Aqua Clear Power Filters

[Julie]

I would appreciate opinions on filtration.
Would 2 Aqua Clear 200's be nearly as effective as one Aqua Clear 500?

Thank you.  

[Evan]

I have both types of filters.

From my experience the water flow from the AC 500 would be far greater than than 200's.  The media is also a lot larger so there would be alot more room for bacteria.  

Also depending on the size of tank there may be difficulty using the 200's

[Julie]

Hi Evan - I understand water output on the 500 is 500 gallons/hour and on the 2X200's it would be 400 gallons/hour.
Can you explain the bacterial colonization on the bigger media being more beneficial than 2 smaller medias?

My dilemna is the tank is already set up and I have a 200.  In order to fit a 500 I would have to move the tank.

tanks again!
Julie

[Evan]

One AC 500 foam is bigger than the two 200 foams.   There is just more area for the bacteria to be supported, and with the increased water flow more water is put through it.  

(I also was thinking of two foams in the AC 500, I should have asked)


What size is the tank anyway?  If you don't want to move it and the 200's will provide enough power  I don't see any harm in using them.  

Also by using the two filters  you are protected if one quits the tank will be able to survive until you can replace it.

The only down side  to the AC 200 on a larger tank that I have experienced is that sometimes it is too high off the water to restart, but depending on your tank it may not be an issue.

[Julie]

The tank is a 55g.

[Evan]

The 2 200's would work but then it depends on what you want to put in the tank.  

Example if you were going to but plants or fish from still waters  then you do not want real high water flow anyway

[artw]

oh with a 55 I'd do 2 300's myself
a 500 is great but with 2 300's you get more power and redundancy.

[Julie]

Unfortunately I would have to move the tank to fit a 300.

[artw]

uhhh
question
if you can't fit a 300 on your tank how do you expect to fit a 500?

[Julie]

Hey Art, I can't fit the 500.  Only way is to move the entire tank to make room at the back to accomodate it; which is what I am trying to avoid.  2x200 sound better than just one.

Julie

[manytanks]

We ran an AQ300 on our 55g for a while but it really didn't do a good enough job of circulating the water throughout the tank. Hanging it on the end gets a nice circular flow going but prevents you from closing the top (if using glass) or using a light hood. Finally went with a Filstar3 and noticed a big improvement overall.

We have a 20g running with an AQ300 set to the minimum (with a handful of cardinal & rummynose tetras) but with the outflow directed mostly across the surface instead of down, and it is more than enough filter power...so I imagine an AQ500 in a 55g would be almost too much. Overall, I think two AQ200s would give better filtering coverage and a more even current flow/distribution.

Let us know what you decide to go with...

[luvfishies]

Yeah, 2 @ AC200 would be great for a standard length 55g. Redundancy is a good thing, as is water circulation.

[aidensmomma2000]

I have only a a/c 300 on the 55g, and more would be better I think, but everyone is happy.

I think you'd be ok if there werent too many fish.

[BigDaddy]

If this is a planted tank, 2 AC200s at either end of the tank would be perfect.  Just enough filtration, and enough flow throughout the tank without it being too strong blowing the plants around.

[Julie]

It is a planted tank- I am going to go with 2 200's double sponged at each end of the tank.

Thanks for the great input folks!