Aquaclear Size Question

[qquake2k]

Hi All,

I think I've decided to go with an Aquaclear power filter for my 46g bowfront. My question now is size. Hagen recommends the AC70 for up to 70g tanks, and it flows 300gph. But I've read some posts here that say you should go with bigger. The next size up is the AC110, 500gph. Wouldn't that be overkill?

[SubluxT7]

I would go for the AC110 if it were me, but I shoot for 10x the water turnover an hour and with a 46 gallon bowfront at 500gph you will prob just about hit that (figuring in resistance and such). Another option you could consider is running two smaller filters that equal to about 500 GPH. Alot of people like redudency in their systems and its simply a matter of choice. Good luck!

[Galaxie]

Hi All,

I think I've decided to go with an Aquaclear power filter for my 46g bowfront. My question now is size. Hagen recommends the AC70 for up to 70g tanks, and it flows 300gph. But I've read some posts here that say you should go with bigger. The next size up is the AC110, 500gph. Wouldn't that be overkill?

I'd go with two AC50's. Maybe you can put one on each end to create better water movement. Also, keep in mind, a cannister filter is better if you ever plan on growing live plants in this tank. Most cannisters don't disturb the water surface....... AC's disturb the surface quite a bit.

[Sploke]

I'd probably either go with the 110 or a pair of 70s.

[Sploke]

IMost cannisters don't disturb the water surface....... AC's disturb the surface quite a bit.

this is really only an issue if you're using CO2 injection...if not, the plants will still grow fine in tanks with HOBs.

[Galaxie]

this is really only an issue if you're using CO2 injection...if not, the plants will still grow fine in tanks with HOBs.

I have a 38g tank with 2 Amazon Swords. They were absolutely anemic with an AC50. I changed to a tight fitting cover & cannister filter. The swords really perked up after that & the 1-inch/ week water evaporation stopped completely. I assumed the evaporation & surface agitation was letting too much gas escape..... which didn't allow the swords to use the gas for growth.

[Sploke]

Are you injecting CO2? The 2-3ppm of CO2 that is usually dissolved in tap water wouldn't make a huge difference in growth.

[Galaxie]

Are you injecting CO2? The 2-3ppm of CO2 that is usually dissolved in tap water wouldn't make a huge difference in growth.

Nope, no CO2 injection. I assumed the normal fish waste created a good amount of CO2/ nutrients that was now being absorbed by the plants instead of being gassed off by evaporation.

Sorry to hijack your thread quake. http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif This issue has been my only contention against AC filters.... but I have never really discussed it with knowledgeable people.

[SuBXeRo]

tbh, you should buy a canister at that point. the ac 110's are like 70 bux i think. canosters are alil bit more expensive for alot better filtration. AC is a good HOB though, a large media area, and they have adjustable flow control.

[petluvr]

this is really only an issue if you're using CO2 injection...if not, the plants will still grow fine in tanks with HOBs.
:iagree: I have a 29 that is rather heavily planted and I have two AC50's on it and the plants grow like mad.

[justahannah]

I'm using an AC110 on my 46 bowfront...plenty of flow, and the fish love to play in the "waterfall". I'm also moderately planted, but since I've never used another system I don't know if that makes a difference, my plants seem happy and green. As for surface turbulence, if you keep the water level up to the output, it's minimal, but if you like a couple inches of leeway (like for breeding snails), you'll see a lot more agitation. You'll see that with any HOB filter.