need a good filter

[LMOUTHBASS]

i have a penguin 330 on my 55 g i want another filter but don't think i want another penguin because of the periodic humming noise they make - other posters say they have the same problem - what can you reccomend i want crystal clear water if possible! ha thanks

[lee914]

if you want a HOB filter, I like the AC series(Aqua Clear) You can reuse the sponges and the media is pretty cheap. I like the inexpensive and low maitenence filters. If you want some Bio filterration as well with a HOB then I always liked the HOT Magnum bio wheel combo. I am sure there are other good filters as well but these have always worked well for me.

[jeffro426]

Ive got an Hagen Aquaclear 500 on my 55 and it keeps my water crystal clear...DrsFosterSmith has them on sale for 32 bucks. Ive had mine for about 6 months or so and its been pretty much trouble free.

[750t]

For a hob the ac series is it. Get the ac 500 and an extra sponge. I put a layer of filter floss down first then the two sponges. The filter floss catches the big stuff. And the sponges last and last.
But if you want silence then the rena filtstar is great. I know in your other thread there was talk of maint. I totally disagree. I clean mine once a month no hassle at all. On my 55 I have an ac300 and xp2 everthing is bliss.

[LMOUTHBASS]

thanks for your replies - not to soun like a caveman but i kinda am when it comes to filters - the HOT magnum with bio filtration is that an hob ? or canister?
also a few of you seem happy with the AC aqua clear 500 is this hob? (also what does hob mean? i assume it's regualr filters like i have lol)
i'also is hagen the ones who make the aqua clears? i thinki'm leaning towards them i like my penguin but wanna try something else - sometimes it gets the tank crystal clear sometimes not i want a great filter without breaking the bank! :D

[Glenstorm]

HOB=Hang on Back

I'll cast another vote for the AC 500. Big Als is offering them for $29.

[Slappy*McFish]

Yup, H.O.B and H.O.T are the same thing.
Hang On Back -or- Hang On Tank..also known as 'power filters.'

[LMOUTHBASS]

i think i'm leaning towards this model they were 75 bucks at petco !!! eek - i'm gonna run it with my penguin 330 - ac - thats the aqua clear right? they had the ac 330 i think for 41 bucks i wil go online to seeif i can get it cheaper
cool thanks guys

[blitzen25bm]

yea AC500s are less than 30 at big als. im switching all mine out for emperors though, maintenance is easier on them for me.

[ChEeRs_BiG_EaRs]

aquaclear 500, no doubt that is what you want dude :)
Justin

[SayersWeb]

Originally posted by blitzen25bm
yea AC500s are less than 30 at big als. im switching all mine out for emperors though, maintenance is easier on them for me. I found this to be the case as well.... I also like the bio-wheel, although they can be a little more noisy than the AC models.

[LMOUTHBASS]

ac 500 including shipping 41 bucks!!! shoul i go for it???

[Uncle Bete]

This is what I do... so I thought I'd suggest it, for maybe, while your ordering...

I tried to find this at big als but couldn't...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3914&D=aquaclear%20500&R=5092&Ntt=aquaclear%20500&Ntk=All&Dx=mode+matchallany&Ntx=mode+matchallany&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

I use one of those and Marineland Carbon...
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24373;category_id=1901

This could work for a media bag I found at als
NYLON FILTER BAG- 4 X 12
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24585;category_id=1927

I don't have a 500 around anymore to check for sure on the bag size. I do have a 500 sponge and it measures 3"x9".

This all helps make the long run cheaper.
There are other carbons, but I prefer Marineland.

edit: P.S. it does come with carbon.

[DIYMatt]

In all my Aquaclears I either use all foam or foam on top and ceramic noodle filter media in the bottom. I would skip the carbon. You don't need the carbon unless you need to remove a chemical or a medication. Even at that the carbon is only effective for a few days and then you are just reducing the filters biofiltration capacity. I love the Aquaclears, if you are looking for a HOB filter. Otherwise, go for a Rena Filstar XP1 or XP2 Canister, you won't look back. I always prefer canisters to HOB's.

[LMOUTHBASS]

i also bought some of the accesories to go wih it - believe io got extra faom pads - n stuff and carbon -
can someone explain to me how this all works - most filters you just drop the carbon pouch in and your al se (penguin 330 my current filter which i will also be running at the same time) - with this filter is there specific spots for to put the foam etc or do you just jam it all in there?
there will be instructions right?
thanks

[DIYMatt]

Yes, there should be instructions, but......If you bought the AC500 foam it is pre-cut to fit the filter. I have never owned a 500, only minis, 100 and 200's. But, in those three peices of the foam stacks perfectly in the media holder and you slide it in. If you bought AC500 carbon it should come in a pouch and you just have to rinse it and it replaces one of the peices of foam. I would put in between to peices of foam. But, I don't think the carbon is necessary if use a dchlor on oyur tap water and you don't need to remove a mediaction, it just takes up space that could be used for actual filtration.

You may already know this but.......When you clean the filter, do not replace all the foam at once if ever. I almost never replace unless it starts to fall apart. Just take the foam out and wring it out in a bucket of tank water, when you do a water change. Never use tap water. Then replace and you are off to the races. Second, if I remember correctly the instructions state taking the intake tube off the filter and filling it with water before restarting the filter. What I do is take a cup and dump water into the filter while it is trying to restart and a few seconds it restarts. Just make sure the tank water level is up to make it easier to restart. I don't know if this good for the filter, but a few of my AC's are a few years old and still running great. Its much easier than trying to fill the intake tube IMO. Also, I always prefilter mine with a AC foam block cut with a slit and slid over the intake. I don't know if it actually cuts down on maintenace because you have to clean the prefilter periodically, but it cuts down on the cleaning of the media in the actual filter. Just my two cents, I hope it helps:)

[LMOUTHBASS]

thank you for taking the time to write it all out! it was very helpful
:D

[LMOUTHBASS]

what makes the aqua clear such a great filter?
(i'm just trying to get excitted about it - cause it's on the way

[DIYMatt]

Well, it won't be earth shattering. But heres why I like them.

1. The quietest HOB I have ever had (vs Eheim Liberty and an Emporer)
2. Huge media compartments. The extra space for media means more mechanical/ biofiltration capacity. Also the large size lets you use a wide variety of media like ceramic noodles and "bio-balls.
3. Low cost. Both at purchase and for the future. You can use all reusable media and not have to buy anything more in the future.

Also, I don't seem to notice them as much as the Eheims. I don't know if its the color, size, or low noise. But, I forget they are there sometimes. Which is the mark of good filter in my book.

I hope that helps you get excited.

[LMOUTHBASS]

i can't wait i'm anticipating awesome water between this new filtr and my penguin 330 !!!
hopefully :D

[DIYMatt]

Just make sure you give it some time before you cast judgement. It make take a little time to build up the bacteria to get everything clear. I have overstocked tanks with just foam and they are always crystal clear.

[LMOUTHBASS]

Bout a month or so ?