air stone inside HOB filter?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

jgallagher1980

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 25, 2008
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herndon VA
since a wet/dry filter is better for BB, would it make sense to add air stones inside a HOB filter, i have 2 bags of biomax on top of the sponge in a ac110, wouldnt it create more bacteria if i was able to introduce air under the sponge, there is a little room under there, to get the best results from all the bio max?
 
maybe try it and report back what happens.
 
I completely agree with the line of thinking you are using... and I would suspect that you are right... but I don't know for sure.

You should make an experiment and count the bacteria before you add the air stone and then count them 2 months after you add it... :P Now you just need to figure out how to collect & count bacteria :P

If you were adding additional fish to the tank, adding an airstone to the HOB may help the colony grow (to accomodate the extra waste) faster, but for day to day use I think it would be pointless. Once the bacteria has what it needs adding more doesn't help anything.
 
You will need to change to a different media though. The largest part of the BB lives in the pores of the bio max. There is now way for the air to enter those pores.
 
so then the biological media that comes with the ac 110 is only any good when it is completely under water?
 
The high flow of the AC110 should create enough aeration in your tank. I have never had any problem with an AC not having enough oxygen to produce beneficial bacteria.
 
but more is better, water quality is good with 2 ac 100's and a fluval 304, but never hurts to over filter, the only residents are 2 10-12" oscars and i pleco, in theory, would this work, or would it be a waste of time?
 
I wouldn't worry about it. I would just stick with the normal means of filtering.
 
jgallagher1980;2225205; said:
but more is better, water quality is good with 2 ac 100's and a fluval 304, but never hurts to over filter, the only residents are 2 10-12" oscars and i pleco, in theory, would this work, or would it be a waste of time?

What are the water parameters now?

If you are having trouble keeping them stable, try it.

Use a limewood airstone as the put out a finer bubble so less overspray.

Watch for water buildup and leaks from it too.

Dr Joe

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