Help Deciding On Hob Filter

I currently have a 55 gallon aquarium with a Tetra Whisper 60 filter. I would like to replace it with an AquaClear but I’m not sure if I should get one 110 or two smaller ones. I’d actually prefer a canister filter but am nervous about leaks and messes because the tank stand sits on a laminate floor. Any advice is appreciated!

 

In all honesty, I wouldn’t suggest an Aquaclear. Last one I got lasted a few months before it started leaking(last year), used to be a great brand but wouldn’t trust them now. I’d suggest a seachem tidal instead. Have had one for less than a year, but is a great filter IME. If your really concerned about leaking, then a sponge filter would also be a great option for you!

 

I can't comment on aqua clear quality as of lately most of my aqua clears are 10-15 years old. If going aqua clear a 110 is the way to go. I have one on my 75 and its kept up to what ever I stocked in it. My 55's I have 75 for them but wish I would of went with 110 for those as well.

 

I'm in the same spot you are KJR - I have a canister but I do worry about leaks and such (it came with my previously enjoyed 55 gallon). I opted for 2 x smaller filters at each end (I did go Aqua Clear but hope they don't leak!) and a sponge filter in between. I'm hoping this will give my plants good flow. I also like having the 2 HOB in case one fails (I also have 2 heaters) and the sponge filter running between so I can set up a quick hospital or QT tank if need be, or run it with a battery powered air pump in case the power goes out (I live in a thunderstorm zone).

I'm probably overfiltered but I like having the contingencies!

 

I'll back the aquaclear, I have two, an AC50 and an AC30 both have worked flawlessly and cleaning is super easy. I would do two smaller to reduce the turbidity. I got a Aqueon Quietflow 75 and it turns over so much water but also creates quite a current.

 

I’m kind of limited on what I can buy where I live, I purchased a filter from Amazon and it arrived smashed to pieces so I’ll stick to what I can get locally which is the AquaClear. Would 2 70’s be overkill?

 

Well I'm from the "no such thing as too much filtration" school of thought (clearly). Having all that media will give you a little more breathing room for stocking.

 

Thank you, I appreciate all the advice!

 

I probably won't be much help in giving you advice, but I wanted to say: I like my tank's hang on back filter! It's a pump and filter all in one. It came with my 5-gallon tank-and-kit from Walmart, and it is super quiet. It also has adjustment settings on the bottom. =)

 

I don't think it would do much on a 55 gallon tank. Lol.

I probably won't be much help in giving you advice, but I wanted to say: I like my tank's hang on back filter! It's a pump and filter all in one. It came with my 5-gallon tank-and-kit from Walmart, and it is super quiet. It also has adjustment settings on the bottom. =)

 

2x AC70 is ideal.

 

I don't think it would do much on a 55 gallon tank. Lol.

Ha ha! You're probably right. Are there HOB filters for larger tanks, though?

 

Would 2 70’s be overkill?

Nope, I run 2 AC 70 on a 35g , perfect combo.

However, I run the HOB on that tank because the stand won't let me fit a Canister inside. On my 75 gallon I am running Cobalt EXT canister. Perfectly quiet, with the option to run the pump inside or outside the tank. Currently available on Amazon for less than $90. Great deal compared to some others. I just ordered a second one. Love them.

 

I have a Fluval canister on my 60 gallonand the rest of my tanks except for one have Aqueon Quietflows. Love both.

 

Oh yea many many many different brands. Some have cartridges and others like the aquaclears have a big box that you can put all kinds of stuff in.

Ha ha! You're probably right. Are there HOB filters for larger tanks, though?

 

HOB is fine OP. If it were me and I was looking at one large or two smaller HOB's, I'd go for two smaller. It will make life easier in the long run and allow you more flexibility with flow, which can be difficult to manage across 48" with one HOB. If you run one HOB, I'd get a powerhead to make sure you avoid deadspots.

YMMV, but I agree with the above poster that two Aquaclear 70's would work great. You can always reduce the flow if it is too high. You might also look into two Fluval C3 or C4's. Media for the C-series is hard to get locally, but Amazon prices on it are quite reasonable and it's not going to break the bank to run them.

 

I’d vote for the Seachem Tidal. I’m biased since I have one and really like it but to me it’s the best on the market. They make a 75 and a 110. You can’t go wrong with one or two of those.

 

I’ve decided to go with 2 AquaClear 70’s, they are available locally and with 2 I can alternate changing media which I think will work best. I appreciate all of your advice!

 

Change media? My aquaclear 110 is 15 years old and I think I replaced the sponge 3 times and the bio rings twice. More from giving them away and starting other tanks than anything else.

 

I’ve decided to go with 2 AquaClear 70’s, they are available locally and with 2 I can alternate changing media which I think will work best. I appreciate all of your advice!

Best of luck. I don't think you'll regret the decision. If the cover rattles (a common thing with the Aquaclears and Fluvals), just remember a little weight on top or a little rubber to silence the plastic-plastic interface will stop it. With my C3, it was as simple as reseating the cover. Two will definitely be better than one.

 

Hi. I have 2 Marineland Penguin 35o's on my 55. They do a great job!!!