Aqua Clear 110 Vs Emperor 400
- Thread starter EricJ7182
- Start date
I like the Aqua Clear 110 a lot more than the Emperor Bio Wheels. The Bio Wheels sometimes get stuck and won't turn and you have to clear it out.
I think the mechanical filtration on the AC 110 is better because the big foam sponge seems to catch more dirt than the small filter pads that come with the Emperor. Also with the AC 110, you can put whatever bio media you want in it (I use Seachem Matrix because it's supposed to have the most room out of all the bio medias). But with the Emperor filters, you're pretty much limited to the bio wheels that it came with or new bio wheels that are kind of expensive. So for both mech and bio filtration, AC is better in my opinion.
I think the mechanical filtration on the AC 110 is better because the big foam sponge seems to catch more dirt than the small filter pads that come with the Emperor. Also with the AC 110, you can put whatever bio media you want in it (I use Seachem Matrix because it's supposed to have the most room out of all the bio medias). But with the Emperor filters, you're pretty much limited to the bio wheels that it came with or new bio wheels that are kind of expensive. So for both mech and bio filtration, AC is better in my opinion.
I use sponges in my E-400. Works better than the standard filter pads plus they dont need replacing, just takeout the foam blocks and rimse. I keep filter media below the spnges as well. Never had water quality issues.
Never had AC 110, but have heard good things. On the other hand I have had emperor filters and liked them a lot. I did what slippery K did. Filled it with bulk filter padding and filter media below. Worked really well. Maybe AC 110s are better, but emperors definitely do an excellent job.
Emperor 400's are good filter but there just too loud, I had one of em but I had to get rid of it. I ended up getting the cascade 1500, it's quiet, cheap, and works like a charm.
In all fairness you can change the media in the Emperor 400 also. You don't have to purchase pads, I use cut foam for mechanical, and 2 of the 4 cartridges are designed so they can hold ceramic rings or bio balls if you wish. It is a little loud, but I have grown accustomed to the waterfall sound and sort of like it. Never had any problems with it, but I run it in conjunction with a canister filter also.
I knowi f you contact marineland and tell them your emperor is noisy due to what sounds like the impellar catching on the housing they will send free of charge a new impellar and housing. The new impellar has a softer plastic on the fins so even if it hits the housing it wont sound half as bad. Also the housing they send has been updated so again it shouldnt make any noise. I only know this because 6 months ago i bought a emp 400 and couldnt stand the noise so i contacted them and thats when i was told about the new parts. I know a few people that have done this even though they have had there emp for 2 years ........might be time to replace the impellars for free ;-)
