filter for 30gal planted

chanathon

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 15, 2008
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CA
hey guys, i just picked up a 30 gal acrylic and am planning to do a planted setup. What's a good filter for this setup? I'm considering the AC70 but i wanted to see what you all suggest.
 

Big Jay

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2008
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Northeast
I would go the canister route if you have room underneath. That way you save room on the back if you want to do a HOB CO2 Unit.
 

Fry

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2005
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If you're going to heavily plant it, an AC70 is a great choice. You really don't need a canister's volume when the plants themselves will be doing a lot of the filtration.
 

chanathon

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 15, 2008
72
18
38
CA
actually, could i get away with an AC50 or even an AC30? i'm not looking to go TOO heavily planted, but there will be a good amount.
 

Fry

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2005
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The AC50 seems small to me, I wouldn't use it as the only filtration for anything above 20 gallons. I currently have an AC50 on my 10 gallon and it works well.
 

WyldFya

Baryancistrus demantoides
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
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Fry;1948885;1948885 said:
If you're going to heavily plant it, an AC70 is a great choice. You really don't need a canister's volume when the plants themselves will be doing a lot of the filtration.
If he is going to inject co2 into the tank, any HOB filter would be a terrible choice.
 

WyldFya

Baryancistrus demantoides
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
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Moscow, ID
chanathon;1948415;1948415 said:
hey guys, i just picked up a 30 gal acrylic and am planning to do a planted setup. What's a good filter for this setup? I'm considering the AC70 but i wanted to see what you all suggest.
Do you intend to inject co2? How much light will be on the tank?
 

Fry

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2005
1,724
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New York
Aquaclears produce very little surface movement at the correct water levels, it is the only HOB I would use with planted tanks.
 
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