with the bubbles.

 

[jaws7777]

Nice job.

 

[Dis]

Nice filter and scape. What fish are you going with?

 

[Athletic_Amph]

Looks good! I do suggest raising the airlift so the top of the PVC is level with the top of the foam as it allows a quieter operation with the bubbles.

Thank you, D deeda for the recommendation. I've just gotten it set up so I'm still playing around with it. The slit I cut in the top of the foam is too deep, so if/when I plan on raising the air lift tube i'll simply flip the pad upside down (or order another pad... seeing as they aren't that expensive in retrospect)

Nice job.

Thanks, J jaws7777

Nice filter and scape. What fish are you going with?

Thanks, Dis ! I was going to use this as a growout tank for a group of EBJD/Gold JD/Pink or Platinum JD... but I'm still uncertain lol

 

[jaws7777]

Are you going to be cycling the tank from scratch ?

 

[Athletic_Amph]

Are you going to be cycling the tank from scratch ?

No, I'm sorry lol I should have mentioned that... I slapped a Marineland HOB that I had on my 55g Riv tank to the back of this tank to cycle it. I put the HOB on Saturday afternoon after I put the gravel and drift wood in, tested it sunday, did a 50% w/c after I tested it, tested it Monday, and added my other White Saum in the tank just to maintain the cycle until I figure out what is going in there permanently (and also to remove him from the 55 bc he was getting his @$$ whooped by my dominant male)

 

[deeda]

Lou, you can always stuff a bit of floss or poly fiberfil in the gap rather than flipping it or ordering another piece.

For future reference, use a straight, not serrated, kitchen knife to make the cut for the air lifts and start shallow until you get the depth you want.

 

[Athletic_Amph]

Lou, you can always stuff a bit of floss or poly fiberfil in the gap rather than flipping it or ordering another piece.

For future reference, use a straight, not serrated, kitchen knife to make the cut for the air lifts and start shallow until you get the depth you want.

that's a good point too, I've got plenty of filter floss (and pillow stuffing) around.
I did just that... I used a box cutter to make the cut (straight edge), and did start shallow - at about 3/4" from the top. But as I looked at it, I wanted to have the tube submerged so I just tore it a little further instead of taking the blade to it again

 

[nzafi]

Looks good! I do suggest raising the airlift so the top of the PVC is level with the top of the foam as it allows a quieter operation with the bubbles.

The feedback from SwissT is to make sure that the airlift opening is not more than 2/3 covered. If it goes more than that you will drastically reduce the potential flow. I made this mistake on my 180g and he provided the feedback when I sent him a video of low flow on my tank.