AC Flow Rate Mod

[01n3on]

I remember reading somewhere that the impeller from larger ACs can be used in the smaller ACs to increase flow. Can anyone verify this information? I did a Google search but can't find it. Also, what is the largest impeller usable in the 150/30 without water overflowing around the intake tube or into the floor? Anybody got enough aquaclears to see and maybe take pics of the outflow of them so I can get a better idea of what impeller I need? I'm sure pushing water through a smaller space will cut flow down some and I can tell how much flow will be needed by the look of the output. I really hate to waste money doing trial and error but if I can't get this figured out through you guys then I guess I will and post here for future reference.

Thanks,
Daniel

 

[01n3on]

Nobody have any info??

 

[jcolon]

I'll wait on this one too, curious if anyone here's actually done it

 

[foster53]

Never tried it with an AC, but I did use a Xp4 impeller in a XP 2 and XP 3 and it did increase the flow some. I don't know if an AC would overflow onto the floor. Should just run out the overflow spillway, like when the filter material is clogged. Now you have peaked my interest, I will try a 110 impeller in a 70. Those are the only 2 sizes I have. I'll post back after I try it.

 

[01n3on]

I'm wanting to put a 70/300 impeller in a 200/50 for my ten gallon. My fish love playing in a strong current but I'm over having 3 hob on the back of the tank. I just want one with a ton of flow and no cartridges...I'm over changing those things. Rinsing does no good even with tap water and high water pressure so I have to change them out all the time

 

[01n3on]

Never tried it with an AC, but I did use a Xp4 impeller in a XP 2 and XP 3 and it did increase the flow some. I don't know if an AC would overflow onto the floor. Should just run out the overflow spillway, like when the filter material is clogged. Now you have peaked my interest, I will try a 110 impeller in a 70. Those are the only 2 sizes I have. I'll post back after I try it.

The ac 110 has a larger motor and impeller magnet so I doubt it will work....the 70 and under just use different impellers and the same motor

 

[foster53]

The impeller from the 110 worked fine in the 70. Did increase the flow, and did not come out the overflow.

 

[01n3on]

Sweet...now I gotta order the parts lol

 

[01n3on]

Is it any louder with the 110 impeller?

 

[foster53]

Remember, this was on the larger filters, with big filter boxes. I don't know how it might work with smaller capacity filters. Some experimentation is in order

 

[foster53]

Is it any louder with the 110 impeller?

Didn't notice any difference in sound. Mine are so old they rattle a bit anyway.

 

[01n3on]

Well with this experiment I'll post pics and the results for future reference

 

[foster53]

Excellent!! If it works out you might have started a new trend. Don't buy new, bigger filters, just bigger impellers. Keep us posted on your results!!

 

[01n3on]

Yes unless you need more biological space and maybe a lower flow then just go backwards...run an ac 70 with a ac20 impeller for maybe 5 or 10 gallons

 

[Beengirl]

Yes unless you need more biological space and maybe a lower flow then just go backwards...run an ac 70 with a ac20 impeller for maybe 5 or 10 gallons

Okay, this has my interest. I have recently used a AC 30 as a hob refugium, in the hopes that I can get some pods to grow in there with the LR and chaeto. But I think it has too much flow for the pods to do well. Maybe I can put an AC 10 or 20 impeller in the 30 and slow it down some? Anyone think that will actually work?

 

[01n3on]

Yes that will work. Just Google "ac filter mods" you will find tons of results of people doing that. I just wondered if it would work the other way around. So far the 110 impeller in the 70 worked....but I gotta wait till my order gets here to be able to tell about the smaller models