A have an AC300 that will NOT FIT on my 72 gallon bowfront tank.
It probably will not fit on a 90 gallon tank.....
It probably will not fit on a 90 gallon tank.....
EMP 280 Vs AC 300
- Thread starter GT3050
- Start date
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.
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.
Yeah, the sale must be over... I checked the Big Al's Canada site and they are $99.99 
Thanks for the help, I guess I should have posted a few days sooner. :sad
Thanks for the help, I guess I should have posted a few days sooner. :sad
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.
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.
