Best Filtration Systems?

[021414]

Hello Everyone,

I am still a newbie here, and I was wondering what brand/model filtration system everyone is using in their tanks? I am using a Hagen AquaClear Power Filter Size: 50 (200 GPH) for my 20 gallon tank. Here's why I went with this filtration system.

• I like how the filter media is split up into three separate components that get changed at different times according to the recommended schedule. This allows me to purchase replacements for just the foam, or just the carbon filter.
  I like how I can control the flow rate during feeding times so that all the food doesn't get sucked into the filtration system before my fish can eat it.
  The system is very quiet and its clear grey color is easily missed when glancing at the tank

I have previously used Aqueon filters that have a single cartridge that you replace every few weeks, but I am not particularly fond of those. I also use Seachems' Stability New Tank Stabilization Water Conditioner when doing water changes. What specific products do you guys use to condition your water and add beneficial bacteria to your tanks when needed?

Please let me know if I'm doing something wrong, because I would like to learn!

Thanks,
Nicole

[kcartwright856]

I'm an AquaClear girl!

They're strong, sturdy workhorses that really shine in the media department. What's great is that you don't have to stack that sponge/carbon/bio media. In fact, I don't use my carbon at all. I keep it the drawer for an occasion that I'd never need to remove a chemical medication or somesuch from the tank.

You can pack some filter floss (I can never go without filter floss! Talk about crystal-clear water!) in there, more bio-media bags, Purigen, crushed coral... AquaClear can be totally customized to your needs.

I run mine with the sponge on the bottom, a layer of filter floss (just pillow stuffing / quilt batting from the craft store), two bags of bio media, and a few tablespoons of crushed coral in a media bag.

As far as I know, you shouldn't really ever have to replace your bio media. You can give it a rinse in tank water during a water change, but replacing it as per the manufacturer's instructions is almost always a waste.

Similarly, with the sponge, I simply give that a good rinse more often than actually replacing that. Again, be sure to use tank water when you rinse these things. Chlorine from tap water can easily kill your beneficial bacteria.

As for conditioning water when I do water changes, I swear by Seachem Prime. I will never buy another water conditioner again. I can't really even describe why. It's just... awesome.

In an emergency or when starting up a new tank, unexpired bottles of either Tetra SafeStart or Dr. Tim's One and Only can seed your filters with nitrifying bacteria to do an "instant" cycle. You can follow the bottle directions and dump the dose right into the filter. A lot of other brands don't bottle the right kind of bacteria.

Hope this helps!

[Dojosmama]

Can't beat an Aquaclear! I have an AC50 on my 20 gallon tank, and two AC110s on my 65. It's over filtering to boot, but I don't have to change the water nearly as much or as often in the big tank. The AC110s are a little cumbersome to work with, but still much easier and less expensive than cannister filters. My only complaint: On those larger filters the plastic lids tend to warp and then they don't seat right on top of the filter. Not that big a deal, except that I'm fussy about it...

Go with an Aquaclear -- you can't go wrong!

-- Dojosmama

[plaalye]

Agree that Aquaclear are the best for HOB filters. I only use sponges & bio-media, I've never changed a sponge. I do like to team them with an eheim cannister for larger tanks. Another thing I like to add is a pre-filter sponge on the intake. These are a great addition. They get rinsed with every water change and keep most of the gunk from getting into the filter. You can go much longer between filter cleanings. They also become feeding stations as the food gets caught on the outside and the fish & shrimp learn this quickly.

[kcartwright856]

+1 to the prefilter sponges!

I totally forgot to mention mine. I have it to protect my kuhli loaches from wriggling into the intake.

[Diana]

The thick stack of media is the best filtration method.

The Aquaclear sponges last a LONG time. I have many that are several years old and still going strong. The secret is to gently rinse them in water removed from the aquarium for a water change. This keeps the nitrifying bacteria alive.

[021414]

Does AquaClear make a pre-filter sponge specifically for their filter, or do you guys construct these on your own with extra sponge filters? If so, can someone post a picture here because I would like to use one too.

Also, yes/no on the carbon portion of the filter? I am getting mixed reviews.

Thanks!

[Dojosmama]

Addressing the carbon:

Carbon is chemical filtration. You really only need it if you're trying to remove medications or other chemicals from the tank. Otherwise, your best bet is to remove the carbon and replace it with extra biomax for a larger bacteria colony. Besides, carbon only stays active for about two weeks, then becomes useless.

Prefilter sponges: You can find these in a number of sizes in any aquarium catalog. They usually are black and come as round cylindars with a hole in the middle that goes all the way through their centers, for easy slipping onto an intake tube. The size will depend on the thickness of the intake tube. The tubes for the AC110 require a larger hole and bigger prefilter than those for, say, an AC50.

Aquarium stores should carry them, too.

You can make your own, but I think the premade ones are easier to work with. Some good catalogs for finding them are Pet Solutions and the Foster & Smith aquarium specialty catalog (F&S puts out a variety of pet catalogs, including one for ponds, so you need to consult the one for aquariums). You can access both online, but they will send you a printed version if you ask.

If I could figure out how to post pictures in this forum, I'd post some of mine with the prefilters on the tubes. I'm sure others here can do so.

-- Dojosmama

[Dojosmama]

One other thing:

The prefilter spongses you order or find in stores often come with a plastic grid inside of them, called a prefilter grid. You can attach this to your intake tube, but I never use those. I remove them and place just the sponge itself onto the intake tube. I really don't think you need those hard plastic grids -- the only reason I can think of their being part of the prefilter unit is that maybe they help to further prevent debri from entering the intake tube. I find the sponges themselves work fine for this. Guess it's a matter of preference ...

-- Dojosmama