Aquaclear 70 HOB Filter for Bowtank

[modlins]

I'm using Fluval 405 & an Aquaclear 70 on my recently purchased 72 gallon Bowtank. I keep mostly discus, and was wondering on going "Green" with the HOB Filter. I'm thinking of using bio balls with a basic sponge filter; has any one else had success with the HOB 70?

Scott M

 

[Tony]

I have a couple of tanks where I use an AC HOB filter in conjunction with a canister filter. Because the Aquaclears flow so much water and are so much easier so clean than a canister, I like to dedicate the AC to doing the "heavy lifting" mechanically and use double sponges or sponge/carbon combo (easier to remove carbon from AC than a canister if I need to medicate). I think that sponges will do just as good a job as bio balls will in terms or harboring bacteria with the added benefit of mech filtration. Just remember to rinse them in tank/dechlorinated water when you clean them to preserve bacteria.

The same can be said about any other additive (crushed coral for hard water tanks or peat pellets for blackwater fish)... I believe you get the benefits of the bio balls (biogical surface area) while also serving other purposes. In this case, I say stick them in the canister if you have room.

If you're set on using a media dedicated to biological surface area, I'd say go with ceramic rings instead of bioballs as they take up less space. Bioballs are best in sumps or giant canisters imo.

 

[Dragonkeeper]

Have to agree. AC are far better at mechanical filtering than canisters. They are easier to clean and flow tons of water.

 

[emartin]

Have to agree. AC are far better at mechanical filtering than canisters. They are easier to clean and flow tons of water.

The pumps on them are built like tanks too... I can't tell you how many ceramic impellers from my old Eheim 2217 canister filter that I broke. When that filter worked in between cleaning, it was great. But I definitely prefer the AC110s now...more water flow, easier to clean, and traps more waste in my 120g than my Eheim 2217 ever did.

The only problems I ever had with AquaClear's was with DOA filters (defective out of the box). Luckily they're very easy to exchange. The worst experience I had was 3-in-a-row DOA AC110s...I had to drive to three different Petsmarts (petsmart only stocks one AC110 at any given time) to return and exchange it until I found one that worked (the others had defective pumps, didn't prime properly, or had a broken part). That filter still works currently without any problems or complaints from me so far.