Aquatop Questions

[annamarie92]

Hi all, I'm in need of a little advice. I have a 120 gallon that's pretty heavily stocked. 2 medium sized oscars, a juvenile Jack Dempsey, and a medium sized Lima shovelnose. I have the Aquatop CF500 with UV. I haven't had a problem out of it since I've had it, but lately I've noticed it seems the flow rate my be decreased? It seems like there is air building up in but I don't know where it could be sucking in air at.
I'm considering adding another canister just to increase filtration because of the large bio load. I'm afraid that I'm under-filtering right now. Any thoughts? And has anyone has a similar problem with the Aquatop before? Not sure what to do here.

 

[fishnatics]

Have you checked the intake tubes to make sure it's tight? I have a sunsun 304b and it was sucking in air like you said but found out the intake tube was loose so I tighten it and no more air. I also tilted the canister back and forth to let the air out. As far as flow rate I can't help you there as mine are still strong.

 

[xraycer]

Have you checked the intake tubes to make sure it's tight? I have a sunsun 304b and it was sucking in air like you said but found out the intake tube was loose so I tighten it and no more air. I also tilted the canister back and forth to let the air out. As far as flow rate I can't help you there as mine are still strong.

I agree. The best way I found to install these heavy duty hose is to soak them for a minute in near boiling water, which really softens them up and make them very easy to insert onto the plastic adapters. Once they cool back down, they will contract and will form a solid hold onto the adapter. Also, when you do install the hose onto the adapters, make sure you "bottom out"(until it can no longer advance any further onto the adapters).
In case you don't already know, Aquatop CF500 is the same exact product as the Sunsun 304B

 

[xraycer]

I'm considering adding another canister just to increase filtration because of the large bio load. I'm afraid that I'm under-filtering right now. Any thoughts? And has anyone has a similar problem with the Aquatop before? Not sure what to do here.

For a 125 with those stock, you are only getting about 3 times the water turn over rate with that CF500, so adding another large canister would be a great idea. FYI, a Sunsun 304B would save you at least $50

 

[predatorkeeper87]

What type of media are you using inside? that could be a big factor here.

 

[annamarie92]

Have you checked the intake tubes to make sure it's tight? I have a sunsun 304b and it was sucking in air like you said but found out the intake tube was loose so I tighten it and no more air. I also tilted the canister back and forth to let the air out. As far as flow rate I can't help you there as mine are still strong.

Thanks! I'm doing my water change today, I will check the hoses and make sure they're tight. Plumbing is not my specialty lol

 

[annamarie92]

I agree. The best way I found to install these heavy duty hose is to soak them for a minute in near boiling water, which really softens them up and make them very easy to insert onto the plastic adapters. Once they cool back down, they will contract and will form a solid hold onto the adapter. Also, when you do install the hose onto the adapters, make sure you "bottom out"(until it can no longer advance any further onto the adapters).
In case you don't already know, Aquatop CF500 is the same exact product as the Sunsun 304B

Thanks! Like I said, plumbing is not my specialty so I appreciate the advice! When I initially set it up, that's what I did but I'm going to check them and make sure everything is tight.

 

[annamarie92]

For a 125 with those stock, you are only getting about 3 times the water turn over rate with that CF500, so adding another large canister would be a great idea. FYI, a Sunsun 304B would save you at least $50

That's what I figured! I've been contemplating it for a while and now that my fish are getting larger and messier, I think it's time to add another canister!

 

[annamarie92]

What type of media are you using inside? that could be a big factor here.

I have a blue sponge in the bottom tray, poly fil in the third tray, a white fine sponge in the second tray, and my bio media in the first tray. I've wanted to change it up for a while, just not sure what the best way to set it up.

 

[annamarie92]

SunSun 304B Is only $88 on Amazon, guess that's what I'm getting