Large wet/dry Amiricle Maxi reef type filter VS. Large Fluidized Bed filter. Not going on price or versatility, going on biological filtration performance. which do you think is a better performing filter??
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Large wet/dry Amiricle Maxi reef type filter VS. Large Fluidized Bed ??
- Thread starter AikidoGuy
- Start date
I'd put it this way. Do you need an airplane to get to the hardware store across the street?
This questions your goal. Both filters are VERY capable biologically, and may be a significant overkill for the majority of real life home tanks. So, do you really NEED that much of capacity (considering the cost, maintenance headaches, noise/evaporation issues of W/D, etc.)? They are not "turn it on and forget" filters. In fact, they're very far from it. You're not going to be comfortable during your vacation in Paris knowing that your tank at home depends on one of those.
Now, you cannot compare capacities based on the word "large".
If you compare the same volumes of biomedia, sand will be more potent (the total surface area is MUCH higher, so, even if the media oxygenation is lower, the huge difference in the total surface area would win the game). However, if you insist, I'd guess that the largest Amiracle filled with Mini Bioballs will be equally or, most likely, less potent than, let's say, LF 300 (which is not the largest FBF, of course). I'm talking about nitrification capacity only.
If you want my personal opinion, I hate FBFs (I had major headaches with LF300 and would never try it again). As for the sump-based W/Ds, I'm not too fond of them either (I run one now and would hardly want to build another one). There are better options for any of my tanks.
This questions your goal. Both filters are VERY capable biologically, and may be a significant overkill for the majority of real life home tanks. So, do you really NEED that much of capacity (considering the cost, maintenance headaches, noise/evaporation issues of W/D, etc.)? They are not "turn it on and forget" filters. In fact, they're very far from it. You're not going to be comfortable during your vacation in Paris knowing that your tank at home depends on one of those.
Now, you cannot compare capacities based on the word "large".
If you compare the same volumes of biomedia, sand will be more potent (the total surface area is MUCH higher, so, even if the media oxygenation is lower, the huge difference in the total surface area would win the game). However, if you insist, I'd guess that the largest Amiracle filled with Mini Bioballs will be equally or, most likely, less potent than, let's say, LF 300 (which is not the largest FBF, of course). I'm talking about nitrification capacity only.
If you want my personal opinion, I hate FBFs (I had major headaches with LF300 and would never try it again). As for the sump-based W/Ds, I'm not too fond of them either (I run one now and would hardly want to build another one). There are better options for any of my tanks.
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What do you mean? I depends on a particular setup and needs, of course.
If we're talking about the tanks where I have or had FBF or W/D, I'd just go with canisters or a combination of filters. IMO, canisters are as close as it gets to "set it and forget it" (I'm not implying that they don't need periodic maintenence, of course, but a canister set for biofiltration only may require it once or twice a year. And canisters like Eheim are noiseless and extremely reliable. No need to worry about packing or splashing of the sand, self restarting after power black-outs, evaporation, etc.).
If we're talking about the tanks where I have or had FBF or W/D, I'd just go with canisters or a combination of filters. IMO, canisters are as close as it gets to "set it and forget it" (I'm not implying that they don't need periodic maintenence, of course, but a canister set for biofiltration only may require it once or twice a year. And canisters like Eheim are noiseless and extremely reliable. No need to worry about packing or splashing of the sand, self restarting after power black-outs, evaporation, etc.).
I'm rather fond of W/Ds, especially for big tanks. But part of that foldness is the extras that can be done with the sump and the increased water volume, not just the filter.
I like some FBF also. If I had to choose for a new large tank, it would not be FBF, W/D would definitely be considered.
But I admit I have only three W/Ds and dozens of canisters.
I like some FBF also. If I had to choose for a new large tank, it would not be FBF, W/D would definitely be considered.
But I admit I have only three W/Ds and dozens of canisters.
well i have a maxireef 400 on my 220 and my 450 has a simplicity plus wet dry so i know how they work, i was just wondering what everyone thought about the bio capacity of each wich would perform better. as far as biological filtration efficiency only! not worried about size or convience of the wet dry, cause that i already know about, just wondering which is more effecient? as far as the MR400 being safe to leave home, i dotn worry its set up properly and if the power goes out it fills up to just over half way. I drew a min water level line and max "running" water level so that i dont over fill the tank and if the power goes out i wont have any problems. all i ever have to to the filter is rinse off the filter pad. So anyway.. lets take my Amiricle MR400 vs. Rainbow Lifegards Medium sized FB filter the FB600, do you think the FB600 or the MR would be effecient at biological filtration?? im not picking one over another, im just curious.. no particular reasons...
oh and i like canisters too i have a ehiem 2260 Great filter.
oh and i like canisters too i have a ehiem 2260 Great filter.
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My guess would be that FB600 can be, potentially, more capable at biofiltration. However, the main problem is that you cannot achieve the same flow rate with it as you could with your W/D. And this may severely jeopardize the real efficiency of the system in large tanks.
I've seen people using pool FBFs. Maybe, with your huge tanks, it may be a viable alternative to your W/D.
IMHO, of course. Pure speculation.
I've seen people using pool FBFs. Maybe, with your huge tanks, it may be a viable alternative to your W/D.
IMHO, of course. Pure speculation.