Filter Options

WeedCali

WeedCali

Certified Dubhead
Dec 14, 2009
2,125
0
36
32
NorCal/BayArea
Real Name
Adam
So ive been looking into filter choices lately and i have a few oprions that Im stumped on. Dont get me wrong, the filter i have now works good and its quiet but i think im gonna want some more filtration when i get my plants in and an increased bioload.

First off, has anyone ever used this filter? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+16729&pcatid=16729&s=lh

It seems like a great deal seeing as its got a surface skimmer. It has good reviews and its at a great price.

The other 2 options is a Marineland HOT Magnum 250 or an Aquaclear 50.

Note, this is a 36 gallon bowfront.

:1zhelp:
 
Not familiar with that filter, but I don't know if a surface skimmer is really necessary for a FW tank -- I haven't had any problems in mine with surface crud.

I've never used Marineland HOT's, but I have used AC's and they've performed very well! I would say, though, better to get the AC70 for a 36g tank.
 
Well I have the Hot and the AC 70 & 110. I can tell you that I didn't like the high maintenance of the AC's until I modified them drastically to work without backing up, even then I have to put up with shutting them down and re-priming before & after water changes, I do this primarily since I grow plants out of them for nitrate reduction otherwise they would be on ebay. My Hot mags which I now use strictly as polishers to keep the water invisible don't have to be shut down if you have an extension tube ($1), but even if you don't have an extension all you do is hit the off switch (AC's don't have) and then on again after the water change with no need or loss of prime.

However I think I mentioned this to you before in another post, for that size tank you'll be happier with a Mag 350 which not only will do what the 250 can but with much better endurance months between cleanings rather then weeks. Also the Mag 350 is scalable up to 100 gallons should you trade up.
 
Surface skimmers have their purpose on FW tanks. I have one built to the intake of my C-160 just so I don't have a buildup of organic oils like normal tanks do.

Keep in mind we are talking surface skimmers, meaning its taking water from the top, and not just around the bottom. SW skimmers work completely different.

That said, I don't like any HOB, and I would trust that even less.
 
Well, the filter i have now is 200gph where the HOT 250 is 250gph... more than what i have now. The Mag 350 is also in the higher price range. I do believe the Mag 250 would be fine, plus its in my budget.
 
Hot Mag excellent choice i have many of them love that filter.
 
Agreed, but remember GPH and volume mean nothing without a good design that actually captures dirt. Magnums are the lowest volume most compact canisters available in relation to their performance. This becasue of their superior design using circumference filter technology. The only exception is the Fluval FX5.
 
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