Filtration Options

Filter Options

  • AC 110

    Votes: 24 68.6%
  • AC 70

    Votes: 1 2.9%
  • Emperor 280

    Votes: 1 2.9%
  • Emperor 400

    Votes: 9 25.7%

  • Total voters
    35

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
On my 45 Gallon Tank I currently have 2 old filters, one rated for tanks 45-60 gallon and one rated for 20-30 gallons. In December around christmas, I want to upgrade these old filters and get a newer model. I was leaning towards an Emperor 280 or 400 but some users on here pointed me towards the AC 110 model. Would an AC 70 be sufficient filtration for my tank by itself or even combined with the smaller of the 2 filters on there now? I will have a pretty good sized bioload when these fish get full sized. While I wish money wasn't an option, it will end up being an aspect of my final decision. Out of the 4 choices I listed in the poll, what would you guys choose and why? I appreciate the opinions, fortunately i still have a couple months to consider this.
 

creepyoldguy

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jul 27, 2010
1,979
15
68
fishbelly
I didn't see a poll. The ac70 turns about 300-350gph (not exactly sure). This should be fine as long as you do water changes. Of course an ac110 isn't much more expensive. Also on those breeder tanks you have to watch the width of the trim. The ac70 may not sit down properly on the trim.
Now I see the poll!
 

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
it isn't a breeder i don't think, it's 3' long x 1' wide x 2' tall i thought breeders were the wider tanks
 

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
bump
 

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
anybody care to post reasons for their preferences? it would be appreciated
 

pauly187

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 2, 2010
173
0
0
U.S
ac110 just because ive had mine and have no complaints and is easy to clean and turn over rate is i think the best
i keep two on a 135gl and they keep the water crystal clear
of course i have fx5 on there for bio filtration but for mechanical you cant beat the fx5
 

fishbum

Piranha
MFK Member
Nov 10, 2007
1,930
64
81
Antarctica
I say the Emperor 400. I have used them for a few years now and never had a problem with them. As long as you don't buy the filter cartridges for the 400,get the cut to fit bulk filter pad,they are inexpensive and easy to use.
Lots of people here prefer the AC's,never used one myself,so can't comment on them.
 

MonsterMinis

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 28, 2009
6,048
9
0
Wisconsin
pretty much what fishbum said.. I've been a marineland girl for about 10 years now. I can't complain about the 400. I had 1 on my 40 breeder and recently moved it to a 75 and added another... and moved 2 penguin 200's to the 40. I put bio-ceramic in the extra cartridge slot. I've hear varying info on nitrates w/ the bio-wheels but personally have never had an issue with this. AC's I don't have much experiance with.. I've never had to look at other filters. For a Solid HOB you can't go wrong w/ an Emp. They do make abit of noise from the bio-wheel, but as long as you keep the tanks water level good it's never an issue.
 

zebvance

Gambusia
MFK Member
Dec 2, 2009
927
0
16
College Station TX
Well What is you budget? I would say get a canister filter depending on what you have to spend
 

duipo

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 10, 2010
192
0
16
28
England
Canister filters have a larger filter media capacity which means better filtration BUT it will only be good if its a good filter :) What is your stock list?
 
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