Filters

[Sarge10001]

Looking for some opinions (like you guys aren't full of them!).

I've been using AquaClear filters forever. I have a 300 in my 46 gallon bowfront. Runs fine. I'm thinking about switching filtration systems to see if I get clearer and better filtered water.

I have a half dozen Parrots in the tank, all well over 1 1/2 years old.

Your thoughts?

[valerie]

what type of filter media were you using in your AC300? I have ACs on all my tanks and find htem to be very good at water polishing when i add filter floss to the basket. If you are set on changing what type of filter did you want to try?Another HOB filter,canister?

[DarthV]

6 parrots in a 46gal? Once they get full grown, you will probably be overstocked. I would think about getting a cannister filter to supplement your aquaclear 300. Maybe a fluval 304 or a smaller enheim ?

[jimbo]

I'm using just Eheim canister filters in both my 120 and 180 tank.
Doing a great job so far.
Capacity and media is the important thing.

[Cloud-9]

It's been a while since i've used an Aquaclear or any power filters. I seem to recall that the Aquaclears were very effective and economical filters to run. There were occasions when the water could have been clearer, but those were the exception. The rectangular sponge that goes on that filter seems to have a very coarse or open pores. Perhaps that keeps them from trapping the smallest particles at first. But eventually, even small particles will get caught. There are many options out there if you simply just want to try something else. Nothing wrong with that.

My most recent filter purchase was a biowheel pro 30. It's just a biowheel and a powerhead, plus a foam pre-filter. You might try that or buy one of the Emperors. I do not own an Emperor but it will be the next on the list when one of my current filters wear out. Canister filters do tend to give the clearest water. I'm not sure if it's due to the design (little bypass) or the amount of carbon they can hold, or both. However, they are a pain to clean. They also tend to be more expensive. I made a mess in the kitchen a couple of days ago cleaning a canister.

[Harry Tolen]

I use Aquaclear filters filled with sponges only almost exclusively, and my water is crystal clear. This is across a total of 20 tanks, stocked with everything from characins to cichlids. If you are having a cloudiness problem, it is not because of the Aquaclear(s). I suggest you increase your water changes and possibly add a sponge filter (or sponge prefilters on your AC's), to see if this brings your filtration up to the level you need.

I have used Penguin filters and Emperors in the past, and they do not provide substantially improved performance over the Aquaclears. In fact, they are substantially less energy efficient, and the Emperors in particular are noisy and hard to prime after a cleaning or power failure.

[scott]

I agree with Harry. In my limited experience it always seems like cloudiness, algae or particles have nothing to do with the filtration but rather my lack of attention to the tank and the build up of nutrients etc. therein. First I would check you population levels, feeding amount, as well as your water and filter cleaning regimen.
By the by cloud-9 if you use your cannister for a biofilter and AC for mechanichal you only have to open it up every couple four months. Even then just to brush out the lines.;)

[dadamaja]

i use to add some filter floss to mine and that worked fine

[125gJoe]

Sarge 10001,
Welcome to Aquaria Central!

I like canister filters. You might want to check out the Rena Filstar filters.

Link : Filstar Canister Filters (http://www.rena.net/cgi-bin/trans.pl/en/products/rena_range/rena_filstar_xp.shtml)

[dcallen]

I started with an Emperor 400 on my 70 gallon tank, I then added an Eheim 2213 cannister filter to supplement the Emperor and my water got much clearer. They are more of a pain to clean as Cloud-9 suggested but they are IMO very good filters. As Harry noted the Emperors are harder to prime but mine is really not particularily noisy, maybe I got lucky with the noise factor. I think I would recommend keeping your AquaClear filter and supplementing it with a cannister filter. Just my 2 cents worth.


Welcome to AC.

[Ledslnger]

I love AC filters. I ran one AC500 for over 10 years non-stop except for a couple hours here and there when I moved. I didn't even shut it off to clean it. Thing is awesome!!! :) I have 2 Emporers and I am less than happy with them. I got them on a used tank so I can't complain since the price was definitely right. But, I will never buy a wemp.