Is this a good price?

[majorzeb]

My LFS is selling a 55 gallon kit.

The kit includes:

-55 gallon tank (All-Glass)
-Heater
-Light
-Hood
-AquaClear 70 HOB Filter
-Stand (Pine Cabinet Stand)

They are asking $299 for this kit. Is this a good deal?

 

[Rbishop]

Not too bad, might find it a bit lower if you have a real large chain store fish shop around.

 

[majorzeb]

Would the AquaClear 70 provide adequate filtration, or would I need a larger HOB filter, or a canister filter?

 

[Ketso]

That's what the 55g kits are going for here in Ohio for about the same thing as you described.

I'm no fishy guru, by any means, but as for the filter, and lighting too, it would depend a great deal on what you hope to accomplish with your tank. For instance, if you are wanting a planted tank, canister filters seem to be preferred and the lighting that comes with that kit is not going to cut it at all.

However, if you are not planning on planting it, that filter would work (maybe even in a planted) depending on the bio load and number of the fish you want to keep. Which can usually be remedied by adding another filter.

So, for a better answer of "Will this filter work for me?", let the good folks here know what you want to accomplish. You'll get a much better answer and save yourself a heap of problems later on.

Just my 2 cents,
DeMonZ

 

[TML29]

Would the AquaClear 70 provide adequate filtration, or would I need a larger HOB filter, or a canister filter?

It all depends on what type of fish you're planning to put in your tank. Are they messy? Are they going to produce a lot of waste. Adding one more HOB filter wouldn't hurt. Currently I'm using Aquaclear 70 and another offbrand filter that came with the tank. I don't think my fish can complain about the water quality though.

 

[Clankeye]

I have a 55 with an AquaClear 70 on it. I just added a HOT Magnum to the mix, and I am loving the versatility it's providing the setup.

I think a 70 by itself is just hitting the minimum requirements you will need for a tank that size. Combine it with a canister like the Magnum, and I think you'll have all you ever need. You could run two 70's, but the canister would provide you with the abiltiy to do some things you can't do with those filters.

I would bet anything no matter what your plans for the tank, it won't take long before you want some lighting that is better than what comes standard with the kit. Even if you don't go the live plants route--the colors that a better lighting system brings out in your fish is worth it for that alone.

Have fun with it.

 

[majorzeb]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I think I'd just have some non-messy tropical fish...

Are canister filters really as good as people make them out to be?

I have just had so much good luck with aquaclear HOB filters. I just don't want to use anything but an aquaclear, lol.

 

[Clankeye]

'Taint nothing wrong with a single AquaClear 70 for your tank, Major. I like those filters and have used them exclusively until now. I'm just discovering there are other options/combinations.

If you plan on having a healthy number of fish in the tank, you might want a little more than one 70. Whether it is another AquaClear or something else.