75g Filtration issues/questions

[rmcder]

Did a quick search, but couldn't find the specific information I was looking for. Here's my situation...

I have a 75g tank with an AquaClear 110 (500 gal/hr) and an Eheim 2217 (264 gal/hr) providing more than sufficient filtration, and my bioload at the moment is very low anyway. My main issue is that, over time, my AC110 has begun to just stop periodically, and the inevitable NorthEastern power outages seem to always result in it never coming back online. No doubt sand has been a contributing factor.

I can usually 'encourage' it to work again, and I clean the impeller area periodically. As per a search, it may simply be an issue of wear and tear, made worse by the sand, so I could just replace the motor assembly, I suppose. But an alternative would be to only use the 2217, or to run the 2217 with another canister I have, an Eheim Ecco 2236 (185 gal/hr).

Would the 2217 singly, or in combination with the 2236, be sufficient filtration for the tank? I think under current conditions (low bioload), the answer is probably yes, but would it work in general with reasonable levels of bioload? I love the flow of the AC110, but the stopping/jamming is becoming an issue; especially when I'm away and someone is just stopping in once a week. Thoughts?

 

[Rayne]

I'm sure it could handle whatever kind of bioload you could throw in a 75G tank, within reason of course. Bio is easy since the bacteria not only grows in your filters media, but inside your tank as well. On your substrate, decorations, even on your glass. Your mechanical filtration will be another matter though.

 

[letstalkfish]

I have a 75 with the exact same filter combo. I have noticed that the Eheim's reduced flow rate makes it a little worse at picking up the larger particulates than the ac110, but the overall filtration is far better. I run my ac110 for mechanical really. If your bio-load is low, you should be ok, but I wouldn't reccomend it really. Just watch your parameters and maybe do an extra waterchange or two every now and then.

 

[guano]

I'm sure it could handle whatever kind of bioload you could throw in a 75G tank, within reason of course. Bio is easy since the bacteria not only grows in your filters media, but inside your tank as well. On your substrate, decorations, even on your glass. Your mechanical filtration will be another matter though.

I have a 75 with the exact same filter combo. I have noticed that the Eheim's reduced flow rate makes it a little worse at picking up the larger particulates than the ac110, but the overall filtration is far better. I run my ac110 for mechanical really. If your bio-load is low, you should be ok, but I wouldn't reccomend it really. Just watch your parameters and maybe do an extra waterchange or two every now and then.

+1

Test your water to make sure your bio can handle the extra load and you may have to vac more often. Great thing about sand is all the crap stays on top and easier to clean. Adding the extra canister definitely will not hurt but I don't think it will help you much filtering mechanically. You can angle the return from one of your canister up to help with oxygen since the ac110 is gone. Also add a power head to help with circulation and keep the debris suspended in the water longer so the canisters can pick it up. But this means you have to clean your canisters more frequently.

 

[clgkag]

Check the impeller shaft on your ac110, probably getting some wear on it. If it wears too badly it doesn't spin straight and doesn't want to start up again. Simple fix if that is the problem.

 

[Edwardo]

Hi,
All I run are aquaclear 110s, because they are basically bulletproof.
I would fix the aquaclear, it wont cost that much.
Then do something to prevent the sand from entering the intake tube, sand is the worst, the damage done to the impeller and shaft, can prevent the filter from restarting on its own, as mentioned.

 

[rmcder]

Check the impeller shaft on your ac110, probably getting some wear on it. If it wears too badly it doesn't spin straight and doesn't want to start up again. Simple fix if that is the problem.

Does the "simple fix" involve anything other than replacement? ;-) Polish the impellor shaft maybe?

 

[letstalkfish]

Does the "simple fix" involve anything other than replacement? ;-) Polish the impellor shaft maybe?

take the impeller out and look at it. wipe away any sand or debris that may be on it. if there are a bunch of scratches on it it's probably time to replace it.

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[rmcder]

Thanks for all the replies. Consensus seems to be that biological filtration would be fine, but mechanical is likely to suffer. Seems like the quickest/simplest fix, then, is to just replace the motor unit. Then I can try to recondition the one that's having problems.

 

[oneyedfish]

I believe they were suggesting to replace the impeller. If it's worn it's needing to be replaced. I would also suggest putting a foam cover on the intakes of both filters to try and prevent the sand from entering your filters. Happy bonus- the foam gives you a little more space for BB to grow.


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