Filtration question

To bald tax guy: funny you should mention AC leaks. I have 3 AC110 and 1 AC30. The one on the tank I discussed has leaked twice, which resulted in a burned out motor(replaced by Hagen), luckily I had the sponge filter going as a backup.
I really like these filters, but it seems that any kind of pressure to the box causes problems. I will be curious to see if there is a crack in the housing or a leak from the motor seal once I remove it.

PS I will drain tank ;D

<Derail starts> I am seeing mutiple posts on this board of AC HOB's cracking or otherwise springing leaks.  This one may be the result of the wall/tank tightness, but what's the deal with these filters?  I have never had experience with them, but my emperor filters have never suffered similar fates.  Are these AC's from Aquarium Adventure's free exhange program two weekends ago? <Derail ends>

{derail to the derail} I have a couple of these and have never had a failure. I do however believe that the plastic is a little brittle/thin/wrong type for the application. I take that into consideration when I am installing or working with them. They are not built like Macks but treated right they will easily out preform any HOB out there.{end of derail}

I will go the lazy man route fist and try the side

Lazy route never results in quality bro.  Do it once,  do it right.  Listen to the Keeper

Lazy route usually = Do it over, but this time is will cost you more!

Just a thought...
Keeper

I will go the lazy man route fist and try the side

Lazy route never results in quality bro.  Do it once,  do it right.  Listen to the Keeper

Not sure how the side works given most conventional tank tops and covers.  I'd go with Shawn's suggestion - do a deep water change, keeping the gravel and filter submerged in water, and give tank/stand the heave ho from the wall. 

<Derail starts> I am seeing mutiple posts on this board of AC HOB's cracking or otherwise springing leaks.  This one may be the result of the wall/tank tightness, but what's the deal with these filters?  I have never had experience with them, but my emperor filters have never suffered similar fates.  Are these AC's from Aquarium Adventure's free exhange program two weekends ago? <Derail ends>

Thank u gentlemen. I will go the lazy man route fist and try the side, if it looks bad or doesn't fit, it's dragon's way. ;D

Sounds like a good excuse to do a "Massive" water change. Empty the tanks about half to 2/3 and then scoot the stand out.

Keeper

can you put an HOB on the side of the tank?

That's the part where idiot comes in. I installed the HOB when I set up the tank & did,t leave enough clearance to remove it without moving the tank(now long established). I will have to break it to remove it. :'(

If you had an ac110 on there why cant you put a new ac110 on there?

How old was the HOB, check the manufacturers waranty too.