Aquaclear power filter Question???

[GTbEaSt]

I got a couple aquaclears and i got a question....I dont like using the biomax pellets and also the carbon cause the net for them always seems to rip open...So now i been using three block sponges....is it alright to be using only sponges?
This will be for my 55g...
which I have a 6 inch Firemouth, 4inch convict, 4inch Jewel, and 4 inch blue acara......

Also, do you think two ac 70s are enough filtration?
if not what would you guys recommend?

 

[Deepsouth]

I wouldn't use only sponges in both filters. I think two of those filters would be ok for a 55. I'm currently running two AC110s on my 55, but I do have one AC110 on a couple of other tanks. You need to use some biomedia in your filters imo. GL

 

[msjinkzd]

I like to use the sponges and ceramic rings in my AC filters, sometimes with Polyfill on top.

 

[sp33dstix]

I got a couple aquaclears and i got a question....I dont like using the biomax pellets and also the carbon cause the net for them always seems to rip open...So now i been using three block sponges....is it alright to be using only sponges?
This will be for my 55g...
which I have a 6 inch Firemouth, 4inch convict, 4inch Jewel, and 4 inch blue acara......

Also, do you think two ac 70s are enough filtration?
if not what would you guys recommend?

I answered this question the other day...when you were asking about what you should get, a can or a HOB. I have two AC 50's set up in my 20 gallon.

Here is how I set mine up:
Bottom = foam block
Mid = filter floss
Top = biomax (never had this rip on me yet..)
Advantage of this is that I can clean one filter one week and clean the other the next week.

What you could do is have one all bio and the other all mech.
For the all mech one I would put a foam block on the bottom and fill it up with filter floss, you will get some crystal clear water.

For the bio one I would put a foam block and as much bio max you can fill in there. Whatever you do make sure to prefilter the bio media (if you use it)

I have at one point used all sponges in my AC's but that was on a 10 gallon lightly stocked tank. It should work, make sure you have a test kit to be 100% certain that the sponges can take the bioload.

 

[heavyhitter]

I take it you didnt like the answers we all posted in your other thread to these same questions?

Also like I said earlier unless you are removing medication remove the carbon.

You can buy media bags for the rings.

 

[FSM]

I think it is a good idea to have some dedicated biomedia in both. Two sponges and fill the rest with biomax.

 

[GTbEaSt]

I posted this thread before the other one...but you guys answered the other one first.......

 

[bitteraspects]

bio max is awesome. with that said. if you dont like the bag it comes in, you can always change it. i use lees filter saver bags. ive also heard of using pantyhose (leggings/stockings/whatever you call them)
as said above, you definitely want more then just sponges. if you dont like biomax, get some regular ceramic rings. or you could even stuff it full of scrubbies or bioballs. but that might make it a little more difficult to get to the sponge.
i also use filter floss/ quilt batting for added mech filtration.

 

[bitteraspects]

and yes. 2 ac70s should be enough. but threse no such thing as too much. i have an ac50 running on both a 10g and 20g tank.

 

[meanbestorque]

I got a couple aquaclears and i got a question....I dont like using the biomax pellets and also the carbon cause the net for them always seems to rip open...So now i been using three block sponges....is it alright to be using only sponges?
This will be for my 55g...
which I have a 6 inch Firemouth, 4inch convict, 4inch Jewel, and 4 inch blue acara......

Also, do you think two ac 70s are enough filtration?
if not what would you guys recommend?

That's strange that you experience the carbon bag ripping, seeing as how you're supposed to change out the carbon every two weeks (which is why most ditch the carbon, it can get pretty costly). You shouldn't only use spounges... why don't you like the ceramic pellets? Anyway, two AC70's will do the job, but I think getting one AC110 will do just as good, and it would be cheaper.