Aquaclear Filter

[eykis9]

I'm setting up a 20 gal high planted tank and am going to use an Aquaclear filter. For those that use or have used Aquaclears filters, do you think the Aquaclear 200 (supposed to be good for up to 40gals) is really suffitient for me or should I go with the 300 (aquariums up to 65 gallons)?


thanks!

 

[Managuense]

the 200 would be just fine.... the only suggestion i would make is to ditch the carbon and just run 2 sponges instead.

by rinsing the bottom sponge only and being careful with the top one you can preserve good biological filtration in your top sponge.
M

 

[rocketshrimp]

200 or 300 would work depends how much mor the 300 is if it was my tank i might get a 500. i agree with Managuense i woul put 3 sponges in the filter thats what i do if you need to use carbo take out one and put in carbon other ise dont use carbon.

 

[eykis9]

thanks for the advice here. i got some feedback from someone who is running the AC200 on their planted tank and they suggested i go with the 150 because the 200 disturbs the water too much... therefore, i'm going to give the 150 a try and use 2 sponges as suggested above (i was already planning to pull out any carbon). i decided that if this doesn't provide enough filtration i'm just going to give in and get the small eihm cannister filter... i'll only be out $17 i'm paying for the AC 150 at thatpetplace.com.

 

[moricollins]

you should be able to get away with the 150, i only use the aquaclear minis on my 20 gallon tanks, and have had no problems with the filtration.

 

[allthingsanimal]

Go with the 150 the AC's do disturb the water a little. and would suck plants up in the intake. You might consider cutting a sponge and fitting it over the intake so you are not constantly pulling plants out of your impeller.

 

[eykis9]

thanks for the info! i did get the AC 150 and am running it without carbon but am using 2 sponges. i have it going full blast and so far the only plants i have are about 5 nice bunches of vallisneria americana (natans). i haven't had any problem with them being uprooted or blowing around much. once i get my other plants in i'll keep your suggestion in mind allthingsanimal
in case i run into that problem.

thanks again, everyone!