AC110 noise?

[brooke]

I have a 75g with a Penguin 350 HOB on it that is noisy and I can't stand it. I wanted to know if the AC110 are noticeably quieter? I'm going to get an eheim 2217 to cut down on the noise level but so many people recommend adding a HOB. However I don't want the peacefulness of this quiet expensive filter to be ruined by a noisy HOB. Maybe bigger question: Do I even need one?

Thanks!

Current fish:
3 Geos
2 clown loaches
2 rainbows
future:
shoal of rummy nose tetras
a couple more rainbows
possible geo

 

[elevatethis]

Aquaclears are virtually silent in comparison to Penguin filters. You'll be happy with the AC110. If you have the money to spend, the Eheim 2217 is completely quiet, to the point that you only know its on by looking at the spray bar. However, the canister isn't very good for bio so if you are only running one filter, go with the AC110. Both would be ideal, but you probably wouldn't need both with that you are stocking at this time.

 

[joeytoe]

I can barely even hear my ac110 running, there virtually quite as a mouse. Plus there kick *** filters as well.

 

[Bderick67]

Aquaclears are virtually silent in comparison to Penguin filters. You'll be happy with the AC110. If you have the money to spend, the Eheim 2217 is completely quiet, to the point that you only know its on by looking at the spray bar. However, the canister isn't very good for bio so if you are only running one filter, go with the AC110. Both would be ideal, but you probably wouldn't need both with that you are stocking at this time.

I would disagree, they are excellent for biofiltration and lacking in mechanical. Although a canister could be setup strictly for mechanical, this is not a good idea since it is best to clean mechanical media on a weekly basis. Why would you think canister filters are not very good biofilters?

With the stock you have a eheim 2217 would adiquately filter your 75g tank, plus they are the best value in canister filters currently. An Ac110 would compliment the canister nicely. The AC110 moves alot of water and you can easily clean the sponge on a weekly basis, this makes them very effective mechanical filters. With the biomax that is also in the AC110 you will also have redundant biological filtration.

The AC110 are relatively quiet as long as water level is kept at maximum height. If/when you do add your new filtration, leave the penguin running on the tank for 5 weeks along with the new filtrer. By doing this you will let bacteria build in the new filter.