Tipping filter basket

**mermaidwannabe** · 11-08-2013, 03:16 PM

I have two AC110s on my 65-gallon tank. The media basket always stays down in one of them, until I remove it for cleaning. In the other filter, it stays down temporarily, then one end of that basket always eventually tips upward, causing the lid to rest diagonally on top of the housing. When this happens, some of the ceramic beads in the topmost mesh bag protrude above the water line in the filter box. I know the overall environment in there stays moist, but water no longer flows over those top beads. No matter how firmly I initially lock this basket into place, that same end always comes up, sooner or later, causing this basket to sit katty-corner.

Is this harmless, or does it jeopardize my beneficial bacteria? Can it still survive even with those beads out of the water, as long as the lid doesn't completely come off and the beads don't dry out?

Am I going to need to tie that basket down every time I clean the filters?

Your thoughts, please ...

**Taurus** · 11-08-2013, 03:30 PM

If it's just a few of the biomax beads exposed, I wouldn't worry about it. You might try a new sponge in the AC110. The problem I'm seeing with aquaclear filters is that the porosity of the bottom sponge varies. You may have a sponge that's not quite coarse enough. Just a thought.

**Slaphppy7** · 11-08-2013, 03:44 PM

I eventually just got rid of the basket altogether in my AC30, I just use the sponge on the bottom and 2 bags of biomedia...I use a coat hanger to pry the bottom sponge out when it's time for a filter cleaning

**mermaidwannabe** · 11-08-2013, 03:51 PM

Thank you, Taurus.

I'll try replacing that sponge. It's probably about time I changed it, anyway. It still springs back when squeezed, but aside from initially removing the carbon, I haven't replaced any of that media since I got the tank, two years ago.

I just happen to have a new sponge on hand, so will put it in there with the next water change.

And if that doesn't help, I may take Slapphppy's advice and dispense with that basket, altogether. My only question on that is, would the water still be able to flow freely and unimpeded through the media without the basket in there?

**Taurus** · 11-08-2013, 04:04 PM

I've never run an AC filter without the basket. I've never had the rising basket problem, but I know someone who has and the problem was solved by replacing the current sponge with a new one that appeared to be a bit more porous.

If the sponge is 2 years old, it might be time to replace it.

**JudiJetson** · 11-08-2013, 04:04 PM

I took the basket out of my ac70 so I would have more room for media, it's just a little harder to remove when you want to rinse the media off but other than that no issues

**Taurus** · 11-08-2013, 04:05 PM

Good to know Judi.

**mermaidwannabe** · 11-08-2013, 04:27 PM

Thanks, folks.

I'll replace the sponge and see if that solves the issue. It may be all that's necessary.

I'll keep Plan B in mind if that doesn't do the trick.

Testing the water for awhile afterwards should tell me if any problems arise.

**fishmommie** · 11-08-2013, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by mermaidwannabe

Thank you, Taurus.

I'll try replacing that sponge. It's probably about time I changed it, anyway. It still springs back when squeezed, but aside from initially removing the carbon, I haven't replaced any of that media since I got the tank, two years ago.

I just happen to have a new sponge on hand, so will put it in there with the next water change.

Taurus is spot on right. I had the same problem only the entire basket raised up out of the filter and I had to use a huge rubber band to keep the lid on. So I got a more porous sponge and now I never have that problem. Drove me crazy for a while until I figured it out. I'd only do one filter at a time though, give the new sponge in one AC time to get colonized with some BB - a month or so - then do the other one. You may experience a bacterial bloom but it will go away.

**mermaidwannabe** · 11-09-2013, 12:51 AM

Makes perfect sense.

I'll have to go to my LFS, though. I thought I had a new sponge on hand, but when I checked, I found I only have two extra Biomax bags on standby in cellophane. Will get more supplies on Monday.

Fortunately, I have thinned out my stock, added more plants and have been minimizing feeding, both in frequency and amount. Plus, I'm overfiltered to begin with, so hopefully there won't be any adverse consequences. I do know to do only one filter at a time.

Thanks for all your help, folks.

-- mermaid