Adding second filter to nano

[nath514]

I have a 7 gallon nano cube with an aquaclear 30 HOB filter. I was digging through my closet the other day and found my old rapids c80 canister filter. I was thinking about filling it up with some filterfloss and small pieces of live rock and running it as mechanical / biological filter alongside the hob. Any reason not to do this? I figure with such a small tank anyway I can add more water / live rock is good.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[OrQidz]

It can be good, but if you don't keep it super clean it will trap detritus and cause nutrient buildup. If it's easy to open up and clean, it might be worth it. Some of those canisters are a pain to open and clean - I've thought about using one on a nano but I know I would slack on cleaning it!

 

[shifty51008]

I agree, it can work out good as long as you clean it regularly, maybe once a week. Some people put them on and find it starts to be a pain cleaning them so they dont clean them as often then start haveing issues with nitrates

 

[nath514]

This one is pretty easy to clean just pop the top off and good to go. I think it would only need to be cleaned every other week or so since it will be mostly just another place to put live rock and won't have much that can be cleaned.

 

[nath514]

I am thinking about moving my purigen and chemipure elite to the canister and adding more filter floss to the hob where it is easily changed out. The purigen / chemipure don't need frequent changing so they can sit in the canister for a few weeks between changes. I might also add chaeto algae to the second compartment of my ac 50.

 

[nath514]

Went ahead with my plan. I picked up some chaeto on the way home from work. I have set the rapids up with just the carbon and purigen freeing up space in my hob for a ball of chaeto. Now to wait and see how my tank reacts.

 

[nath514]

Some photos of the result.