AquaClear filter size for 40B

[Sab_Fan]

what's the benefit of staggering filter cleanings?

i like the idea of a backup too, but then you have 2 filters to maintain instead of one.

well, first off, I think the main benefit is the redundancy ... I just like backup systems

as to staggering the cleanings, yes, I'd rather alternate cleaning two smaller filters on a monthly basis then one big filter every two months ...

it may be 2x the maintenance, but it also means I can keep two filters running more efficiently, on average, than with just one filter ... I can also pack each filter with different types of media ...

besides, with ACs maintenance takes about 10 minutes ... no big deal

 

[AutumnEffect]

I decided to go with an AC70 for now. Once I upgrade tanks again, I will look into other filtration options (internal, canister etc) and still use at least one HOB.

Thanks again guys.

 

[ScatMan]

as to staggering the cleanings, yes, I'd rather alternate cleaning two smaller filters on a monthly basis then one big filter every two months ...

it may be 2x the maintenance, but it also means I can keep two filters running more efficiently, on average, than with just one filter ... I can also pack each filter with different types of media ...

besides, with ACs maintenance takes about 10 minutes ... no big deal

i see, but why is it more efficient? you're running 2 motors with 2X the maintnence and roughly the same amount of filtering is being done.

 

[Sab_Fan]

i see, but why is it more efficient? you're running 2 motors with 2X the maintnence and roughly the same amount of filtering is being done.

you may be right ... using info from the Hagen website:

> two AC50s use 12watts (6 each) to move 400gph (max)
> a single AC110 uses 14watts to move 500gph (max)

the AC110 uses 17% more power, but moves 25% more water ... so my method is slightly less efficient in terms of power usage ... but not enough to outweigh the other perceived benefits

FWIW, I also like that dual filters means I have dual intakes, pulling in from both sides of the tank ... and I do think that contributes to cleaning efficiency ...

 

[12 Volt Man]

true but in terms of media capacity you would need 4 or 5 AC50's to equal the media capacity 1 AC110.

the AC50's are tiny compared to the big AC110.


so yes, you are moving more water but you are moving through a whole lot more media.

its like comparing apples and oranges here.

I run a single AC110 on a 50g breeder (like a 40g breeder but a bit taller) and I find that it is more than enough filtration. lots of circulation there. there is enough that you don't really need to worry about having dual intakes, the tank water will circulate quite well.

good luck with whichever you end up chosing.

 

[Sab_Fan]

true but in terms of media capacity you would need 4 or 5 AC50's to equal the media capacity 1 AC110.

the AC50's are tiny compared to the big AC110.

excellent point ... I concede the "efficiency" argument

 

[Bderick67]

Biggest issue I have with the AC70 compared to the AC110. Is they only fit on a tank with a plastic rim that is one inch or less. Get the AC110, you can even reduce the flow if needed, but it will more then do the job no matter what the stock in the 40B. Then down the road if you want to move it to a 75g or larger tank, you know it will fit over the rim.