Aquaone Ar850 Filter

[William_Wallace]

Hi, need a bit of advice. Recently got back into tropicals again and got an Aquaone AR850 tank. Only problem is the built in filter system in the top is missing all the pipework and powerhead and trays/media. Got an internal filter running at the moment.

Would I be better purchasing these parts to complete the tank, or (a cheaper option than some of the prices that I have been quoted online) invest in a Fluval 205 external cannister filter. Not had any experience of external filtration, but reading a few posts on the Fluval and everyone seems to have good things to say about them.

Thanks.

 

[LittleMissDynamite]

I bought a UFO 550 Aqua one tank in march with the top filter system.I clean the filters in tank water every two weeks and change the white wool filter every month to six weeks.This does run a little expensive but appears to work well because i can not control the number of babies being born. I have no experience with external filters but i like the Aqua one filter system.

 

[LittleMissDynamite]

I bought a UFO 550 Aqua one tank in march with the top filter system.I clean the filters in tank water every two weeks and change the white wool filter every month to six weeks.This does run a little expensive but appears to work well because i can not control the number of babies being born. I have no experience with external filters but i like the Aqua one filter system.

 

[LittleMissDynamite]

I have started using an Eheim classic2213 external pump and delighted in the change to the water quality.The pump is quiet and the water kept crystal clear.I am now going to purchase another for my 100 litre tank.Remember though when you add a new pump,to leave the old one in situ too for a few days or you will suddenly loose all your bacteria that convert the ammonia through the nitrogen cycle.I was not given this information and lost all my prawns overnight.

 

[Geoff-]

A few days isn't anywhere near enough time for a bacterial colony to establish in a new filter.

I have an AR620 and the built in filtration keeps the water crystal clear. I have a friend who has used both and he says cleaning canisters is a pain, the top filter system makes maintenance super easy so you are willing to do it more often (you do need to as the amount of media is less than a canister).

I thought about converting mine to a canister but it's a lot more hassle and pipework than it's worth. I just take a bucket of old tank water give the media a quick squeeze out and then put it back. Too easy.