Converting HOB filter for SW tank

I have an Emperor 280 on my 20G Long. Currently only has ~20 lbs of live rock and live sand. I only plan on keeping a pair of Ocellaris clowns in there once the tank's fully cycled and when I have some more money, begin nano reefing.

I' m just curious what possible DIY projects can I do with the Emperor? I heard the bio wheels and filter pads just aren't really so great, esp for a SW tank, so I've taken all that out and it's just basically an empty box helping me circulate water. I've heard mixed reviews about the DIY HOB Hagen filter thing so i'm not sure if that's the route for me.

Any ideas?

 

I had one of those that I turned into a fuge for awhile. You can find a cheap clip on light for it and put a grow bulb in it. Half of the cage that comes with it for putting media in works well for keep chaeto from flowing out into the tank. I disagree greatly with people who say bio-wheels are not good. They are amazing filtration. They provide a great wet dry environment for bacteria to grow in, but they do not provide any mechanical filtration, so they don't trap detritus and turn into nitrate factories.

 

I'd keep the carbon cartridge if for nothing else than to slow waterflow down then put cheato in the extra box. I'm going to do that, but I'm iffy about rubble in the filter.

 

i have rubble mangroves chaeto and a sand bed in my penguin 350 filter. all runs fine.