Which Filter is Better?

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chiselchst

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Jun 12, 2004
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I have a 100 gallon aquarium (acrylic) that was given to me. I have cleaned it up and santatized it with a bleach mixture.

I have the choice between (2) HOB Emporer 400's (with a claimed pumping rate of 400 GPH ea x 2 = 800 GPH), or a wet/dry system with 6 gallons of bio-balls and a Little Giant 3-MDQ-SC pump at 600 GPH.

I do NOT want to run both - between the two set-ups, which would be better?

Do the bio-wheels aerate as well as the wet/dry filter?

Thanks in advance...

All input greatly appreciated.

Mitch
 
It depends on what you're gonna keep in the tank. For most though, the Emp's bio-wheels offer more than enough biofiltration. Plus, the Emperors will be easier to maintain. i.e., easier to find cartridges and replacement parts at the store.

I would definitly go with the Emperors. I don't know all that much about the Wet/Dry system you describe, but I don't think it's benefits as a Wet/Dry would make it worth using instead of two Emperors.
 
I agree; I would choose the Emperors with bio-wheels. The bio-wheels' aeration provides a similar benefit to that of a wet/dry filter. But setting up the wet/dry could be a fun project if you're so inclined.

You'd probably get more response if this thread were moved over to the Products/DIY section.

Good luck with the new tank!
 
Having 2 filters on a big tank is a good idea. It spreads out the current much better and if one breaks for some reason you still have filtration.
 
I personally would go with the EMP's, either would work, but as was said two filters gives you an advantage over a single one, so two emp's IMO is superior to one wet dry. As far as the aireation goes the Emp,s will do fine.
 
Great Replies! Thanks!

Great - That's what I wanted to hear, too. It would be lots easier for me to service the HOB filters, plus I would have to drill holes in acrylic - then design a return system...buy plumbing, etc.

I was also going to use a 165 GPH powerhead (Eheim) just to provide additional circultaion, and some current.

Thanks you guys!

Mitch

PS Anyone want to buy a brand new wet/dry and little giant pump? Cheap, LOL
 
emps are great but their flow slows a little and they start to rattle after a while. maybe im just picky but i do own like 5 of them and a bunch of thier other hang ons. i love wetdrys, you buy a huge sheet of cloth from big als and just change that once a month and top off the filter it dosent get easier than that. i also like how i can push the tank right up to the wall. very efficient filter but im not a huge fan of the little giants. i would do wet/drys for anything over 80 gallons thats just me know i want something easy and powerful.
 
I would go with the wet/dry as well, simply because a sump is really handy. put your heaters in it, put some fast growing plants and a light in it and you have a nutrient absorbing plant filter, etc etc.
 
Can't get much easier than skapping 2 emps on the back. Adding all of that plumbing work and drilling a tank isn't always fun.

It really isn't that much hassle to clean an HOB.
 
Again, I would go with the Emperors...

When you have 6 tanks you'll find that HOBs make maintence much easier. And trust me, you'll get more tanks.
 
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