How To Use Top Fin Silent Stream 10 Power Filter Cartridge

Islandvic · Jan five, 2019

This is a write-up on some methods and options for using DIY media in your HOB filter. My goal is to condense in i thread, easy and cheap methods of improving the filtration in your HOB filter while making it more price effective. I enjoy the hobby and especially the DIY aspect of it.

Have you get frustrated with replacing HOB cartridges and crashing nitrogen cycles? Is your filter not keeping up with the bio-load of your fish stock? Do y'all desire to hot rod the stock filter your tank came with? Are y'all on a budget? Exercise you lot like or desire to attempt some easy DIY projects that offering nifty results with minimal endeavour? If you answered yes to whatever of those questions, then you should be interested in this thread.

The following lists some DIY media options for calculation fibroid/fine mechanical filtration and for adding extra biological media to your HOB filters. It volition work for ten gallon betta tanks, 75 gallon cichlid tanks and anything in between.

I will focus on mainly the Height Fin Silenstream series of HOBs and also give some examples using Aquaclear filters. The Top Fin Silenstream filters are included with the bulk of Top Fin aquarium kits from Petsmart. They are prevalent in our hobby and very cheap to purchase separately. Aquaclear filters are on the other side of the spectrum of HOB'southward. Between these two models of filter, most people will probably be able to use this guide to get ideas for the brand of filter they own with some minor tweaking.

This is not an all-inclusive list, but a full general guide to give you ideas for cost effective, readily available and piece of cake to use media for your HOB filter.

I volition include specific media I take used in my personal HOB's. In that location are many brands and variations of media available at different price points, for certain applications and specialty apply. I can not list every brand/model of HOB filter or media. Once again, this is a general guide to point you in the right direction.

What I demonstrate in this thread may not exist applicable to your situation and needs. Sometimes experimentation is required in the corporeality/placement/type combination of DIY media to balance the flow rate, effectiveness of filtration and adjust to the tank'due south biological load. Yous may tailor the DIY media to fit your specific needs and application.

Earlier I begin, I must give thanks everyone here on the Fishlore forum. I accept gained a lot of information from a lot of good people. Everyone here wants to advance the hobby and are always available to give some advice or share their experience in a positive. Therefore I want to contribute back and share what I have learned.

I also want to mention some YouTube resources I accept come across with valuable information that help to accelerate our hobby. These hosts are also genuinely passionate virtually our hobby and I take learned a lot from them besides: Richard from Pondguru channel, Cory from Aquarium Co-Op aqueduct and Joey from Male monarch of DIY aqueduct. In that location are many more smashing aquarium hobby channels on YouTube, simply I cannot listing them all.

Basics of Filtration:

Throughout the guide, the flow of h2o follows the same basic pattern through the media. It can apply to whatever your filter and media you choose.

Water enters the filter and flows through the media in this order then back out into the tank:

1st: Coarse mechanical filtration

2nd: Fine mechanical filtration

third: Biological filtration.

Water enters the filter where larger suspended particles gets trapped by the coarse mechanical filtration and smaller particulates gets trapped past the fine mechanical filtration. So the biological media (where the benign bacteria colonizes) will facilitate the nitrogen wheel.

In this guide I purposely did not give options for chemical filtration, though if you cull to use it, I recommend it existence the last thing the water touches before it flows back into the tank. I did not want to get into debates of the validity or specific times of when/when non to use chemical filtration.

Tiptop Fin Silenstream filters and other cartridge based HOB's:

The offset case of using DIY media in a HOB will exist for the Height Fin Silenstream series of filters. The Silenstream shares many design characteristics with other brands of HOB's, and so the DIY media mods listed beneath are hands adapted for apply in other brands of HOB's.

Information technology's a basic HOB filter pattern using a plastic bio-grid and a replaceable cartridge. They have a telescopic intake tube with a very handy adjustable knob that lets y'all adjust the flow rate. The knob turns a restrictor in the intake tube limiting the water flow that feeds into the impeller housing.

Top Fin is Petsmart'southward in-house brand and the Silenstream filter is included with most of their Top Fin aquarium kits ranging from 10g-55g. Although considered an entry level HOB filter, with the correct mods it tin be made into a very reliable and effective filter. The post-obit lists the gph ratings of the models. Although not indicated in the literature or online, I assume the gph ratings is for menstruation at the impeller assembly without media installed. Your actual gph flow may vary, specially when using different combinations of media.

Tiptop Fin Silenstream x 85gph

Top Fin Silenstream 20 100gph

Top Fin Silenstream 30 150gph

Acme Fin Silenstream 40 200gph

Top Fin Silenstream 75 400gph

Models 20, 30 and xl share the same filter body, intake tube and reservoir. The merely difference is the gph ratings due to differences in the impeller/pump. The model 10's reservoir is not as wide merely has the same design as the 20-40 models. The Silenstream 75 model basically has ii reservoirs joined together side-by-side with a stronger impeller/pump assembly rated for college flow. Sharing the same bones design elements, the DIY media mods featured here tin be tweaked for use in the 75 model too.

I own the Silenstream twenty model and information technology'south used in the following pictures. Although originally included with my 20 gallon Top Fin aquarium kit, it was re-purposed for use on my 10 gallon and I detect it to exist a very effective filter in this awarding.

Islandvic · January 5, 2019

DIY Intake Pre-Filter Sponge, cost $3-$15:

The first modernistic than can exist made to whatsoever filter (HOB or canister) is to boost the coarse mechanical filtration power with the utilize of a sponge pre-filter on the intake tube. The pre-filter sponge volition catch all the large muck suspended in the water before it enters the filter. This has 2 benefits. First it will keep the media in the HOB'southward reservoir cleaner for a longer period of time. 2d, information technology will be a host for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

There are different methods of attaching a sponge to the intake tube. The outset two examples are easy and price effective while the third pick costs slightly more…..

One method is to employ the Top Fin MF-xx filter refill bachelor at Petsmart for about $iii and comes with a 2-pack of sponges. The are closed at one end and take an opening at the other end for the intake tube to skid into. These come with loose fill carbon granules loaded into the inner cavity. This tin exist discarded or saved for another DIY project. Either fashion, they are not to exist used in this application. Apply a plastic zip tie or a rubber ring can be used to secure the sponge to the intake tube.

I apply these dark-green Elevation Fin sponges on my Top Fin Silenstream twenty and one of my Aquaclear 30 HOB'south. They have been very effective and have held upwards well later being taken off and on multiple times when they are rinsed off with tank water.

Another pick is to buy a 3-pack of Aquaclear/Fluval sponge refills for either their AC50 or AC70 models and use 1 sponge to make an intake pre-filter. They are avaialbe at most brick-and-mortar stores and online for $iii-$5 for the 3-pack.

The post-obit YouTube video, DIY Intake Sponge from Chewy's Bro Aquatics channel, shows how to chop-chop accomplish this. After finding this video, I started to use an AC70 sponge as an intake pre-filter on my AC70. Information technology works great!

The 3rd option for using a pre-filter intake sponge is using the ATI Filter Max. Depending on the source, they range in $8-$15. The company ATI sells both sponge filters driven by airlines and pre-filter intake sponge kits. Their ATI Filter MAX I and Ii models use a fine foam and their Filter Max 3 uses a reticulated fibroid foam sponge. They have a modular design and then more than one sponge can be attached inline.

I utilize their Filter Max II model on one of my Aquaclear xxx's and their Filter Max 3 model on my Aquaclear 110 HOB. Here are some pics of the Filter Max III.

Islandvic · January five, 2019

Calculation Extra Mechanical Filtration in HOB's Reservoir:

Boosted media can be added to the reservoir of the HOB to supplement the cartridge, or the cartridge can be completely omitted. There are different options for accomplishing this. Hither are the 3 main methods:

i: Polyfil $v-$ten

Polyfil is polyester fiber fill traditionally used in pillows and is available from WalMart and craft stores. Some bags are marked "flame resistant" or something similar. Avoid these bags because the poly fibers are treated with a chemic.

Polyfil is used for fine mechanical filtration and traps the smaller particles of muck in the water. It tin be compressed or stuffed loosely into most spaces. Some people rinse it out and re-utilize it, but I cull to discard information technology when it is dirty and supersede it with new textile.

Adding a layer of Polyfil before your biological filtration is easy and cheap method for boosting your HOB'due south fine mechanical filtration power.

2: Aquaclear Cream Sponge 3-pack refills $3-$5

Aquaclear sells 3-pack refills of sponges for their HOB filters. The refills for their AC50 and AC70 filters are the best to use and only price between $iii-$five for iii sponges. They can be cutting to fit your application and tin be hands used in your HOB's reservoir (or equally an intake pre-filter).

These sponges can be used for your main mechanical filtration or as coarse filtration before your cartridge or DIY fine mechanical filtration. These sponges are well made and can exist hands cleaned by swishing them effectually in a container of tank h2o.

They volition also act as a host for your beneficial bacteria to colonize on.

three: Gyre of Bulk Filter Media $xi-$17

This is one of my favorite types of DIY media. Amazon sells unlike brands of bulk filter media, commonly in 12" x 72" rolls (other sizes available). They run between $11-$17. Most are dual layered, where one side is more coarse and the other more fine. You want the water to flow through the coarse side first and out through the finer side. These bulk rolls tin be cut to fit any application. They tin can exist used to supersede the HOB'south cartridge, layered earlier the bio-media, or stacked for increased filtration.

When they go dirty, they can be sometimes rinsed off and re-used or they may have to be discarded if the cloth starts to deteriorate and lose its form. I have found the bulk coil media that costs a few dollars more than is normally slightly thicker and can be re-used a few times.

Using bulk roll media gives yous endless options for DIY media replacement/configuration for your HOB. An initial investment of under $twenty will save you coin in the long run, if it allows you lot to stop buying replacement cartridges.

Islandvic · Jan 5, 2019

Adding Extra Bio-Media to HOB's Reservoir:

When using the stock cartridge in a HOB filter, every time it is replaced with a new one, the beneficial bacteria is lost and the nitrogen bicycle is broken. With the addition of some bio-media in the reservoir, your nitrogen wheel doesn't take to be cleaved when replacing the cartridge. A bag of bio-media can also exist added when DIY mechanical media is used.

Beneficial bacteria tin can colonize in the pre-filter sponge on the intake and in the sponge in the reservoir if one is kept there. The beneficial leaner colonized here will supplement the bacteria in your bag of DIY bio-media.

Hither are some easy and constructive means to add some bio-media to your HOB. Other brands are available such equally Seachem Matrix, Eheim Substrat Pro, BioHome, etc. I also utilise Matrix, merely I focused on media less than $10 for this write-up.

Fluval Bio-Max refill for their Spec Aquarium, $ii:

These are bagged ceramic bio-media from Fluval and can exist found for $2 online and at Petsmart. These are the same as the Aquaclear 30 Bio-Max refills that cost a few dollars more.

These little bags are proficient because they're inexpensive and will fit in tight spaces for pocket-size HOB'south, or a couple of these can be stacked in a larger reservoir.

Fluval Bio-Max 500g majority, $6-$nine:

These are Fluval's larger ceramic bio-rings and come up loose in a bag. The bulk box has 500 grams of Bio-Max and effectually 80 count. They tin be placed in a media bag, such as the one from the picture. Information technology is a Peak Fin eight" x three" media bag that goes for $0.89 at Petsmart. Generic media numberless of all sizes tin can be found on Amazon.

Cycled Bio-Media/Sponge from existing filters, free:

If you already have a tank set, you may be able to obtain some bio-media or sponge from an existing filter that is already cycled. Placing the cycled media into a new HOB will instantly wheel a tank.

Here is a moving picture of a handbag of cycled media I employ in my Silenstream 20. Information technology came from an Aquaclear I had gear up on some other tank. The dark colored sponge toward the left is also from some other cycled tank. I proceed that sponge in the reservoir. Information technology is for an ATI Hydro-Sponge MinI and I tin gear up upwards the sponge filter apace for a instantly cycled quarantine tank.

Islandvic · Jan 5, 2019

Putting it all together:

The following are pics of different combinations of DIY media that tin be used in your HOB filter. For reference, I apply the Tiptop Fin Silenstream 20 HOB filter. Your HOB filter may differ but the same concepts will utilise.

Intake pre-filter sponge + minor bag of Bio-Max added to stock cartridge

Filter Media Pad cut from majority whorl + Polyfil + pocket-sized bag of Bio-Max

Filter Media Pad cut from majority roll + large handbag of Bio-Max

Intake Sponge Pre-Filter + Polyfill + Aquaclear Sponge + big pocketbook Bio-Max

There are other combinations that may be utilized west/ DIY media, but this will go you on the correct runway for your set up-up......

Islandvic · Jan v, 2019

Aquaclear HOB Filters:

All of the media I mentioned above can be used in the Aquaclear series of filters. They differ from most HOB's because of their removable media baskets and their water menses enters from the bottom of the reservoir and flows up and so out the belch chute back into the tank.

I have included pics of one of my AC30's and my AC110. For simplicity, I have not included my other AC30 and AC70. They are set upwardly slightly different, but follow the same principles of the flow of water through the media that I outlined toward the beginning of the thread.

The media basket in the following pics are from one of my AC30'south on my 20g. Although not shown, information technology uses the green Top Fin sponge as a pre-filter on the intake that I mentioned earlier in the thread. I cut down the stock sponge in the media basket to free up additional room for other media.

On peak of the sponge is a layer of Polyfil, so a layer of filter media pad cut from a bulk roll, a 100-micron filter pad, then finally a handbag of Seachem Matrix bio-media.

Next are some pics of my AC110. It uses the ATI Filter Max III shown before in the thread. I also cut downward the stock sponge in the media basket to allow for additional media. Above the sponge is a huge layer of Polyfil, 2 layers of bulk filter media pads, then 3 bags of bio-media (Matrix and Bio-Max).

Hither is a link of a write-up I did on the AC110 that I posted hither on the forum ( LINK ).

View media detail 245549
The media baskets on Aquaclear HOB'due south are rather larger, even for the AC30. There is an infinite amount of combinations of DIY media that tin can be used for these filters. As far as I know, Seachem Tidal filters are the only other HOB's that utilize a media basket.

I hope this guide for using DIY media in HOB filters tin can exist used every bit a reference and starting point for other members and their own DIY projects. I take had the thought for starting a thread most it for awhile now.

Many times I run into people post questions in different sections of the forum, request about filter media, alternatives to cartridges, how to add biological filtration etc. The subject of being on a budget comes upwards frequently, and so I chose methods that accept both worked for me and were inexpensive.

My goal was to post some inexpensive and like shooting fish in a barrel ways to hot rod up your HOB filter and bask a DIY project that anyone tin can practise themselves.

If anyone wants to postal service their own DIY media used in their filters, delight do then. Descriptions and pics of your gear up ups are welcome.

If anyone here gets some ideas from the thread and mods their filters, once more delight post your results.

Thanks!

bettabo1 · Jan 5, 2019

In my slipstream 10 I plant a different brand of filter that fits. I cut a department of bulk bonded filter and used the stock clamp system to concord it in place.

I as well use a fluval pre filter and bulk marineland bio rings. I run the filters at l speed.

Skavatar · January six, 2019

can nosotros get a glutinous?

cracking write up.

and some info for the Tetra Internal filters and other similar internal/submersible filters.

yinoma2001 · Jan fifteen, 2019

This is phenomenal Islandvic.
This may accept been covered and maybe I missed it, in my kids' 5 gallon betta tank (which has the Summit Fin 10), if I cut the filter (which I'm notwithstanding using from 4-v months agone as I try my best to clean in quondam tank water), where does the carbon reside? (or is there any in it?). I know in that location's a ton of skilful BB on that and so would I only become rid of the black plastic frame then just fit it in the reservoir role? I promise this makes sense. I haven't changed the cartridge nonetheless.

Islandvic · January xv, 2019

Thanks yinoma2001!

If the thread helped at least one person, and then mission accomplished. If it helps out a few more than, then bonus!

I'chiliad not 100% sure if the cartridge is congenital the same for the TopFin 10 as the 20, simply I believe it is.

The Top Fin cartridges has a layer of the white felt material on both sides of the inner plastic frame and inside is the loose carbon pellets.

In the past, I cutting a slit on ane side and dumped out the carbon.

If you're wanting to supervene upon the cartridge with new media, but retain the beneficial bacteria, I would cut the slit and empty the carbon out and discard that.

Well-nigh people here on the forum advise that carbon is practiced for about a month, then it stops adsorbing and not effective anymore.

Cut away the remaining white felt material effectually the plastic frame and you can place it back into the reservoir with the new media.

This should continue your cycle going.

Good luck!

yinoma2001 · Jan xv, 2019

Thanks yinoma2001!
If the thread helped at to the lowest degree one person, and then mission accomplished. If it helps out a few more, and so bonus!

I'm not 100% sure if the cartridge is built the same for the TopFin 10 as the 20, but I believe it is.

The Top Fin cartridges has a layer of the white felt textile on both sides of the inner plastic frame and inside is the loose carbon pellets.

In the past, I cut a slit on 1 side and dumped out the carbon.

If you're wanting to supersede the cartridge with new media, simply retain the beneficial bacteria, I would cutting the slit and empty the carbon out and discard that.

About people here on the forum suggest that carbon is skillful for almost a calendar month, and so information technology stops adsorbing and not effective anymore.

Cut away the remaining white felt material around the plastic frame and y'all can place it dorsum into the reservoir with the new media.

This should keep your cycle going.

Good luck!

Ahh. So the carbon is probably dead anyways. If the floss material gets to frayed, could I basically roll it up and keep it tucked in the reservoir to preserve the BB? I also have a prefilter sponge that is hopefully amassing expert BB. I also kept some loose biomax ceramic things at the bottom of the reservoir. I couldn't squeeze the handbag into that (though I have washed so on my Aqueon 20 for my 29 gallon).

Islandvic · Jan 15, 2019

Aye, if information technology were mine, I'd just bunch the floss upwardly and shove information technology down toward the bottom, where e'er it fits.

Also, those sponge pre-filters work great!

Here is a quick video on the Aquaclear 70 from Richard "Pondguru" on his YouTube channel.

He stresses that the brand of the filter is not nigh as important compared to the media within of it.

Nierums · Mar xxx, 2019

Give thanks yous for linking this in 1 of my posts (you linked it to help me out since I'm only starting out). This guide was great, I bought a Fluval C4, and kept their sponge pads, merely added a 50 micron pad behind the original. I took out the activated carbon added a pound of Biohome Plus in the lower compartment and kept their c-nodes in the meridian. Since there is a fleck of room, I added my onetime media from my previous filter into the sponge department of this one to transfer the beneficial bacteria. This post was really helpful, I didn't realize filtration was so involved. Thanks once again!

Deep · Apr 3, 2019

Awesome mail service, at present I know what to do when I accept replace my filter cartridge, as I am new to hobby you lot saved me a agglomeration

Islandvic · Apr 3, 2019

Excellent!

When information technology is time to replace the cartridge, consider cut away all of the white felt material from the plastic cartridge frame.

You can identify that material in with the new media to transfer the beneficial bacteria over.

Besides consider installing a sponge pre-filter on the intake tube before replacing the cartridge.

That way you tin can kickoff colonizing more bacteria correct abroad on that.

Deep · Apr 3, 2019

Excellent!
When it is time to replace the cartridge, consider cut away all of the white felt material from the plastic cartridge frame.

Yous can place that cloth in with the new media to transfer the beneficial bacteria over.

As well consider installing a sponge pre-filter on the intake tube before replacing the cartridge.

That manner y'all can starting time colonizing more leaner correct away on that.

I volition keep that in mind, and I am assuming I can reuse the blue tray that has small spikes thing on it correct?

Islandvic · Apr 3, 2019

The blue plastic bio-grid isn't pain annihilation, but in my stance it isn't helping much either.

Yous may certainly get out it in the reservoir.

On my Silentstream filter, my train of thought was that it took up space in the reservoir that could be better served by a sponge, bag of bio-media, Polyfil, etc etc.

The concept of the blue plastic bio-grid is that it creates surface area that beneficial bacteria colonizes on.

But in reality, the surface area is minimal and there is more surface area in the tank if you lot count the substrate, glass, ornaments and plants.

Considering everything in the tank, the surface expanse of the plastic blueish filigree starts to appear pocket-size.

That is why I removed it and inserted other media in its identify.

For example, if you lot were to summate the surface surface area of all the pockets on the exterior and inner structure of a cake of foam sponge, you volition have exponentially more surface area vs. the blue plastic filigree. Plus the sponge catches muck and acts equally a mechanical filter also.

Same concept applies to a bag of bio-media. A handful of ceramic/sintered glass bio-rings or pumice stones volition have an enormous corporeality of total surface area , both external and internal, due to their porous nature.

That is why in this thread the bluish plastic "bio-grid" was removed for all examples. I felt there were many examples of other media that could supercede it and do a better job.

tfreema · Apr five, 2019

Post-obit to steal bully ideas!!

I love re-doing my filters using sponges, ceramics or biohome, and filter pads to replace the cartridges. You become much better surface area for benign bacteria to abound, ameliorate filtration, and relieve a ton of coin by non replacing those cartridges so frequently (even if yous wait for them to fall apart before replacing, it is still way more often than a sponge which lasts forever or ceramics that last a lifetime).

I have as well added this prefilter sponge to my AC 110:

Skavatar · April eight, 2019

Islandvic on the tanks that use Matrix, do yous detect you take less nitrates?

tfreema · Apr 8, 2019

I but noticed that your avatar is a Whataburger loving cup!! How can you do that to those of usa that do not take one, but come from a identify that does?? LOL. My hubby peculiarly has to eat there every time we go to Houston. It's the lilliputian things in life, lol.

Islandvic · April viii, 2019

tfreema, not merely is it a Whataburger cup, it's an officially licensed 30oz YetI Whataburger cup!

A Christmas gift from wife.

Here is a link to Whataburger'south merchansdise webpage so you can lodge one (or 2!) and have Whataburger every day!

LINK

Skavatar, I can't really say one way or another.

I don't have a tank that had 100% matrix.

Tpane27 · Apr 9, 2019

I'm non sure how often people cheque this only I had a question. I just bought a fluval c3 for my 20 gallon tall tank. Instead of using the c nodes information technology came with I just transferred my bio max I had in my smaller fluval into this filter. Is this ok? Should I combine the c nodes and bio max?

Islandvic · April 9, 2019

Transfering cycled media into a new filter is a perfect way to set a new one upwards.

If there is room still left in the new C3, add the C-Nodes.

If there was anything else in the erstwhile filter, similar a block of foam sponge or floss pad, try to use it in the C3 also.

Most times there is plenty of room for actress media, besides what came with information technology.

Tpane27 · April 10, 2019

I accept been doing a lot of reading almost the carbon and was considering getting rid of it soon. I read a lot of people have swapped information technology out for the purigen seachem so I just bought some online and will most likely be taking out the carbon and putting the purigen in identify. The bio max was the simply matter I transferred over. I didnt think to put the other filters in as well just I'one thousand sure in a couple days or weeks the new filters will exist quite good.

tfreema · Apr 10, 2019

I accept been doing a lot of reading about the carbon and was considering getting rid of it shortly. I read a lot of people accept swapped it out for the purigen seachem then I simply bought some online and will most likely exist taking out the carbon and putting the purigen in place. The bio max was the only thing I transferred over. I didnt think to put the other filters in as well but I'm sure in a couple days or weeks the new filters will exist quite skilful.

If yous are completely changing a filter on an established tank, yous want to transfer everything over or run both filters adjacent until the new ane has congenital upwardly a good colony of beneficial bacteria.

I don't use carbon or purigen except to remove meds.

Tpane27 · Apr ten, 2019

Thank you! I read that people used carbon after medicating and the Purigen is amazing at removing nitrates, nitrites and ammonia

Hikari · Apr 25, 2019

I'll be taking a scissure at using this guide to tweak my HOBs. I think the trickiest thing will be figuring out which order to put everything to get optimal flow, since I have the Top Fin 75 with the dual-chambers you mentioned (two actually, both on my 55g). Maybe I'll merely hang it on my spare 10 gallon and play with it for a chip, and report back with whatever configuration works best for me with the materials I can go.

Islandvic · April 25, 2019

HikarI , that would be fantastic if you can study dorsum with results and with pics.

If you tin can come upward with i or more ways to set it up, that would be great and very helpful!

Hikari · April 25, 2019

Islandvic Alright! Will exercise!
My camera isn't that not bad, and does better video than pics, so I went that route. I realized now I was calling information technology a 70 instead of a 75 in the vid, but that'south not really the important bit. Anyways, I promise this helps out for anyone wanting to mod one of these filters.

wd67 · May 15, 2019

I accept had enough of tanks in the by. That said I never heard of this till this time. Betwixt you and the King of DYI site on Yous Tube, I have learned a lot most the Bicycle and filter mods. I accept two filters on my tank and both have the mods washed. Both like shooting fish in a barrel and both work way more than before. Thanks for the ideas folks!!

Islandvic · May 15, 2019

HikarI , fantastic video! I would accept never thought virtually putting up the acrylic dam in the commencement reservoir. Very slick.

Thank you for your contribution to the thread! Delight experience free to add whatsoever updates in the futurity.

WD65 , awesome that the thread gave you some ideas that helped.

If you want to post pics of how yours are ready so other members can see more than examples, please don't hesitate.

wd67 · May 15, 2019

Pictures you want, Pictures you tin can take. I have filter media that I go on-line and cut it to fit. I paid around 7 bucks for all the filter media I got. I tin can show the HOB filter but I will accept to prove the Canister later. I just cleaned it and I am not wanting to tear it out right now. But I use that black media on the bottom filter. Ane layer of course, one of fine and the white is polishing. It is on the bottom as I have a marineland 350 and it pumps water to the bottom and then back to the summit thru the dissimilar media. I accept three trays of Bio balls ceramic discs and lava rock. No carbon. If I need carbon I can add it to the HOB filter. I know there are several that think, like me that Carbon is non good to utilize in tanks. HITH is one thing they think could be caused by carbon. Whatsoever works, merely my tank is really good and equally long equally the tests and fish show practiced health, I will stick with that.

Almost forgot. Both filters have foam filters on the intakes I can clean equally needed.

Hikari · May 15, 2019

Islandvic Glad I could assistance! I love being able to make full utilize out of all the space in those filters. They're both on the main 55 gallon at present and doing groovy.

Ladyglo · Jun 14, 2019

Wonderful article, thank y'all! If anyone still monitors this, I do have a question. How much space for water menstruation exercise I need to leave, or can I fill up the filter generally up with sponges and media? It is a 2d filter that I want to be able to take media out of in case I need to set up a quarantine tank. Thanks

Skavatar · Jun 14, 2019

fill it up to the level of the output. any media above the water line won't be doing anything.

Ladyglo · Jun 14, 2019

Cheers, I guess my question is, do I need but enough room for water to flow through the media or do I demand to take a lot of water swirling around the media? Currently the filter has a small cartridge and sponge with a big amount of water. Can I flip that and plough it into a big amount of media and merely enough water to cover everything or does it take to have more water flow inside the filter?

Hikari · Jun 14, 2019

Agreed, I pack mine with as much media I tin can get away with without information technology overflowing. I figure I take all that space, might equally well use it.

Jeezusjuiicee · Jul 9, 2019

with this post ive learned so much! give thanks you I'm definitely buying the bulk rolls of mechanical media! did the math its $two per sponge with the majority roll vs $9 a sponge! and y'all take taught me how to properly stack media

Basil · Jul 21, 2019

Has anyone done a DIY media mod to an Emperor 400 biowheel?
Trying to figure out how to arrange the media in mine.

Islandvic · Jul 21, 2019

I found this video from the "Angelo's Fish Tanks" YouTube channel.

He connects what looks like 5/viii" ID vinyl tubing from a SunSun to the belch of the spray bars, and diverts that water dorsum to the bottom of the reservoir.

That h2o can now flow upwards through any media is in the reservoir, but the thickness of the tubing interferes with the bio-cycle'south rotation. He has to remove the Bio-Wheels, though different tubing with a smaller OD may solve that problem.

His modernistic would exist a expert foundation for whatever method you lot choose.

Basil · Jul 21, 2019

Thank y'all!
I've watched another YouTube where a similar method was used. I don't mind the biowheels so I don't necessarily want to remove them.
I may play effectually with a smaller tubing size and and then come across if the biowheels will even so fit. I'm guessing they will nevertheless turn without the spray bars? The h2o coming underneath volition plow them?

Islandvic · Jul 21, 2019

I would wager the Bio-Wheels would still turn.

The same amount of water will all the same plow the bio-wheels, information technology just would all come from the reservoir flowing out to the discharge chute.

The Penguin 350 doesn't use spray bars, and its wheels plow only fine.

Rattler11 · Jul 22, 2019

This is an awesome mail service, and if it wouldn't be as well much trouble I'd similar to inquire a question.

I have a HOB much like the silentsteam you showcased throughout the postal service, simply I ran into a problem. Basically bought this filter equally a fast upgrade for an emergency quarantine tank. It's the same brand as one I'd been using for years and really loved, merely difference was I bought information technology at walmart instead of Petco. Anyways, when using regular new cartridges (literally made for the brand I accept) with the bio grid, I'grand having over flow. I was using it exactly as directed, yet that was happening. I'm bold the flow is just too potent? Oh well, I kinda but dealt with it for awhile, long enough for the fish to transfer to their actual tanks.

At present I'grand trying to upgrade information technology and utilise it equally a permanent filter (but no fish volition exist in this tank until I know I accept something reliable). I used lava rocks throughout the larger compartment for biomedia, left the biogrid in since it might nevertheless have adept leaner, have a sponge pre filter on the intake, and was going to add together poly fill all in the smaller compartment. What I constitute was I'm still having issues with over flow. There's no adjustable intake valve like you said yours has so I was just wondering if yous had whatever ideas? If I leave out the polyfil everything works fine. Would the sponge pre filter be plenty for mechanical filtration(I have a 30gal)?

Distressing if this is loftier jacking your mail service, if this isn't ok, I can totally take it downward and make my own. Merely thought you might have some ideas since you lot take basically the same set upwards and all these awesome suggestions!!!

Islandvic · Jul 22, 2019

Definitely not a hijack, delight postal service a pic or 2 of your filter. Preferably an over head shot.

I'm sure between the members of the forum and myself, we tin accept a look and requite some suggestions to get your filter on the right track.

Rattler11 · Jul 22, 2019

So start pic is the basic set up, lava rocks, bio grid, and pre sponge filter (non pictured).

2d pic is where I want to put the polyfil. Either like that or only all throughout the compartment, I'grand not totally certain notwithstanding, but I've been playing with it, and no affair how I do it, very little, or allot, as presently as I add it I get overflow.

Third and fourth are simply each of the set ups running and how much over flow I'1000 getting.

I as well program on adding more lava rocks, only they're currently in i of my other tanks getting seeded for this one.

Thanks in accelerate for all your assistance!

Carolyn Underwood · Aug 13, 2019

DIY Intake Pre-Filter Sponge, cost $3-$15:
The first mod than can be made to whatsoever filter (HOB or canister) is to heave the coarse mechanical filtration power with the use of a sponge pre-filter on the intake tube. The pre-filter sponge will catch all the large muck suspended in the water before it enters the filter. This has two benefits. Commencement it will keep the media in the HOB's reservoir cleaner for a longer period of time. 2nd, information technology will exist a host for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

In that location are unlike methods of attaching a sponge to the intake tube. The first two examples are easy and cost effective while the tertiary choice costs slightly more…..

One method is to use the Acme Fin MF-20 filter refill available at Petsmart for virtually $iii and comes with a 2-pack of sponges. The are closed at one cease and have an opening at the other terminate for the intake tube to skid into. These come with loose fill carbon granules loaded into the inner crenel. This tin can be discarded or saved for another DIY project. Either way, they are non to be used in this application. Apply a plastic nix tie or a rubber band tin can exist used to secure the sponge to the intake tube.

I hope this guide for using DIY media in HOB filters tin can be used every bit a reference and starting point for other members and their own DIY projects. I take had the idea for starting a thread about it for awhile at present.
Many times I come across people mail questions in unlike sections of the forum, asking well-nigh filter media, alternatives to cartridges, how to add together biological filtration etc. The subject of being on a upkeep comes up frequently, so I chose methods that accept both worked for me and were cheap.

My goal was to post some inexpensive and easy ways to hot rod up your HOB filter and savour a DIY project that anyone can do themselves.

If anyone wants to post their own DIY media used in their filters, please exercise so. Descriptions and pics of your set ups are welcome.

If anyone here gets some ideas from the thread and mods their filters, again please post your results.

Thanks!

View media item 246403
View media detail 246404
I use these green Top Fin sponges on my Top Fin Silenstream 20 and one of my Aquaclear xxx HOB's. They have been very effective and have held up well after being taken off and on multiple times when they are rinsed off with tank water.

Some other selection is to purchase a iii-pack of Aquaclear/Fluval sponge refills for either their AC50 or AC70 models and use 1 sponge to make an intake pre-filter. They are avaialbe at most brick-and-mortar stores and online for $iii-$5 for the iii-pack.

The following YouTube video, DIY Intake Sponge from Chewy's Bro Aquatics channel, shows how to rapidly accomplish this. After finding this video, I started to use an AC70 sponge every bit an intake pre-filter on my AC70. Information technology works bang-up!

View media detail 246405

The 3rd option for using a pre-filter intake sponge is using the ATI Filter Max. Depending on the source, they range in $viii-$15. The company ATI sells both sponge filters driven by airlines and pre-filter intake sponge kits. Their ATI Filter MAX I and Two models use a fine foam and their Filter Max 3 uses a reticulated coarse foam sponge. They have a modular blueprint and then more than than 1 sponge tin can exist attached inline.

I utilise their Filter Max II model on one of my Aquaclear 30's and their Filter Max III model on my Aquaclear 110 HOB. Here are some pics of the Filter Max Three.

View media item 245556
View media detail 245557

Islandvic...this is great information, and then like shooting fish in a barrel to follow, and really puts my mind at ease. I have been using some of this alternative media for my Top Fin HOB's but was non actually sure I was doing anything correctly. Besides, the photos are great in showing a wide combination of media types that can be used together. Cheers for this fabulous post!!!

CaptainGratin · Sep 4, 2019

Super helpful post. Tin can someone please explain (might have missed information technology), why you want the bio media in front of the "cartridge(s)" instead of the reservoir behind it?

Hikari · Sep 4, 2019

Super helpful post. Tin can someone please explicate (might have missed it), why yous want the bio media in front of the "cartridge(s)" instead of the reservoir behind it?

It's to help continue it cleaner then information technology doesn't get gunked up as fast. The kickoff mechanical filtration gets the gunk. The gild of media tin can vary depending on how the water flows through the filter, just in the tiptop fin's case, it enters from the side and so goes dorsum to front.

How To Use Top Fin Silent Stream 10 Power Filter Cartridge

Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters

Islandvic

Islandvic

Islandvic

Islandvic

Islandvic

Islandvic

bettabo1

Skavatar

yinoma2001

Islandvic

yinoma2001

Islandvic

Nierums

Deep

Islandvic

Deep

Islandvic

tfreema

Skavatar

tfreema

Islandvic

Tpane27

Islandvic

Tpane27

tfreema

Tpane27

Hikari

Islandvic

Hikari

wd67

Islandvic

wd67

Attachments

Hikari

Ladyglo

Skavatar

Ladyglo

Skavatar

Hikari

Ladyglo

Jeezusjuiicee

Basil

Islandvic

Basil

Islandvic

Rattler11

Islandvic

Rattler11

Attachments

Carolyn Underwood

CaptainGratin

Hikari

Like Aquarium Threads

How To Use Top Fin Silent Stream 10 Power Filter Cartridge,

0 Response to "How To Use Top Fin Silent Stream 10 Power Filter Cartridge"

Post a Comment

Iklan Atas Artikel

Iklan Tengah Artikel 1

Iklan Tengah Artikel 2

Iklan Bawah Artikel