All Fluval Spec Mods

[tekkguy]

I know that a reverse UGF was mentioned, but has anyone connected the pump outflow to a sponge filter? I was thinking that it might add another good surface for shrimp feeding, and help to keep the flow down a bit more.

[MABJ]

Do you mean a real sponge filter or just a round piece of filter wrapped around the outflow pipe?

[tekkguy]

Originally Posted by MABJ

Do you mean a real sponge filter or just a round piece of filter wrapped around the outflow pipe?

An actual sponge filter, driven by the pump instead of air.

[MABJ]

Originally Posted by tekkguy

An actual sponge filter, driven by the pump instead of air.

Oh.. Hmm. So you mean something like this hooked up



Right?

[tekkguy]

Yes, exactly. The spec offers very little mechanical filtration. So if the biologically filtered water was driving a sponge filter, there would be more mechanical filtration and probably much happier shrimp.


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[maxwellag]

Originally Posted by tekkguy

Yes, exactly. The spec offers very little mechanical filtration. So if the biologically filtered water was driving a sponge filter, there would be more mechanical filtration and probably much happier shrimp.


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The spec has that huge sponge in the filter compartment. I wouldn't call it "very little". The biomedia it comes with its plenty for shrimp (the huge sponge also holds beneficial bacteria). The only concern is aeration. This can easily be improved by aiming the filter outflow nozzle up and keeping the water level slightly lower to increase surface agitation. An airstone would also work just fine.

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[MABJ]

The logic is there, but I don't think there would be any more mechanical filtering.

It would just be pushing water out of it, not be sucking water in.

Even when a sponge has the sucking feature it is mostly biological. I don't hate the idea tho. I kinda like it.

[MABJ]

Originally Posted by maxwellag

The spec has that huge sponge in the filter compartment. I wouldn't call it "very little". The biomedia it comes with its plenty for shrimp (the huge sponge also holds beneficial bacteria). The only concern is aeration. This can easily be improved by aiming the filter outflow nozzle up and keeping the water level slightly lower to increase surface agitation. An airstone would also work just fine.

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There is very little mechanical, not biological filtration. I'd compare it to a very good sponge filter or a little better under gravel filter in its ability to mechanically filter.

Aeration could use some help, you're definitely right. Here's to wondering if putting an air stone in the back compartment would help.

Actually, I could remove the old pump, use an air pump and connect it thru the old slot. My canister filter would still pull stuff through the old filter. Hmmmm.

How's that for an idea.

[tekkguy]

Originally Posted by MABJ

There is very little mechanical, not biological filtration. I'd compare it to a very good sponge filter or a little better under gravel filter in its ability to mechanically filter.

Aeration could use some help, you're definitely right. Here's to wondering if putting an air stone in the back compartment would help.

Actually, I could remove the old pump, use an air pump and connect it thru the old slot. My canister filter would still pull stuff through the old filter. Hmmmm.

How's that for an idea.

Sounds interesting. Take lots of pictures if you do it.


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[MABJ]

I've got all the components I need, I would just need a properly fitted tube and something that fits in the spec sponge wise. Something small..

[tekkguy]

I finally got a picture of my decidedly low-tech solution to the bottom filter "intake" (read: deathtrap filter bypass of DOOM!). Since my substrate is sloped high on that side, all I needed was a little piece of plastic courtesy of a Littlest Pet Shop package from my daughter.

[MABJ]

Interesting solution! Thank you very much for posting.

I was considering the thought of just adding substrate over it. Since in general my substrate is higher than most.

[tekkguy]

Originally Posted by MABJ

Interesting solution! Thank you very much for posting.

I was considering the thought of just adding substrate over it. Since in general my substrate is higher than most.

For some reason, I couldn't keep my substrate up over it. Probably didn't let it settle enough. I suppose I could have put more after planting, but the little plastic thing isn't really noticeable ... also, if I really, really need to open the deathtrap for some reason, it's very quick to remove and replace.

[MABJ]

Originally Posted by tekkguy

For some reason, I couldn't keep my substrate up over it. Probably didn't let it settle enough. I suppose I could have put more after planting, but the little plastic thing isn't really noticeable ... also, if I really, really need to open the deathtrap for some reason, it's very quick to remove and replace.

A very good point. I'm going to search for my own little piece of plastic!

[Pepperhicksrules]

Glad others are posting about this. I had it with that little slit on the bottom of the spec v. Always had surface film. Cut a small piece of plastic from a strawberry container and super glued it to block it entirely. 2 days now and the water is much clearer and no more surface film. I can actually see the water moving into the sponge compartment. Just a note, I have the pump at lowest setting and make sure there is plenty of water in the tank to run over the intake. Great little tank now.