View Full Version : Filtration for 55gal
Napsterhaven
05-13-2003, 11:37 PM
I was wonder what would be the better choice for a filter. I am stuck between 2 aqclear 300s or an Emp400. Not really sure what kinda fish I will be keeping, will take suggestions there too. Not to big on plants so fakes will have to do. Although the 2 I have in my 10gal have almost grown out of the water. Also I am considering powerheads. I was thinking of the Aqclear 403? Will that do I good job keeping everything circulating?
Thanks,
Nap
VoodooChild
05-14-2003, 2:34 AM
I'm all for the AC's. I'd go with 2 of those. That'll cover you for aeration too, so no powerhead will be necessary. The Emperor is fine, and would probably alone cover the aeration, but all of the room in AC's could come in handy later.
JSchmidt
05-14-2003, 8:21 AM
I like Emp 400s, packed with AquaClear 500 foam cut to fit the filter wells. You get good mech filtration (sponges) and outstanding biofiltration (biowheels).
Jim
AikidoGuy
05-14-2003, 9:45 AM
I run 2 emperor 280s on my 55gallon tanks.
with 2 aquaclear 300's you wont need the power head and you will get tons of filtration, i bought a ac 500 from petco, and it was the best purchase i have ever made
I two have a 55 gal and I have two canister filters, one Magnum hanging off back and one Viaflow which is underneath the tank. The Magnum has two prefilter sponges and is full of carbon while the Viaflow has floss, biostars then biozyme filter media in its compartments respectively. They are both completely silent and give plenty of surface water churning and folding for O2 exchange.
delmore
05-14-2003, 4:07 PM
Originally posted by JimG
The Magnum has two prefilter sponges and is full of carbon ...
Why is it "full of carbon?" I would only use carbon to get rid of meds from the water or something. You probably don't need to waste your money on it.
brianfl
05-14-2003, 4:13 PM
I wouldn't look at any filter without a bio wheel. Go for either the Emp 400 or two Emp 280s depending on your fish load.
ROLLIN
05-14-2003, 9:08 PM
I agree, go for filters with bio-wheels. You could also try the tetratec filters, they dont have a bio-wheel but they fill up and drain over and over exposing that media to air so its about the same as a bio-wheel. I have heard they can be a little loud, so maybe not something you want for the bedroom.
Tightdog1
05-14-2003, 9:13 PM
get 2 ACs they will be able to filter better and the bio wheel thing isnt a problem because the ACs have good biological filtration.
or u could get an AC and the emp400
Originally posted by delmore
Why is it "full of carbon?" I would only use carbon to get rid of meds from the water or something. You probably don't need to waste your money on it.
Because, despite the recent 'what-the-in-folk-do-now' nixing of activiated carbon it removes organic toxins released into the water from fish waste better than anything. I probably don't really need it as I keep up on more than adequate water changes but I have used carbon for 20 years and you know the old saying - "if it ain't broken don't fix it".
I do agree with biowheels being an excellent choice though. Sometimes new information is tested and true.
AikidoGuy
05-15-2003, 12:47 PM
im running 11 emperor 400s and 4 emperor 280s, I like them that much ;)
Slappy*McFish
05-15-2003, 1:24 PM
Both the ACs and the Emperors are great filters, and either would do a fine job of filtering your tank. Myself, I prefer canister filters over power filters, as I have an Eheim canister filter on my 55g planted tank. I run an AC 200 on my 10g, and it does a great job with 3 sponges.
do canister filters do that better of a job?