recommendations for filter

hi guys,

i have a 6ft tank with +-650l freshwater community tank.

i've been using 2 aquaclear 500s, and a sp3800 power head and have recently experienced issues with my aquaclears.

what filters would you recommend to cycle this volume at least 4 times....im considering cannisters and would like some help please.

the aquaclears have lasted well over 10 years and as such i would prefer a quality product.

thanks in advance:blink1:

 

I am by no means an expert, however I also have a 6ft tank with a sump installed, obviously my tank has been drilled with a corner overflow. By the sounds of it your tank is not drilled and in that case I would recommend a canister filter, something that will pump around 2500 to 3000 litres p/hr. Rather go for more flow as you will lose a bit as it has to pump up and into the tank at +-2metres. Look at the fluval and eheim ranges for great quality. Just my 2c

 

@Reedfish yes it is available in SA. Retails for around R4K

 

O yes ive read about the fluval insane turnover rate for the money. Good filter.

 

hi guys,

took a drive around dbn today/called around(all major retailers)and these were the options given....

from the list below what would be best......i loved my aquaclears cos they worked like a charm for so long....Should i just stick with them??? Alternatively im considering the cascade 1500....any thoughts on quality...or any owner experiences to share? instead of 2 aquaclears i may consider 1 and the cascade....but need input please.

ps....was told the fluval fx5 was discontinued by a major retailer...that seemed like the best solution to my problem
[TABLE]
[TR]
[TD]brand
[/TD]
[TD]Flow rate
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Aqua clear 110
[/TD]
[TD]1892l
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Eheim 2215
[/TD]
[TD]620l
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Cascade 1500
[/TD]
[TD]1325
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Tetra ex1200
[/TD]
[TD]1200
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Fluval 406
[/TD]
[TD]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Via Aqua 650
[/TD]
[TD]1000l
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

I would not run an aqua clear on anything bigger than a 3ft.

 

Why not replace the motors on the Aquaclears? This should give them a new start. Either that or get two small pumps to pump up the main stem and do the work for the motors.
A large canister filter would work but then again, LARGE canister. Getting the HOBs to work would be my best bet other than a sump.
HTH

 

I second @Firefly with regard to making the most out of the old HOB. You need only buy 2 x +/-2000l/h budget pumps and your AquaClear are running like never before! This is cheaper than buying two new Aquaclear HOB and you could consider getting the TetraTec EX1200 in addition.

Alternatively, consider a canister like the TetraTec EX2400 for your tank, it is cheaper and not the quality of the Fluval but great value for money - IMO.

 

Hey guys,Trawling the net I came across replacement aquaclear motors locally.I will call them tomorrow and enquire further.I tried unsuccesfully at my lfs to get the motors previously...so I gave up hope of that avenue.I never thought of the pump connected to the aquaclear....pretty good idea that.As much as people may not be fans of the aquaclear filters....my 2 500's served me well for in excess of 10yrs.My 6ft tank was always sparkling clean....and my fish grew very well....from 5cm pangasius to +- 55cm currently.I'd love to get my hands on the fluval fx5...but not at that price...heck it costs $250...why are we being ripped off that badly.Will update tomorrow. Fingers crossed that someone can actually get me the motor assemblies.

 

I apologise..My last post looks like 1 long sentence, I tried editing for punctuatuin and still it looks horrid.Posting from my BB def sucks.

 

Alpt of people love aquaclears. I use 2 aquaclears.

 

@Reedfish I said around the R4k mark, but i would think that you wouldnt get it for less than R3500 brand new. I've seen some 2nd hand ones for R2000.

I also check amazon, their best price is $250 as mention by catfreak . This work out to +-R2000. But I bet shipping to SA would cost a bit too.

@Catfreak I would definitely get new motors if you can for the aquaclears. If its working for you, then why change it.

 

Just for interest sake, if you do import they will charge you 30% import duties.

 

Hey @Catfreak

I know you already said you want a cannister filter ( i'm thinking you don't like the look of any internal filter stuff )
My personal experience with cannister filters is that they cost ridiculous amounts and you don't get your desired "pumpage" rate. (lph)
You could always go with 2 internal ViaAqua filters. Model is VA-F470. They do around 1800 l/ph. Gets good water flow in your tank and a few vallis or a big amazon could easily cover the bulky filter.
Just be warned it does make a little noise.

HTH

 

@ Matteffect.

i actually have a resun sp 3800 rated at 2000l/hr in the tank. very reliable unit.

so ito filtration i have been using 2x aquaclear 500s rated @ 1892l/hr and the sp 3800 above. Sounds like overkill but the rated flowrates will definitely be far less once the filters are running for a few days.

when i said community tank,it was the wrong term i used...its sort of an amazon mix tank....my 2 pangisius are above 50cm and my red tail catfish is approaching 35cm....just those 3 eat like crazy....hence the need for good filtration.

At present i have the sp 3800, and aquaclear 50 (750l/hr) and a fluval 204(680l/h) running the tank....that may seem sufficient i guess...just not cutting it like the aquaclear 500s tho and i've had to resort to fewer feedings.

i've spoken to 2 lfs this morning and they will try to source the motors and provide feedback by end of the day.

 

Oh ok..

So currently your at 3430 l/h... Without the aquaclear 500s..

Yea.. get the motors because those giants must produce a heck of a waste..

Goodluck!

 

Any idea on shipping costs from the US, rough estimate?

 

@Tiger barb - I'm not sure. Generally all the items I buy from the USA and the UK have free shipping but that is normally dependant on quantity , value and size of item.