I like the rena's because Im familiar with them, but it's hard to argue the power and cost effectiveness of the ac110. I just dont like seeing intakes tubes, so my choice would probably be either another canister, or run the fx5, ac110 and pick up one or 2 powerheads for added ciculation. You can hide them better and they consume very little power and are silent
circulation
- Thread starter Charney
- Start date
thanks for the input. I don't want to loose any filtration so I think I will go with another ac. Will first check to see if there are any good deals on renas.
No problem. I'm definitely no trying to talk you our of the rena by the way, just pointing out the pros and cons of each. I've had 4 different renas for the past 4 years and really do like them a lot. I like to over filter anyways so extra filtration is never a bad thing unless you have so much current your fish can't chill lol
best of luck with whatever you decide!
best of luck with whatever you decide!
Don't forget to point the output line from the canister upwards a bit if you want surface movement, mine is at a 45 degree and it really gets the water moving, my platies will swim up from the bottom under the spray bar and then get blown across the tank on the current and then they go to the bottom to do it all over again, I have the spray bar on the side of my 125 so it blows across the length of the tank. On the other side I run an Emperor 400.
Just put the powerhead in, and it made a WORLD of difference. Water is moving and shaking like a 300 pound drunk girl on the dance floor.
I think I'm gonna put another one in, and one in the 55 too eventually. They really do a great job. I think I will just make sure I order something fish related every month for good measure. 
I run 2- FX5s on my 125 and have no concerns with flow. I think you mentioned the noise was coming from one of your ac110s. If this is the case, I would suggest replacing the impellar and seeing if that solves the problem. It is likely that the impellar is worn and not rotating fluidly. This would cause a rattling sound.
Another idea for flow or surface agitation would be to add a sponge filter like a hydro sponge with an air pump. This would increase filtration and water movement. In the event of a power outage (if you are home at the time), you can remove the air pump and connect a battery operated air pump to preserve bacteria.
Another idea for flow or surface agitation would be to add a sponge filter like a hydro sponge with an air pump. This would increase filtration and water movement. In the event of a power outage (if you are home at the time), you can remove the air pump and connect a battery operated air pump to preserve bacteria.
