Old School Power Filters

[wmeier]

Looking at a 180 tank that comes with an Aquaclear 1200 and 70 power filters. I have never been a fan of those fliters that hang over the glass. I know these are pretty old and not enough filtering for 180 gal, but what is anyones opinions on these, reliability, parts availability, etc.?

[Wingin' It]

I would go bigger...I personally use the Canister filters...one on each end of the big tanks.

I find HOBs good/ok for the smaller tanks.

[wmeier]

yes, I agree with canisters. Have a fluval 305 on my 55. Just curious about the aquaclears. Probably just toss them if I buy the tank?

[PistolPete]

no way i would not throw out the aquaclears. Very reliable filter and the largest one moves alot of water. Cannisters are great but i would never throw out the acs. Ill take emoff your hands if thts the case

[Vallisneria]

I love my Aquaclear filters and use them on 90% of my tanks. They are good filters, move a lot of water and are easy to clean. The only tanks I use canisters on are my planted tanks. For my smaller tanks I prefer ACs because of the cost and on my big african tank the ACs do a really good job of cleaning and keeping the water flow up. I have some that have been running for 10years without issues.

Definitely don't throw them out if they work. Either sell them or give them away if you don't want them. The 1200 is an older model but is still good if the motor still works.

For a 180g you'll need more filtration then those provide though. What will you be stocking?

[jvision]

I would get a large canister (FX5 or Eheim Pro) in addition to the AC1200, and filtration will never limit your stocking levels!

[polleni-puffer]

I agree. I have an aquaclear that is at least 12 years old and it still works like a charm. Always good to a couple on hand ,IMO.

[SuperGuppyGirl]

I love how easy to clean the AC's are, as opposed to canisters. But agree that on bigger tanks canisters work better. My 75G with a fluval 404 water is way more clear than my 75G with the AC110, the water in the AC 110 tank always seems to have a greenish tinge.to it.

[ckmullin]

also make sure the water movement from the filter covers the tank...hate to have dead spots. If so, can always throw a little KORALIA powerhead. I would agree on the canister as I favor that over HOB filters.

[cjerrom]

FX5's will out perform the Eheim's any day especially for Pleco or large fish. The Eheim's are quieter, and use less power but cost wise I see the FX5 as the better value pricepoint vs performance. Cannisters are the way to go on large tanks as it keeps the filters out of site and also allow easier service since you aren't reaching over the back of a large tank to clean a filter. If you add a 20ft section or more of a ribbed hose to the extra fluval valve with the FX5 you can drain and clean the tank in 30 mins removing 100 gallons of water with the filter motor.