What would you all recommend? I'm currently running an AquaClear 110 power filter on my 100 gallon cichlid tank. The filter keeps the water pretty clear and with weekly 50% water changes the water quality is usually up to par. I'm looking to add a second filter however and was wondering what would be a better choice between another AquaClear 110 or a Eheim 2217 Canister filter? I hear the AquaCLear is better when it comes to mechanical filtration but the Eheim is better when it comes to biological filtration. What would you all recommend?
Keeping my water clear
- Thread starter Anthony Williams
- Start date
I would go with canister filter if I were you. That's how I run my tank w/ anyway. I filled my canister w/ load of ceramic rings and bio balls.
I would just find another ac110 ...then I would use as media 2 sponges plus some filter floss....ditch the carbon (or keep it for removing meds)...take the bio max from new filter and add it to your old filter to bump up the bio (ditch the carbon in it, too)......this should give you the best setup for bio+ mech. filtration... 
You can't go wrong either way really - they will both do the job you're looking for. The canister will be more expensive, but more quiet & less of an eyesore. The HOB is cheaper and less of a hassle to clean IMO - just squeeze out the sponges/media in a bucket.
I usually go with the HOB filters.
I usually go with the HOB filters.
I would just find another ac110 ...then I would use as media 2 sponges plus some filter floss....ditch the carbon (or keep it for removing meds)...take the bio max from new filter and add it to your old filter to bump up the bio (ditch the carbon in it, too)......this should give you the best setup for bio+ mech. filtration...
That makes a lot of sense. I like the HOB because of how much water it moves per hour. And like the guy below you said, it's cheaper as well.
and new ac'
Yea mine is about 5 years old and it's pretty quiet to me. The only sound I hear is the sound of the water falling back into the tank but as long as I keep the water levels up you don't really hear that either.
the aquaclear 110 are nice and easy to clean. I have them on 75% of my tanks, the other % I have canisters on them. canisters I think are more for people that like to make the filters less notisable and want the Idea of a sump but dont want to drill the tank and make thier own sump. eather way thier both awesome.
I would just find another ac110 ...then I would use as media 2 sponges plus some filter floss....ditch the carbon (or keep it for removing meds)...take the bio max from new filter and add it to your old filter to bump up the bio (ditch the carbon in it, too)......this should give you the best setup for bio+ mech. filtration...
Quick question: When using the filter floss would you recommend putting it before or after the sponge in the HOB or does it matter?