Questions about AC 300 filter

[G_Sharky]

I was just wonderin if the flow rate adjuster can affect the filter's performance....If you set it at the lowest would it still pump 300 gallons per hour like it's rated for or would it be less???

 

[FoundMoney]

I don't know for sure, but common sense tells me that if you lower the flow rate then less water is flowing through the filter. This should mean that it is pumping less than 300 gallons per hour.

I have the same filter and vary the flow rate on it from time to time. I read somewhere (may have been aquaclear literature) that running the water through the filter a little slower helps with the biological filtering. On the other hand it probably hurts the mechanical filtering.

 

[G_Sharky]

actually i'm more concern about the biological filtration...I have 2 AC 300(just add one today) and a rena filstar xp2..I just wanna make sure that i have enough filtration for my overstocked malawi tank....

 

[nc_nutcase]

300 GPH is adequate for a 75 Gal heavily stocked tank. (I use 350 GPH on my 125G and it works well). For additional biological filtration you may want to get a over flow (aka Hang On Back) filter with an adjustable flow rate and run it slow. This way you have one filter set up to maximize each approach (mechanical & biological).

 

[freddyk]

Foundmoney is bang on - the slower rate enhances bio performance and decreases mechanical.

 

[G_Sharky]

I just did a google and got this quote..

When the flow adjustment reduces input, the water returned to the aquarium is still equal to input, but the top grid in the filter basket circulates purified water back into the motor chamber so that the pump filters 300 gallons per hour even when adjusted to siphon less.

so does this mean that even though i set it to the lowest it's still able to pump 300 gallon per hour

 

[freddyk]

so does this mean that even though i set it to the lowest it's still able to pump 300 gallon per hour

No, it's capable of it, but it's only pumping what the minimum is on the setting. It's moving less water, nothing more complicated then that.

 

[vantgE]

you have adequate iltration i run a fluval 304 and a ac200 on my mbuna tank I plan to upgrade to a 500 but it's not necesary, the ac300 is rated for 100gallons and the xp3 for 175 while in total I have a claimed 150 gallon capacity

 

[yvez9]

you have adequate iltration i run a fluval 304 and a ac200 on my mbuna tank I plan to upgrade to a 500 but it's not necesary, the ac300 is rated for 100gallons and the xp3 for 175 while in total I have a claimed 150 gallon capacity

Actually, the 300 is rated for 70 gallons

anyway, seeing as how you have a filstar xp3 running, you have adequate biological filtration, the two aquaclears could be used for mechanical filtration. I would just put a sponge and fill the basket with floss.

I always keep extra floss in my aquaclears in case i have a filter crash in a tank and need to cycle a new filter really fast.

I'll be setting up a 65 or 75 gallon mBuna also. I'll probably get an ac500 on there and then a canister filter of some sort.

I'm not sure yet.

 

[G_Sharky]

Actualy i have an xp2 not an xp3(should've got one though)....the xp2 is rated at 75 gallons and pumps about 300 gallons per hour...i don't have filter floss on either filter...On one of the AC i have 2 foams and no carbon and the other(new version of AC) has a pouch that contains this white pellets....Should i keep this or should i just get filter floss...BTW i have one more fish coming and that's it...do you guys think i have enough filtration....

 

[leafs]

I use filter floss in between 2 sponges in my Aquaclear 200 and it really helps keep the water clear. It filters out all the small particals that the sponge misses. I usually replace the floss after a couple of weeks when it gets really dirty. I don't really rely on it for biological filtration.

 

[Inchworm]

I use filter floss in between 2 sponges in my Aquaclear 200 and it really helps keep the water clear. It filters out all the small particals that the sponge misses. I usually replace the floss after a couple of weeks when it gets really dirty. I don't really rely on it for biological filtration.

The big chamber is one of the best features of an AquaClear filter!

By filling the area over the sponge with inexpensive filter floss, you can add lots of surface area on which to grow a really big colony of beneficial bacteria. By simply rinsing the floss out in used tank water, from time to time, it can continue for a very long time even if it starts looking stained and unattractive.

When it comes time to replace the floss, it can be done a little at a time in order to keep the colony going with no loss in biological filtration.

 

[leafs]

I'm a big fan of Aquaclear filters because you can add whatever you want to them. I've never had tried any other types of filters to compare, but I really like Aquaclears.

 

[littlefishie]

It runs at 300gph on maximum flow rate, and 100gph on full flow control.

http/www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product...id1=2885;pcid2=
Just guessing, given the mini/AC100 runs at 100gph on max flow, and 33gph on full control.

 

[yvez9]

hagen claims the aquaclears run at a third of the max output when the flow control is set to the lowest littlefishie

but i think that's not very accurate

I have an aquaclear 300(300gph) and a mini (100gph), and the 300 at its lower setting is maybe twice as strong as the mini at max flowrate