Filter media set up for hob emperor 400

[Finthusiast]

Hi I have a newly set up 75 gallon tank and i am seeking advice on how to set up my filter media. Here is a video of my filter and media that I have set up to the best of my knowledge. I also have a sponge filter with powerhead at the other end of the tank pushing water towards filter intake.
My media setup in video is as follows:
Left side media chamber - sponge first, lavarock filled to top second (closest to where water enters back into aquarium)
Right side media chamber - filter catridge (came with emperor 400) first, then lavarock at bottom and two sponges on top. (See video where I pull out one of the sponges)
My question is Which side is better filtration and any other advice is appreciated!

 

[BIG-G]

I only use some sponge cut to fit.
I never use the cartridge.
A quality sponge will provide mechanical and biological.
Just take it out and rinse or squeeze in some tank water in a bucket when it starts to slow the flow of water.

 

[Finthusiast]

ahh so the left chamber is set up how both sides should be?

 

[Blakewater]

I would suggest getting a second filter at some point as well. That'll work for now but HOB filters never really keep a tank clean IMO and that ones pushing pretty close to minimal filtration. If you need any advice on what others to get message me and Ill gladly point you in the right direction. Or at least purchase a cheap powerhead on ebay for like $7 to stir up the bottom of your tank

 

[Finthusiast]

Thanks I cannot afford to add any other filtration atm and I will only have one fish in here so it shouldnt be a problem to my understanding. I would like to know your recommendations tho for future reference! I am just sticking with basic stuff right now and may advance in the future with sump most likely. I found a 20 or so gallon tank at the road today I will check for leaks and see what I can do to restore that to its former glory lol

 

[Blakewater]

Thanks I cannot afford to add any other filtration atm and I will only have one fish in here so it shouldnt be a problem to my understanding. I would like to know your recommendations tho for future reference! I am just sticking with basic stuff right now and may advance in the future with sump most likely. I found a 20 or so gallon tank at the road today I will check for leaks and see what I can do to restore that to its former glory lol

Sumps are always great, any fluval canister rated for over 100 gallon would suffice. https://www.ebay.com/itm/530-GPH-Ci...460016?hash=item546584e0f0:g:LCwAAOSwF31b4ilL heres a link to a decent little circulation fan.

 

[Finthusiast]

Wow that is a good deal I bought one of those for like 40 bucks and returned it cause it made more noise than my filter! Lol
I have a powerhead attached to a sponge filter pushing water towards my emperor intake. Are you suggesting to get a second circulating method?

 

[lm26sk]

I would just crush some lava rock and use some floss in it .. Been using similar setups ( AC hob filters) with most of my tanks and never had problem with water quality , but i change 30-50% of water weekly.

 

[Finthusiast]

thanks for chiming in, I have been doing about that same routine with water changes once a week and rinsing my media once every two weeks have not had any problems so far Im using sponge and lava rocks for filter media I appreciate the info!

 

[lm26sk]

you dont really have to rinse media every 2 weeks , once a month or 2 will be enough...
I do every ~ 6 months change/flush floss