Aqua clear - filter setup

[shw104]

I have an aqua clear 150 on a 30 gallon, planted community tank. I also have a power head. The tank has been up and running for 1.5 years with no problems.

I've been using the three standard filter cartridges in the filter (foam, carbon, and ammonia remover). All three are over 6 months old. I occansionally rise out the foam but probably need to replace the carbon. I don't believe I need the ammonia cartridge as my tank is balanced and seems to be self regulating.

I'm curious what people recommend for this filters. I'm thinking about doubling up the foam inserts (2 cartridges) to increase the filtration for extra cleaning.

thanks!
Scott

 

[RobP]

good question im kinda intrested about the same thing

 

[naturestee]

I have an Aquaclear 5-20 in my 10 gallon tank. I use two sponges and the biorings. No carbon because it's planted. It seems to be working well.

 

[kveeti]

Just fill up the chamber with sponge(s), you don’t even need the carbon insert unless you’re using it for a specific reason, like taking out medication. In my AC, I have 2 sponges and a filter bag that I stuck in some Fluval noodle things – I put this on top mostly for the weight, but I could have put in another half-height sponge.

 

[RobP]

thats good to know i thought that the more sponges would make the filter flow less per hour? but good point even though it will trap more particales.

 

[Kissofthegorami]

You should replace the carbon once a month. You don't even really need the carbon. The ammonia insert is basically useless unless you have an ammonia problem and you have to replace it monthly or bi monthly. In my aquaclear 300 I use a very old sponge insert, BIOMAX (this is great stuff) small ceramic noodles for great bio filtration, and then i put filter floss on top to polish the water and take out the tiny particles the sponge misses.

 

[Coulter]

I've got an aqua clear 300 on my 30g tank. I use the foam on the bottom, carbon in the middle, and biomax on top. Once the carbon wears out, I'll use another foam in its place.

 

[Kasakato]

The carbon will no longer be active in 2-4 weeks. It is not needed unless you are using meds or are taking some sort of chemical out of the water.

 

[adgolde]

i have a aquaclear 110 (500) and i use two sponges and thats it. i also have a topfin 60 and my tank is clear as can be, no problems at all.

 

[Coulter]

Same with my tank. Ever since I added my aqua clear, the water has been crystal clear. I used to just have a whisper 30, but no matter how much I made sure the water levels were fine and the filter was clean, the water was always somehwat cloudy. But now the water is so clear that it honestly almost makes me want to cry.