Santa Monica Filtration HOG2 Hang-On-Glass Algae Scrubber

This is the first larger Hang-On-Glass version of the standard HOG1 and HOG1x algae scrubbers, which were the first HOG scrubbers available. This HOG2 offers much larger algae-attachment space to hold more growth between cleanings, and also stronger magnets to attach to thicker aquarium walls up to 5/8" (16mm) glass or acrylic. If your tank is larger than a nano, then you can consider this model or larger.

Compared to the HOG1.3 and HOG3 which look the same in size, the HOG2 is meant for situations which have some nutrient or algae problems but the rocks in the display are not covered in thick green hair algae. The large inside space of the HOG2 growth compartment allows for lots of build up of algae, and the 4 LED light grows green algae in situations where the lower power of the HOG1.3 would only grow brown algae. So this HOG2 model is great for aquariums that have been running for a year or more and the display rocks have already filled with phosphate, and are thus starting to show algae on them. However if the display is full of green hair algae and thus the nutrients measure zero in the water (because the algae on the rocks is absorbing them), then the stronger photosynthesis of the HOG3 would be better than this HOG2, so as to be able to out-compete with the photosynthesis on the rocks.

This is a hand-built Hang-On-Glass® (HOG) Upflow Algae Scrubber® (UAS) with a Green-Grabber growth surface, for glass or acrylic 1/4 inch (6 mm) to 5/8 inch (16 mm) thick. This is the typical thickness range for most aquariums, and larger sumps, however you should measure yours to be sure. If your tank uses thin 1/8" (3mm) glass such as many low-cost 10 gallon aquariums do, this filter is not recommended because the magnets are strong enough that they might crack the glass.

No electrical parts go inside the aquarium; only air. And the air bubbler is already supplied (it`s sealed behind the growth surface), so you don`t have to get an airstone. The bubbler is simply vinyl air hose that has been cut lengthwise, and with cross-cuts, to form little flexible segments that are both adjustable and open-able to allow for easy cleaning. This HOG2 will run on both 120V and 240V, and comes with a 10 ft (300 cm) power cord with a U.S. plug. If you require a different plug you can get an adapter at any local hardware or travel store, or online, or you can cut off the U.S. plug and install your own plug from a hardware store.

Comes with 3 ft (90 cm) of vinyl airline, but requires an air pump that can pump at least 2.0 liters per minute (.07 cfm), preferably more.

Comes with 4 red (660 nm) 3-watt LEDs, which are attached to a heat sink inside the cover. The LEDs will give the aquarium or sump a slight red color at night when the aquarium lights are off. You will need to get a timer so you can run the LEDs for up to 22 hours per day (not 24). The LEDs never needs replacing.

The HOG2 growth surface will need to be cleaned every 7 to 21 days, by removing the inside cover, disconnecting the airline, and taking the inside cover to the sink so you can brush the algae off of the growth surface and the bubbler with a toothbrush. No hard scraping is needed; just brush it with a toothbrush. The Green-Grabber growth surface is permanently glued to the inside cover using epoxy, however a few of the Green-Grabber particles may dislodge during the first few cleanings, which is normal. Cleaning the growth surface, bubbler, and the inside cover takes about a minute with a toothbrush.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 6 5/8" wide x 8 3/4" high x 1 1/2" thick (16.6cm wide x 21.9cm high x 3.75cm thick)
• Recommended Water Level: ~7" (17.5 cm) of water to operate in
• LEDs: Four red (660 nm) 3-watt LEDs, which are double sealed in epoxy.
• Requires a standard air pump that can pump at least 2.0 liters per minute (.07 cfm), which medium-cost air pumps can usually handle. Pumps that say they can handle 2 or more airstones/outlets, or pumps with 2 tubing attachments instead of one, will usually be needed. You can have as much air as you like, however; 10 lpm pumps are no problem.