I would do at least once a week 50% removing any waste on the bottom with that filter configuration. Rinse the aquaclear sponge every other week or so (don't worry, these are the easiest filters to clean).
Turnover ratio
- Thread starter Armand
- Start date
^^^^ I can always leave a bare bottom to get it easier at the "lazy ones" style if you know what Im saying....lol!.
My biggest issue with AC 70's is that with larger fish they tend to get gunked up rather quickly requiring more cleaning, and with the smaller motor size the impeller shaft is far easier to get jammed up during a power outage than an AC 110. Even when I had 55 gallon tank set ups I used two AC 500's (110's) for just that reason. I got tired of constantly having to pull the AC 70 motors to clean the impeller wells & shafts. A great filter for smaller tropical fish, but IME not suited for larger cichlids.
BTW - the actual listed "manufacturer" turnover rate of most filters (certainly AC filters) is based on 0 media, and zero mulm/waste. So now factor that into your turnover equation. With media in place, and build up from waste, an AC 70 probably won't be turning over more than 150-175 GPH.
BTW - the actual listed "manufacturer" turnover rate of most filters (certainly AC filters) is based on 0 media, and zero mulm/waste. So now factor that into your turnover equation. With media in place, and build up from waste, an AC 70 probably won't be turning over more than 150-175 GPH.
Dont you think that might be a very low net flow???, I know you have to take into account the flow reduction the media causes but dont you think a guesstimation of 20% less that the actual gross flow the manufacturer reports would be more accurated?.
AC 70 reports a gross flow rate of 302 gal per hour so minus 20% of guesstimated reduction in flow gives 241 gal per hour, that for a 55 gal tank delivers a net flow rate of 4.4.
What is yiour opinion?.
No, not at all, as there's a BIG difference between the flow rate of a filter that contains zero media, vs one that's full of sponges, floss, bio-media, etc, even IF all of that media is clean/new. I've read some past discussions on this topic where flow meters were used, and the reduction of flow rate was a lot more than 20% of the manufacturers (zero media) rating.
You can determine the flow rate of your own filters by using the info in the following link.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/beginnerscorner/a/aa081399.htm
I've never bothered to check mine as I never follow manufacturer ratings, and usually reduce their specs by half. So in this case if Hagen rates an Aquaclear 70 for 40-70 gallon aquariums, my max will be the smaller number listed. Ditto to the AC 110, which is listed for 60-110 gallon tanks. IMO & IME a 110 gallon tank with the bio load of an adult FH would be best suited with two AC 110's. One may do the trick, but two offer a more even water flow (and temp) within the tank, twice the mechanical & bio-filtration, and a fail safe in the case of one failing for whatever reason. I love AC filters, best power filter on the market as far as I'm concerned, been using them for as far back as I can remember, but I would never use one going off of the manufacturers "max" recommended tank size, at least not where larger fish are concerned.
You can determine the flow rate of your own filters by using the info in the following link.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/beginnerscorner/a/aa081399.htm
I've never bothered to check mine as I never follow manufacturer ratings, and usually reduce their specs by half. So in this case if Hagen rates an Aquaclear 70 for 40-70 gallon aquariums, my max will be the smaller number listed. Ditto to the AC 110, which is listed for 60-110 gallon tanks. IMO & IME a 110 gallon tank with the bio load of an adult FH would be best suited with two AC 110's. One may do the trick, but two offer a more even water flow (and temp) within the tank, twice the mechanical & bio-filtration, and a fail safe in the case of one failing for whatever reason. I love AC filters, best power filter on the market as far as I'm concerned, been using them for as far back as I can remember, but I would never use one going off of the manufacturers "max" recommended tank size, at least not where larger fish are concerned.
The link that you posted to the male zz red dragon, is this the fish going into the 55 gallon, with a single AC 70?
If so, you are sadly mistaken to think that filter, in that tank, is going to keep up to that fish as it matures.
For a starter I wouldn't keep an adult male fish like that, which has the potential to reach 12+ inches, in a 55 gallon tank. And even if I was inclined to do so, I would never run a single AC 70 on the tank, even if I was doing 50% water changes twice a week.
What you are attempting to save in filter cost and power, will be spent in labour as that fish matures. An AC 110 consumes 14 watts in power, in the grand sceme of things a small price to pay, even if two of them are running in tandem. Some of my AC 110's (formerly AC 500's) are 15+ yrs old, and other than a few impeller changes along the way (mostly from sand damage) they are all still running as smoothly as the day I started them.
If so, you are sadly mistaken to think that filter, in that tank, is going to keep up to that fish as it matures.
For a starter I wouldn't keep an adult male fish like that, which has the potential to reach 12+ inches, in a 55 gallon tank. And even if I was inclined to do so, I would never run a single AC 70 on the tank, even if I was doing 50% water changes twice a week.
What you are attempting to save in filter cost and power, will be spent in labour as that fish matures. An AC 110 consumes 14 watts in power, in the grand sceme of things a small price to pay, even if two of them are running in tandem. Some of my AC 110's (formerly AC 500's) are 15+ yrs old, and other than a few impeller changes along the way (mostly from sand damage) they are all still running as smoothly as the day I started them.
No that FH of the link is going to be solo at his 85 gal where he's currently sharing with the one in my avatar.
it is the one in my avatar the one who's gonna be in that 55 gal.
OK thanks for your input I think I made the wrong call with that AC 70 because now I have already purchersed it so I'll have to include extra filtration.... what do you think about what I mentioned before of a sumersible filter powered by a 1400lxh powerhead????. Does it sound like a good deal to you?.
The one in your avatar also has the potential to easily reach 12+ inches, so either way you are pushing the limits across the board. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I wished I could keep him in at least a 75 gal but that's not possible for me at least in the near future, I'll have to get used to that 55 gal and my call to his tank would be the aquaclear 70 plus the sumersible filter powered by a 1400lxh powerhead.
I'll keep you updated about his progression in the progression therad I already started about him.
The minimun tank size for him should be 65 gal but I thinkl a 55 gal can work out.
Cheers.
Curious what your average Nitrate readings are with the different turnover ratios?
Doesn't the water need to be replaced every week regardless of turnover ratio?
Would a higher turnover ratio result in less frequent water changes or lower Nitrates?
Cheers,
Doesn't the water need to be replaced every week regardless of turnover ratio?
Would a higher turnover ratio result in less frequent water changes or lower Nitrates?
Cheers,
