38 Gallon Bowfront Filter

Alright guys my marineland penguin 200 went out at 2 months old. Luckily I have an ac50 on it and I'm no where near overstocked.
Debating on which filter to add to the mix.
Eheim classic 250 in which case I'll load the ac50 with sponges.
Fluval c4 #1 draft choice
Fluval u4 seems like a neat choice the tank had plenty of room midway and up since it's 26" deep.
Fluval u3 I can get it today for the great price of $85.... but a u3 and ac50 should be plenty of filter.

I plan to order off amazon and price is somewhat of a factor. Reliability and lower leak chances are higher on the list.

 

Fluval c4

 

Any preference why? Or experience?

 

It works great

 

I run a C4 on a 36 gal bowfront...love it!
C series is the updated versions of aqua clears. Love how the media is compartmentalized and allows for easier maintenance. The media basket is plenty big to add whatever you want (purigen, crushed coral, carbon, more biological, etc.)

 

Yeah I ordered the c4 last night. Probably order some replacement media next week. Plane to use seachem matrix for one bio filter. Probably go canister when the ac50 craps out.
How far down does the c4 inlet stretch. The tank is pretty deep and filters seem to have issue getting past the 14" mark. I ordered a 3rd inlet piece for the ac50 to drop it further. I will probably set one up for midway and above and the other for the bottom third, with the middle being shared.

I run a C4 on a 36 gal bowfront...love it!
C series is the updated versions of aqua clears. Love how the media is compartmentalized and allows for easier maintenance. The media basket is plenty big to add whatever you want (purigen, crushed coral, carbon, more biological, etc.)

Do you have just the c4 on it?

 

Do you have just the c4 on it?

Yes. I figure I am getting approx 7 turnovers per hour, which is more than adequate. Always a debate about tank turnover rates, but my C4 does wonders on my tank. I use Aquatic Experts dual density filter media in the mechanical stage. I also put Aquatic Experts 50 micron polishing pad in the same spot (downstream obviously). Tank stays cyrstal clear. The polishing pad makes the filters "indicator piece" pop up a little more often than I wish (approx once a week). However, this is because I am trapping everything bigger than 50 microns, which directly correlates to my super clear water. I just simply spray the pad clean and reuse it.

To aide with water movement, I have a bubble wall that spans pretty much the length of the back wall.

C4 is technically rated for up to 70 gallons, so it works just fine on my 36.

 

Yeah those tank estimates are never accurate though. But it has great flow especially if it's essentially a HOB canister. Well with the ac50 I should have no problem keeping my tank clean and clear. Thanks for the info.

Well the ac50 just wasn't doing it so I paid $80 for a u3. Petsmart refused to price match even after I told them if they don't I'll be returning it in two weeks.... I've given them enough money to not feel bad.