What Filters Where?

[12 Volt Man]

12 Volt, using logic, one would deduce that whoever told you that was insane.

How would a HOB be able to turn more than a canister? (unless the canister was terrible and the HOB was exceptional)

because the flow rate on most HOB's is less than many canisters.

eg. if you assume the flow rate (without media) is correct, the AC110 (Hagen claims 500 gallons per hour) pumps more than all the rena's, all the fluvals except the FX5, more than all the eheims except the really big one..

canisters traditionally have lower flow rates than HOB filters, but they don't need as much because they have way more volume to hold media..

 

[Bderick67]

12 Volt, using logic, one would deduce that whoever told you that was insane.

How would a HOB be able to turn more than a canister? (unless the canister was terrible and the HOB was exceptional)

Lots of insanity here on MFK then.

Turnover/flow rates are worthless without giving consideration to many other factors. You can stick a 500gph powerhead in a 50 gallon tank and get a turnover of 10 times an hour. But are you filtering anything?

12volts recommendations for turnover are pretty much the standard.

 

[FSM]

Given the two tanks and fish how/where would you set up the below listed filters?

180 gallon (4 Silver Dollars, 1 Red Devil, 1 Trimac (female), 2 JD's, 1 Texas, 1 Rafael Cat

55 gallon (one GT)

2 x Rena XP3's
2 x AC 110's
1 x Hot Magnum (micron cartridge only)

I agree with the others, the AC110 will filter the 55 just fine.

I know this has probably been asked 1,000 times, but what is the general rule of thumb for turnover rate for HOB and Cannister filters given a properly stocked tank.

Turnover Rate = GPH / Gallons

I know there are many variables, but let's assume an established tank with Aqua Clear HOB's and Rena Cannisters and no chemical filtration (charcoal).

HOB filters generally have more flow, but hold less media. The most important thing is having enough biomedia. High flow rate is great for mechanical, but not as important for biofiltration.

One of my 75s has two fluval 404s, probably around 500 GPH total. The other has an AC110 and a sump with a quiteone 3000, which probably pumps about 600 GPH.

12 Volt, using logic, one would deduce that whoever told you that was insane.

How would a HOB be able to turn more than a canister? (unless the canister was terrible and the HOB was exceptional)

HOB filters have more flow, but a fraction of the volume. An AC110 is rated at 500 GPH; Fluval 405 is 340, Rena XP3 400 GPH, XP4 450, Eheim 2217 260 GPH. Obviously they all flow considerably less with all the media. Those canisters all cost considerably more as well. It doesn't make the AC better though.

 

[velanarris]

I was referring to a "stocked" filter, not an empty pump, but my bad for not clarifying up front. Without specifying, you're right.

 

[abiddle]

Thanks for the information everyone.
I got what I needed.
I was just trying to make the best use of resources I had without spending a fortune on new equipment.

I have a basic understanding of the fundamentals, i.e., type of media, contact time with the media, etc...

Got all my tanks hooked up with flow rates in excess of the "general rule of thumb" and no dead spots. Put an AC110 on one end of the 55 gal and a new AC70 on the other end. for the 180 gal I have two XP3's, an AC110, and the Hot Magnum with a new micron filter at one end mostly for circulation.

Man this is an expensive hobby!

 

[tcarswell]

Yes it is an expensive hobby for the monster enthusiast. A simple 20 gallon with stock is fairly cheap and what average people go for. But once you get above 55 gallons and multiple filters it gets expensive FAST

 

[12 Volt Man]

no kidding. I have probably spent $1500 so far on my 150g setup..3 filters, two heaters, 150p of gravel, twin tube 36" lights, etc etc.

I cant afford to eat anymore but I have my tank LOL