Th1rt3eN

Hey !! Im in the process of getting everything I need for my 36g planted.
Im planning on 7 or 8 TBs. Just wanted an opinion on filter to get. I have an
Aquaclear 20 on my 10g and its working like a charm. I was thinking of either
two AC 50s or one AC 70. What do you think? Thanks in advance.

harpua2002

Either would be sufficient for sure- great choices.

It would probably be cheaper to buy one AC 70 rather than two AC 50s, but the bonus to having the two filters is redundancy of course. If one breaks (very unlikely IMO with an AC), the other will be fine to run your tank until you can get a new one. Then again, this is more of a concern with cheaper, less reliable products. The other benefit IMO would be that you could alternate which one you clean during your maintenance routine. There would be very little chance then of disturbing your bio filter in any appreciable way.

But again, you've given yourself two great choices and it's really up to you.

Iron waffle

I have 1 AC 50 on my 30g and even though it's just one, it works great, it really is a great filter. it'd come down to your stocking choices. the 2 AC's would give you more filtration, but the AC 70 is also a good choice. good luck

Th1rt3eN

Thanks for the reply.

Question about filter placement. I have my AC 20 as far to the side as possible.
Is it recomended that it be out a couple inches or does it not matter?

harpua2002

It doesn't really matter IMO. Your tank is only 10 gallons so there shouldn't be any dead spots with the AC 20 on there.

Th1rt3eN

What about the 36g? AC70 300g/h

gmen4life

more is always better i run 600 GPH on my 30 lol

harpua2002

It won't matter really. The AC 70 moves a lot of water and the 36 gallon really isn't that large. Either option would work great.

Th1rt3eN

Thanks for all the helpful info. My shopping list is now complete!

oceanrose

Personally I like having 2 filters on all my tanks. It allows for more circulation, and if something goes wrong with one, I have the backup. In addition, I clean them on rotation and it seems to keep the cycle better.

I'm in the process of switching to ACs, and love them!

aquarist48

Evening. I use the Aqua Clear 70 (300gph) on my 26g and it's wonderful.

gmen4life

after watching the wisper ex 70 an ac 70 on the same tank id say the ex moves more water

harpua2002

Maybe, but I'm not a big fan of any filter with proprietary cartridges. The ACs come with reusable media that's great for those of us that don't want to buy cartridges. I'm sure you can do the same with the Whispers, but it will take an additional purchase to do so.

ccb04

Personally, on anything 35g and above ... I'd likely go with two AquaClear's.

Two AC 50's would give you 400 GPH on your 36g. Additionally, it would give you filtration on both sides of the tank, allow you to stagger your cleaning, afford you double the media capacity and versatiliy, etc. Also ... you can reduce the flow on both filters at feeding time.

You could also attach a surface skimmer to atleast one if you chose to.

Butterfly

I love that the water flow can be adjusted on the AC's. I personally would go with the AC 50 and placement doesn't matter. One tip... I place my heater horizontally under my filter so the uptake tube pulls warm water up and is distributed more easily. The size of the AC is perfect for doing this.
Carol

gmen4life

yeah i just bought an ac70 and a wisper ex 70 both are on the same tank you are right the ac70 seems to have alot of media for a HOB but ita always nice to have 2 in case 1 breaks you still have bacteria or to cycle a new tank real quick lol

Th1rt3eN

Great tips !!! I shall ponder over my choices tonight.