An FX5 or two AC110s?

Andrewtfw

Andrewtfw

Global Moderators
I am tinkering with the idea of replacing two FX5s on a 125 with four AC110s. I love the FX5 filter. It does a wonderful job. The problem is that the tank is in my classroom and the classroom sink is short and shallow, making it difficult to clean the filter components. My concern is that four AC110s would not make up for the quality of filtration of two FX5s. What are your thoughts?
 
verbal

verbal

CCA Members
How about going 1/2 way and adding the 2 - AC 110s and replacing just one FX5?

You might also add a pre-filter(maybe 2 or 3 with a split intake) in the FX5 to increase your time between cleanings of the canister.
 
jonclark96

jonclark96

Past CCA President
Have you got enough room on the back of the 125 to stack 4 AC110's? Another thought, although not as pretty, is to go with a matten filter in lieu of the FX5.
 
Andrewtfw

Andrewtfw

Global Moderators
verbal said:
How about going 1/2 way and adding the 2 - AC 110s and replacing just one FX5?

You might also add a pre-filter(maybe 2 or 3 with a split intake) in the FX5 to increase your time between cleanings of the canister.
Click to expand...

The issue is not based on time but rather the difficulty to clean the pads without creating a mess since the sink is small and shallow. I am not sold on the idea of replacing them. At this point I am just asking what others think.
 
Andrewtfw

Andrewtfw

Global Moderators
jonclark96 said:
Have you got enough room on the back of the 125 to stack 4 AC110's? Another thought, although not as pretty, is to go with a matten filter in lieu of the FX5.
Click to expand...

My 125 only has one center brace, leaving roughly 34 inches of length on each side of the brace. I should be able to accommodate four 110s without issue.
 
creepyoldguy

creepyoldguy

Members
Have you thought about a sump? If you use a traditional drip tray, all you'd have to do is pull out the filter pads
 
Andrewtfw

Andrewtfw

Global Moderators
It isn't that the occupants of the 125 require two fx5s. I like the flow they produce and the ability to have directional outputs. I know that sumps have many benefits but they are not an option I was am considering right now.
 
T

toddnbecka

Members
I run 2 110's and an aquaclear 70 powerhead in my 125, 3 110's in the 220, and have no problems or complaints about either setup. I really prefer hob's because they're easier to clean/maintain when I do partial water changes. I also have an air-driven Hydrosponge V in all my tanks (over 30 gallons) for additional circulation and to pick up more debris.
 
dogofwar

dogofwar

CCA Members
How about one FX5 and one HOB... maybe a big powerhead with a pre-filter as well to blow gunk off the bottom and serve as mechanical filtration...

Matt
 
mscichlid

mscichlid

Founder
If your space to clean the filters is very shallow, the Ac's would work the best. If you will be running four, clean one completely each week and be done with it.
 
Spine

Spine

Members
I'm not familiar with FX internals so I'm not sure if this will work. I was thinking you might get extra filters and just swap stuff out and the take the dirty one home for cleaning and rotate cleaning that way. How about disconnecting one FX5 at a time, taking it home servicing it and bringing it back the next day.
 
Andrewtfw

Andrewtfw

Global Moderators
So after looking at where my tank is placed, it appears that I will not be able to place two 110s on the left rear of the tank due to the proximity to a window ledge. It looks like the best plan for ease maintenance is to swap out one FX5 for two 110s. As for the other FX5, I will see if there is a utility sink near my classroom that I could use for cleaning the sponges. Thanks for your opinions. Look for a FS/FT thread very soon.
 
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