AquaClear 20 on a 5 gal and how to cut hood?

PuppyFluffer

PuppyFluffer

AC Members
Jan 9, 2008
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east coast USA
Is an AC 20 overkill on a 5 gallon?

I picked up a 5 gallon acrylic tank for $5 at a yard sale (actually got two of them!) They have under gravel filtration that I am not interested in using. I want to put a HOB filter.

I will need to cut the hood to fit the filter. Any suggestions on what tool to make the hood cut out? Would a jig saw work?
 
just go to walmart and buy rose cutting shears, that have 2 cutting blades like scissors, and 2 points on them, they will cut that plastic i use them on regular hood plasctis,.. to cut out places,..and i have carpel tunnel and its not hard..
 
PuppyFluffer said:
Is an AC 20 overkill on a 5 gallon?

I picked up a 5 gallon acrylic tank for $5 at a yard sale (actually got two of them!) They have under gravel filtration that I am not interested in using. I want to put a HOB filter.

I will need to cut the hood to fit the filter. Any suggestions on what tool to make the hood cut out? Would a jig saw work?
Click to expand...
Jig saw is fine,but make sure the blade you are using has downward facing teeth.Spray some water on it occasionally and go slow. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the advice. I'd opt for the plant trimmers but it's not a flat hood. I have to cut through an arch and I don't think they would work well without cracking it.

My hubby is a woodworker, I'm sure he can figure something out but he's not home at the moment to ask so I hit up you all!
 
Maybe a Dremel tool........:goldfish:
 
the ac 2o is a bit overkill for a 5 gal, it has adjustable flowrate which is really good, but in a 5 gal tank, turbulance and current is easily created by the filter. The increased media size isnt bad as a whole, but an ac10 probably wont be too bad either.

what do you plan on putting in the tank?
 
Thanks for the reply SubX.

I didn't know AC made a 10 as I've not seen it anywhere.

I plan on putting either a betta with a nerite snail and live plants or live plants and shrimp.
 
i lied, i thought they made an ac10 tbh, i confused myself. stick with the ac20 since its rated for 5-20 gallons but adjust your flow for the tank if things are too turbulant in it.
 
Just be careful with the flow rate and a betta. Especially in the beginning, when they're not used to it, they can easily get caught in the current 'cause of their long fins.
 
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