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

ar0wan

Epistemologist
MFK Member
May 4, 2007
1,288
2
36
Austin, Tx

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
As far as budget i'd like to keep it about $75 or below if possible, i've never used a canister filter before =\

I have a pair of small senegal bichirs, an ABK bout 5", a 2.5" opaline gourami, and 3 giant danios as dithers
 

Racersk

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2010
1,141
33
81
Covington
I am leaning towards the Emperor 400 for the following:

1-it has a biowheel, and I like these

2-it's bigger than the 280-bigger =better!

Most people on this board like the AC's, but I used one and thought the design was cheap. I did like the flow control though, but I don't know if there is a control on the Emperor. I do have x2 running Penguin's using the biowheel and I like the fact that when you don't see the wheel spinning you know it's time to clean the media. You can also add ceramic media to the Emperor, just need to bag it.

G/L
 

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
hmm... a lot of good information to consider, i appreciate the input from everybody
 

DMD123

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Oct 23, 2009
7,069
8,714
478
Lakewood, WA
There have been so many debates on this. But the one thing everyone seems to be agreeing on is to go with the bigger filter in your choices. Either the AC 110 or Emperor 400.

The Emperor 400 also has a related cousin the Penguin 350 which can be found for pretty low prices. But many times not that huge of a difference to make it worth the downsize.
 

NCStateFisher

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 27, 2010
3,814
123
96
NC
yeah.. bigger definitely seems to be the favorite on here haha - maybe this question can help me make my decision... approximately how often do the filter pads or media need to be changed out on the 110 vs the emp 400? I've seen a couple people say the emp 400 has more expensive filtration media but im just curious as to if there's any difference in this aspect
 

junior1

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 26, 2010
66
0
0
Japan
I would go big...AC 110 or Emp 400. Never had any problems with either filter, but I do have a preference for the water flow from the AC 110.
 

Racersk

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2010
1,141
33
81
Covington
sizors;4568496; said:
in the long run, you will save money if you go with an aquaclear.
Could you be a little more specific on this comment? Are you refering to wattage consumed or media?

I am using custom media in my Penguin's, cartridges are expensive, use the one that came with it, and make your own using that as a template, poly or the blue stuff will hold up just fine, add extra ceramic media in a bag if your not liking the wheels-from a comment made earlier.
 
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