I always like to run two filters instead of one, so I would run 2 AC50s (or AC70s) over one AC110 ... it's just a preference, I don't like relying on one big filter when two medium filters can offer some redundancy ... also, two filters mean I can stagger my filter cleanings ...
AquaClear filter size for 40B
- Thread starter AutumnEffect
- Start date
Thanks guys. I appreciate all the advice.
The goal is a 100+ gallon tank, but a tank that size won't work in our apt and will have to wait until we get a house. Hopefully next year.
Once I get a tank that size, I know that I will need a canister or some other type of under tank filter, but I'd like to stick with HOBs for now.
If I kept my AC30 and got an AC50, it would put my max water turnover at 8.75 times an hour. If I got an AC70, it would put my turnover at 11.25 times an hour.
I'll check prices again today. I do have a 30% off coupon I could use...
The goal is a 100+ gallon tank, but a tank that size won't work in our apt and will have to wait until we get a house. Hopefully next year.
Once I get a tank that size, I know that I will need a canister or some other type of under tank filter, but I'd like to stick with HOBs for now.
If I kept my AC30 and got an AC50, it would put my max water turnover at 8.75 times an hour. If I got an AC70, it would put my turnover at 11.25 times an hour.
I'll check prices again today. I do have a 30% off coupon I could use...
Just remember that good turnover doesn't necessarily mean good filtration. You need to factor into the equation how much filter media, be it mechanical, biological or chemical, that water is passing through. I.e., I could have a high powered pump passing huge amounts of water through a rice grain sized sponge - it won't do much...
If you get the AC70 to add to you AC 30, add some of the ceramic blocks they sell for it, on top of the sponge. Just my two cents.
If you get the AC70 to add to you AC 30, add some of the ceramic blocks they sell for it, on top of the sponge. Just my two cents.
My filter media consists of coarse sponge (the kind that comes with the filters but cut in half), plastic scrubbies, floss/batting and the ceramic rings. Should I change the order in which these are in the filter (besides ceramic rings on top)?
I also might add some charcoal for awhile just in case my driftwood leaches some more tannins. It was light colored and dry when I found it, and has been soaking for a couple days with almost clear water now.
I also might add some charcoal for awhile just in case my driftwood leaches some more tannins. It was light colored and dry when I found it, and has been soaking for a couple days with almost clear water now.
keep in mind though, as mentioned its not just about turnover.
An AC110 has more media capacity than an AC70 and an AC 30 put together. by a fair bit.
the AC50s and 30s are quite small.
An AC110 has more media capacity than an AC70 and an AC 30 put together. by a fair bit.
the AC50s and 30s are quite small.
I have 40's and 58's and run HOB. If it were me I would run 2 ac70's...then when you get the bigger tank buy a new ac110 (or 2) for that tank and use some of the bio from the 70's to seed the new tank. Then buy something else to keep in the 40gal. I rather 2 HOB on a tank or at least 2 forms of bio (HOB and sponge) so when you have to clean one the other is undisturbed. Having 2 HOB also gives you 2 points of trash intake...and 2 ac70's is 100gph more than a single ac110 and im guessing close to the same bio area. If you did run one ac110...that would be fine two with similar results I bet.
