EMP 280 Vs AC 300

[GT3050]

Which is the better HOB the Emp 280 or the AC 300?


I will be buying one of these filter in the next little while and was wondering which would be better. The tank is a 90 gallon but the hood is such that I cannot cut it to fit a bigger HOB filter on it. Currently I have an EMP 280 (which does a good job, but is a bit noisy), a Magnum 350, a Sponge Filter, and have a Fluval 304 on the way. I was going to add another HOB filter and was wondering which would be better

[Dean]

the 280

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I personally prefer the AquaClear filters. They are fairly quiet... (my 150 is dead silent but my 200 makes a bit of noise). Easy to clean. Etc.

[JSchmidt]

I think both filters are pretty similar in most respects. You'll find equal numbers of devotees of both filter. I have both, and I prefer the Emperor, especially if you ditch Marineland's disposable cartridges and use a block of foam in the filter well instead.

I don't find my Emp to be any noisier than my AC300, and I prefer the Emps because they restart better than the AC300 after power outages/water changes, etc.

If you have to get an HOB (and you don't want to spend a few extra $$ for a HOT Magnum, which beats both hands down, IMO, for mechanical filtration), then either would do a fine job.

Jim

P.S. One advantage of having two identical filters is that it makes it easier to stock spare parts, such as an impellar shaft. Not a big deal, unless you have more than a couple tanks.

[NickH]

I'd say you don't need anymore filters for that tank.

[Captain Hook]

I agree that what you have should be enough. You have an emp 280, Magnum 350 and a Fluval 304 (pretty much). That seems like enough to me.

[GT3050]

I will probably be getting rid of the magnum soon, I think it is on its way out. The magnum is very old I think 8 or 9 years, and I wasn't planning on replacing it.

[ROLLIN]

I would go with the emperor 280, because of the bio-wheel. You have some big waste producers.

[cblin]

Never used Emperors, but I loved my AquaClear 300.

[Captain Hook]

GT3050 I know you said you can't fit a bigger HOB Emperor 400s were on sale at Big Al's here in Canada for $60. They also came with that aquareminder thing, helps to keep track of maintenance and stuff. I think the sale ended yesterday though.:rolleyes:

[DLeung10]

A have an AC300 that will NOT FIT on my 72 gallon bowfront tank.

It probably will not fit on a 90 gallon tank.....

[viboy]

Funny that you should ask. I am currently running, on my 90, a fluval 304, aquaclear 300, and an emporer 280.

In my opinion that ac and the emporer are pretty close. I find that the emporer does not prime as well as the ac. If the water level gets too low the emporer looses suction before the ac does. Although this is only during water changes of over 30%. The water level has to be down at least 4 inches before I notice a problem. Noise level is a trade off. The ac seems to have a quieter motor but also has more water noise if you levels are not right to the top.

In my opinion I like the ac better for mechanical filtration. If you are getting a fluval 304 then the biological side should not be a problem. To me the only added benefit of the emporer is the biowheel. It all depends on what the main purpose of the filter is going to be. From the sounds of it you are getting the HOB for mechanical filtration and in my opinion I would go with the ac.

[GT3050]

Yeah, the sale must be over... I checked the Big Al's Canada site and they are $99.99 :mad: Thanks for the help, I guess I should have posted a few days sooner. :sad

[Rometiklan]

I think AC 300 is the superior filter.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Restating the obvious here, both filters are excellent. You will not be disappointed with either. I have two emperor 400s and they are great. I made my own media out of the black part of the cartridge and a chair foam pad. It works very well. Again, you will not be disappointed with either one you pick. You could try flipping a coin in the air if you just can choose.;)

[Captain Hook]

GT3050 are you near a Big Al's store? The reason I ask is because there are always big sales on Boxing Day. I'm not sure if the same goes for online but I would say expect at least 25% off on December 26.