What do you use for filtration on your rimless non RR tank?

afboundguy

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Just throwing it out there for discussion purposes for other non RR rimless tank owners seeing what you use for a set up for skimming and filtration? I attempted to do a HOB overflow box with a sump in my 25ish cube but it didn't work out to the wife's liking (too loud). I've been tossing around the idea of trying the Aquamaxx HF-M (https://www.marinedepot.com/aquamaxx-hf-m-hang-on-back-multi-filter-with-protein-skimmer#) as I could transfer most of the stuff that's inside my tank to it for a cleaner look while also being able to add more mechanical filtration and a fuge...

Currently I'm running a Reef Octopus BH-50 hang on inside skimmer that does a good job it's just doesn't look clean in the tank as it takes up a lot of the back left of the tank...

Feel free to throw out pics of your set up for discussion purposes and to also give me ideas to start saving up for!!!

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I used a CPR HOB fuge, and modded HOT mag successfully for some years on a 27g cube. I've run a AC 70 on a 12g rimless successfully. About to do a sunsun 304 on a ADA 60p.

Basically you can use whatever, but whatever you choose there will be a drawback somewhere, but til it happens you won't know.
Bio-load control will come down to mostly water changes.
 
Dave on my old 37 gallon I had the Aquafuge 2 large, and then made a biocube skimmer fit in the first chamber, and made a small LED lamp for the second chamber for a fuge. I like this one becuase the only thing you needed in the tank was a small powerhead to feed the fuge, but I hid mind behind some rock work, and the tubing was barely visible.
 
Just got an aquamax HF-m I'll post pics. I only have a 40 br and didn't like the look of the hang on skimmer and multiple fuges I'm running so hopping this will look cleaner
 
Dave on my old 37 gallon I had the Aquafuge 2 large, and then made a biocube skimmer fit in the first chamber, and made a small LED lamp for the second chamber for a fuge. I like this one becuase the only thing you needed in the tank was a small powerhead to feed the fuge, but I hid mind behind some rock work, and the tubing was barely visible.

Did think of trying something like that but with the new HF-M it's probably cheaper that buying the large fuge and then another skimmer...

Just got an aquamax HF-m I'll post pics. I only have a 40 br and didn't like the look of the hang on skimmer and multiple fuges I'm running so hopping this will look cleaner

That's my thought process as well I'd love to see before and after pics and also how you think it does. My tank is smaller so if it would work on your tank one would assume it would on mine too. I've read some reviews saying people have been using them on 60 gallon tanks...
 
So here's the before 2 fuges hob skimmer heater, uv pump plus 2 pumps feeding the fuges
 

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Now the HF-m
This is the first section. The skimmer and feed tube
 

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Second section comes with a media reactor. It also has your tube holders this is where I fed my auto top off line. I took all the media out and filled it with filter floss and chemi pure elite
 

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Then filter pad goes onto of the media reactor( the filter pad came with unit)
 

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3rd section
Fuge section and dosing tubes
I made use of the bio media here. Laid down a nice layer. I then made a macro algae holder. Keeps my macro from going aray in the box. Fits perfect in the 3rd section
 

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The skimmer cup is big lol
Forgot to mention I utilize the heater in the fuge section also
 

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3 days in pulling some nasties
Just so you know the unit is big!! 17 and a quarter inches long by 15 inches tall. I love the unit though super quiet and sleek for a hang on
 

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Now the inside of the tank is clean looking
Just 1 intake tube and 2 wavemakers.
I plan on getting a magnetic surface skimmer box for the intake tube to cover that up and that's it
 

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Awesome thanks for all the pictures. Have you noticed more surface film? My current skimmer surface skims so that was something I was concerned about as I like not having a film on the top without having to put a powerhead hitting the surface. I know I could make it into a surface skimmer by attaching something but was curious how that's going for you.

I also like how I could put some Aquamaxx FR-S media reactors in there as well. I believe I've seen setups with 2 of them in there and it seems like there is a ton of room in there... Makes me want to snag it tomorrow lol...
 
There is a ton of room in it. The skimmer is pulling really well now 4 days in. To be honest if there was anything I can be upset about would be the fact that there isn't a surface skimmer but I plan on modifying it to surface skim. I have my wave makers pointed to the top so I dont have much surface build up, but I invested in making everything look clean without a sump so mod it I will do. Best purchase on a piece of equipment I made to date
 
I'll def be making this my next purchase... Was going to try and convince the wife to let me get a bigger tank but I know that would almost certainly not happen so guess Ill start saving up for this...
 
Is the evaporation happening in the tank or the HF-M? Just curious if it would evaporate like with a sump or be different since it's higher?
 
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