New tank

[Corp000085]

I'm planning on getting a 50-75 gallon tank this weekend. For filtration, should i go with an aquaclear 500, and/or the emperor 400, or the magnum 350 canister with biowheel. I'm really leaning towards the last one, but i know very little about the setup of a canister filter. Any recommendations would be great. Also, if you'd like to pass along info about setting up a canister, be my guest!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

All of those methods will do the Job. I think you may find the Aquaclear or Emperor a little easier to maintain over all. Unless you plan on doing some serious overstocking there is no need to go with both. Some people like the AC, others like the Emp - both will do a good job on your tank. prefer the Aquaclear myself because it works as well as the Emp, but is a little more versatile, and tends to be quieter without the bio-wheel.

 

[Corp000085]

Thanks man... the bio wheel with the canister seems really attractive to me at the moment. If only aquaclear had a built in bio wheel. I love the thick sponge and the big carbon bag of the AC as opposed to the floss, small carbon of the emperor/penguin series.

 

[Corp000085]

oh yeah, the magnum has the gravel siphon built in

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Corp000085

I haven't used the other brands, but I can recommend the AquaClear. I use them on almost all my tanks and am quite happy with them.

I do not use the carbon, however. Rather, I fill the chamber above the sponge with filter floss. This provides lots of additional media for the bacteria to cling to and enhances the carrying capacity of the tank.

Since both the sponge and the filter floss can be rinsed in tank water and reused over and over, the AC is very economical to run.

 

[Corp000085]

I love my AC on my 10 gallon tank. I think i've spent a grand total of $5 on it since i bought the thing. Its a wonderful filter. The only reason why i'm enamoured with the magnum is that i'd be having this big tank in the living room, and noise cannot be a factor, which it is with a HOB filter.