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View Full Version : Canister filter vs. AquaClear filter

CyberGuy
09/13/2006, 05:42 PM
Is the AquaClear filter better than a Canister filter such as a Fluval?
chrismunn
09/13/2006, 05:57 PM
im going to say no the aquaclear is not better. at least with the can filter you can direct the return current, wher in a hang on back filter it just dumps water back into the tank. you can probably fit more filter media into the can filter as well. also with different verieties of media
CyberGuy
09/13/2006, 06:58 PM
I heard that the canister filter trap more waste product and harder to clean. The AquaClear is much easier to clean and maintain.

I just don't know what to get. Should I just get both?
Also, I already have a refugium planned in my set up and I also already bought a hang over tank Remora protein skimmer.
tuberider
09/13/2006, 07:59 PM
If it were me I'd use the Aquaclear, I'm just too lazy to service a canister on my own tanks. I have a few reasons not to use Fluvals.
flameangel88
09/13/2006, 08:50 PM
I run both canister and AC 110. The AC is set to low flow with LR rubbles and the canister is for more flow with just sm pcs of LR inside. I would stay away from Fluvals as well and highly recommend Ehiem if you decide to go with canister.
ACBlinky
09/13/2006, 10:59 PM
Depends what you want to use the filter for. I have both on my 65g -- a FilStar XP2 canister with live rock rubble, and an AquaClear 70 modded into a little refugium full of chaetomorpha. There's extra space in the canister for running carbon when I need to, but ATM it's just acting as a dark fuge.

IMHO Fluvals aren't the best canisters out there. FilStars are great and cost about the same (much better made), Eheims are wonderful but cost quite a bit more.
drummereef
09/13/2006, 11:13 PM
I'm assuming you don't have a sump thus the reason for the question. My recommendation is for the AquaClear. Easy to clean. It depends on what you want to do, though. If it's just for carbon I'd still say the AquaClear.
CyberGuy
09/14/2006, 12:26 AM
What is wrong with the Fluval?

Why is the Eheims better? Is it because it is easier to clean, more effecient, or some other advantages?
Tang_Cool
09/14/2006, 04:23 AM
I have an Eheim, and I'm very happy with its performance thus far. It kept Ammonia and nitrite virtually zero from the very start. I don't find mine hard to clean either .....
flameangel88
09/14/2006, 08:07 AM
Eheim is more quiet and last a long time and the Fluval 403 leaked in less than a year and I only open the top every other month. I went with Fluval at the was because of the lower cost but ended up spenting more but have read good things about Filstar filters.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8142418#post8142418 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CyberGuy
What is wrong with the Fluval?

Why is the Eheims better? Is it because it is easier to clean, more effecient, or some other advantages?
Steve01
09/14/2006, 08:30 AM
I'm using an AquaClear 50 on my 20 gal quarantine tank and really like it. Good design.... easy to maintain and simple. It comes with filter foam, carbon, and bio media. Good water flow and quiet (actually it's almost silent).
CyberGuy
09/14/2006, 08:53 AM
Which online store offers the best deal for either the Eheim or the Filstar filter?
flameangel88
09/14/2006, 09:38 AM
That depends on the timing when they have them on sale:

petblvd.com
bigalsonline.com
petsolutions.com
thatpetplace.com
drsfostersmith.com


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8143756#post8143756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CyberGuy
Which online store offers the best deal for either the Eheim or the Filstar filter?