Another canister?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
no, they have a large foam block, a bag of carbon and a bag of noodles. carbon needs to go. not needed.
 
and while agreed, the foam or sponge block can be considered bio filtration along with all the decor in your tank and gravel, it is no substitute for a bio filter.
 
+1 to about everything pops has said. I've had multiple AC110's running for about ten years without issue. Love my Aquaclears, but the extra space for bio is great with adding a canister.
 
pops said:
having a thin substrate is no replacement for a canister filter/ bio filter. get no more results than you would with a thick substrate. water flow is only going to hit whats top, thick or thin, on my 180 I have 6" crushed gravel on a reversed UG system, duel bottom drilled, running 2 pumps. pushing 2400 gph with 9" foam filters on the intakes. this the only time I can say your gravel "may' be good for bio filtration.
Click to expand...

True, a thicker substrate won't do more than a thin substrate, because only the top 1/2 inch is aerobic and this is why I only use thin substrate in my tanks.

Your reversed UG system no doubt can support much heavier bioload. But unless you intend to pack live fish as sardines, you may be over killing with bio filtration capacity. My tanks are only moderately loaded. I haven't found it necessary to go beyond basic good mechanical filtration, thin substrate to support healthy BB , and frequent WC to accomplish healthy water quality. On the other end, the most popular filtration in fish room tanks is air driven sponge filters.
 
just a little counterpoint: aquaclear 110 filters are GOOD biofilters..most people on here tend to spend massive $$$ on overkill filtration.. I don't oppose this practice at all..HOWEVER...if 2 ac110's was enough filtration before it is likely plenty still ..they are reliable and long lifespan filters ..my suggestion .....clean out the filter that "won't restart"..it actually will..they are run on electric magnets ..so they don't "just stop"...there is something keeping it from running(maybe sludge on the impeller)...canisters are nice filters ...BUT THEY AREN'T "BETTER"...either you're ammonia &nitrite are 0 (in which case you have enough filtration )..or you have measurable ammonia &nitrite in which case you MIGHT need more filtration..I am sure I pissed off a couple of overfiltration types ..but I speak the gospel truth here...good luck , enjoy the tank..
 
I took the filter apart today as far as I could. Clean every piece of little debris I could find out of it. Cleaned the intake tube this was as well. So I will see how it runs now.
 
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