Feed with filters off?

[KenW]

Hi Zcat,

This is what I've been doing on my filters. I have two Aquaclear 50s (what used to be 200) in my 20 gallon long. On each uplift tube grating I place open cell foam over the ends. What I do is buy extra open cell foam (sponge pieces) made for the Aquaclear and core out the center about half way in, length wise so that the uplift tube fits in there snuggly(make sure you do not go all the way through, only about half way or 3/4 way). To cut the open cell foam you need a very sharp paring knife to cut it easily. Every aquaclear filter I have I place a sponge filter over it and use it as mechanical filter. This gets rinsed out everytime I make water changes. This should also work for the emperors. You may need to find large foam pieces and cut it to size.

Ken