Aquaclear 110 or Sun sun HW304B?

[xraycer]

If I was setting up a 75 African tank, I would get both, use the 110 for mechanical and the canister for bio filtration. Unless you are going to keep the stock light, which most African tanks are not

+1

You can raise the intake tube, to minimize sand getting sucked in.

 

[Def Leppard Hysteria]

+1

You can raise the intake tube, to minimize sand getting sucked in.

And, I add an ATI Filter Max III to the intakes on my AC 110s. I've got pool filter sand in all our tanks.

 

[cichla81]

I had a 30 inch tall tank with intakes up and sand still made its way into the filter. But I did have some bangers in there too

 

[Hendre]

I have an AC20 on a 12" tall tank and so far no sand has got in. Then again I have no fish that like the bottom in there

 

[JeromeFuller]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to set up with both, the Aquamarine for mechanical and the Sunsun for bio. Thanks again all

 

[ProAquarist]

Rather than a DIY mod to the filter, using the right type of sand can be a much better option. I only use and recommend Estes Marine Sand (aka Stoney River, Ultra Reef, and National Geographic). It doesn't need to be cleaned at all before it goes in, sinks quickly when they mess with it, is the perfect grain size (no toxic gas pockets), and comes in different colors (I usually do half black and half white).

I know a lot of people like the Sun Suns, but you get what you pay for. The ones I have worked with on clients' tanks have all been a pain (to the point where most upgrade to a Fluval). I would go with two AC110s or a Fluval FX4.

 

[punman]

I keep the bottom of the intake tubes on AClears about one-third from the bottom of the tank to reduce sand sucking in. On my 135 gallon I run a power head for a few minutes a week to catch the dead spots on the substrate.