Re: Which AquaClear filter is best on on 55 gal tank with an Eheim 2213?

Coincidentally, I have a 55 community tank with the Eheim 2213 and an
AC 500.
I have the dual filters, because I am a bit overstocked, as you would
be if you add more goldfish.
To minimize the strong current, I have the Aquaclear and Eheim spray
bar both mounted, facing each other, on the left side of the tank. The
spray bar is then on the front of the tank, but I don't find it to be
much of an eye-sore, because its mostly hidden by the top lip of the
tank.
By placing both the spray bar and Aquaclear on the left side of the
tank, I have one fairly turbulent area of the tank (for the more
adventurous fish), and one very still side of the tank.
I could go on at length how great the design is on both the AC and
Eheim.
I find the filtration to be incredible on the AC500. Its very, very
easy to clean out the sponge in a little tank water every week or two
(as compared to the Eheim), and the massive amount of carbon that the
thing holds is great for chemical filtration.
I guess that you could try to mount the AC 300 and Eheim spray bar on
opposing sides of the tank, but I don't think its gonna work as well
as with the 500.
Its just my opinion, but go with the biggest filter your budget can
accomidate. Both you and your fish deserve it.
Sure there will be more current, but the ease of cleaning the
Aquaclear, and corresponding benefits to your water quality are worth
it.
I could send a picture of the set-up to your email account if you'd
like.


[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Hal) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> HI,
> 
> I have a 55 gallon tank with 5 fancy goldfish (Black Moors, Lion Head,
> etc.)in the tank along with a few live plants. I currently use an
> Eheim 2213 canister filter, which appears to provide sufficient
> filtering capacity for this load. I now want to add an Aquaclear
> hang-on filter to my tank to provide some additional benefits. These
> include (1) the abiltiy to periodically use certain media, such as
> phosphate pads and carbon, on a short term basis without having to
> open the canister too often,(2)provide some redundancy/back-up, and
> (3) allow the addition of a few more fancy goldfish.
> 
> The AquaClear 300 or 500 are often recommended for a 55 gal tank.
> However, I am concerned that these filters(in conjuction with the
> Eheim 2213) will cause too much turbulance in the water for my poorly
> swimming fancy GF.  I understand that fancy goldfish don't like too
> much water movement. I used an AquaClear Mini on my previous 10 gallon
> tank and liked the design, so prefer to stick with the AquaClears.
> 
> Any opinions on using the AquaClear 300 or 500 on my setup. What about
> the smaller AquaClear 150 or 200 to minimise water movement?
> 
> Thanks for any opinions