Since it is a 55 gallon tank I would get the Aquaclear on one end and then the powerhead on the other end, thus creating very little dead spots in the tank, good biological and mechanical filtration.
what is better, an aquaclear or sponge filter?
- Thread starter Michael_G
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You'll want to avoid the biowheels for a brackish setup; the increased surface agitation results in much more evaporation and salt creep.
AC's are good--I have 3 running right now, no problems with any of them. It may be worth it to pick up the surface skimmer to reduce the surface scum, but otherwise, they are great.
AC's are good--I have 3 running right now, no problems with any of them. It may be worth it to pick up the surface skimmer to reduce the surface scum, but otherwise, they are great.
salt creep?
Oh, I don't know anything about that! So, I take back what I said about the 330s being a good choice.
Oh, I don't know anything about that! So, I take back what I said about the 330s being a good choice.
When water evaporates, it leaves behind a variety of minerals. In SW and BW tanks, this includes salt, resulting in higher concentrations of salt in the tank. Actions that increase evaporation are usually avoided for this reason, and surface agitation can result in splashing water evaporating on surface, resulting in a salt spots, or salt creep (not the only way it occurs, but a big cause). Once the salt crystals start forming, they seem to attract more, and pretty soon you have big crunchy slabs of whie coating lighting, filters, etc. Not a pretty site, and it can result in shorts in electrical equipment. Freshies are totally unaware of the phenomenon, and don't sympathize with the issue one bit. :laugh:Salt creep occurs with any level of salinity--it's obviously worse with marine levels, but happens with brackish as well.
I've been happy with my orders from Big Al's. Only complaint is that they don't back order stuff for you--if they are out, you just don't get anything.
The skimmer I was referencing is just a simple addition to the filter, sometimes called a surface extractor ($), rather than a protien skimmer ($$+). It pulls water from the surface, preventing a skum from floating on top. Think I got my last one for about $14.
I've been happy with my orders from Big Al's. Only complaint is that they don't back order stuff for you--if they are out, you just don't get anything.
The skimmer I was referencing is just a simple addition to the filter, sometimes called a surface extractor ($), rather than a protien skimmer ($$+). It pulls water from the surface, preventing a skum from floating on top. Think I got my last one for about $14.
I think, also, the bio-wheel would create too much surface agitation for a tank with plants....which prefer an undisturbed surface. I may be wrong, but if you are heavy on plants, they should do most of the oxygenation themselves. If anyone disagrees with this, I'd be interested to hear opinions as I am new to aquatic plants.
