Canister or 2 AC's

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swandog

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 6, 2012
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MI
I have a 75g, cycling that will be stocked to 80% according to AqAdvisor. I have a Emperor 400 running now that is too loud even after a couple of inspections of the impeller. I also do not like the huge current from the Emp400 either. I have 3 other HOB's on other smaller tanks that are very quiet but this Emp400 is unacceptable.

I have my eye on a Rena XP4 (or Filstar XP XL). I know it will solve the loudness factor but what about the current? Does a spray bar spread out flow for a gentler surface? Are there 4 foot spray bars available?

Will the XP4 be as efficient biologically and mechanically as the EMP400 with those big biowheels?

I could go with 2 AC's but not sure about the quiet factor and I'm sure the current would be the same as the EMP if not worse with one on each side of the tank.

I know most people recommend 2 canisters on a 75g but I really would like to get by with one.
 
First of all, don't waste a lot of time inspecting an impeller if there is noise, just replace it. I think one can would be just fine. Do go with the spraybar, though.
 
Hello, Many people speak very highly of the Rena's I would not hesitate to buy one. Do be aware that the newer Rena's do not come with a spraybar from other postings showing up. With HOB's you will always have the waterfall factor and sometime the motors tend to be noisy as AC's are known for that, but will run for years. In my opinion no filter will have Zero noise allot has to do with water level. I would do the Rena and a AC110 that would be a nice setup. The flow is what you want it helps with oxygen levels in the water, the current will be there be it from a spraybar or the AC110 (which in known for moving allot of water). Just my two cents hope it helps?
 
You know I was just thinking the FX5 is very quiet (I meaning surprising quiet for its size) and would handle anything you would need. It is going to have ALLOT of current no matter which you use the standard output or you would have to make the spraybar. Again it solves one of your problems and would leave you many options with fish you may like to keep.
 
I called Marineland (thanks rodger) and they are sending a new impeller. It's either that or the whole manifold which could be warped. If this does not fix the noise, I'll send it back to Petco for an exchange toward a canister. When I bought the Emp400 a month ago I had a feeling I should have went with a canister but wanted to hold the cost down. I'll see what happens but think I have a canister in my future.
 
on my 75 I run the Emperor 400 and Ac110, my Emp sounds like a tornado raping a freigh train. Did marineland charge you for the impeller. I tried cleaning it and as many time as i have, i could probably do it blindfolded, so i may give them a call
 
I see FX5's on Craigslist regularly. I got mine for $120, my buddy got one for $125. Just be patient.
 
mopani said:
on my 75 I run the Emperor 400 and Ac110, my Emp sounds like a tornado raping a freigh train. Did marineland charge you for the impeller. I tried cleaning it and as many time as i have, i could probably do it blindfolded, so i may give them a call
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No charge for the impeller. If that doesn't work the tech said call back and we'd try the manifold which could be warped. If that fails, I'll have a new canister. Craigslist in northern MI has almost nothing aquarium wise.
 
EMP 400 is the WORST as far as noise - I run one and a Tetra whisper 70 in my 75 - the Tetra is waaaay quieter - funny thing is the tetra actually has a nice water flow and when i take out all of the stock media and replace it with some large coarse sponges and bio media it actually has a comparable water flow - a lil better than my EMP but I have fines floss in it that is holding the water flow back more than the tetra
 
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