Labenator65000
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I have a 55 gallon tank with 10 mixed Malawi Cichlids and a Syn.Eupterus. This tank was part of one of those kits that I (now) really don't recommend for someone wanting to start a Cichlid tank because the equipment that comes with it is typically insufficient. The kit came with a Top Fin Power Filter 60 (300GPH) and it was just not cutting it and slowed the progress of my additions. My awesome family gifted me an AquaClear 70 for Father's day after I had been dropping some subtle hints. However, apparently my hints were too subtle or not quite specific enough because I really wanted the AC110. Well, after getting over that awkwardness I returned it and purchased an AC110 instead.
The tank was due for a cleaning and PWC anyway, and I needed another 3/4" behind the tank for the new filter, so I drained the tank down to about 3" with a major total gravel vac/rearrange while I unpacked my new 110. To my surprise, the case was shattered in the box! Luckily I had just enough time to get back to the store before it closed to exchange the faulty AC110 for an unscathed unit while my beloved fish sat in 3" of unheated and uncirculated water with all decor piled to one side (there was not time to fill it, or I would have missed the store). All was well when I returned.
Originally, I was going to replace the rather noisy TopFin 60 with the AC110, but my wife/son convinced me to keep the Top Fin 60 in there as well (more is better, right?). The AC110 is really a nice unit. Great water flow, and there is minimal splashing or pump noise. It's worth the money, and is obviously solid construction. Where I started out with a feeble 300GPH, now I have 800GPH total between the two units. Yes! Now I just need to figure out what stock is suitable for a 55 gallon and what will get along with my Yellow Labs, etc.
The tank was due for a cleaning and PWC anyway, and I needed another 3/4" behind the tank for the new filter, so I drained the tank down to about 3" with a major total gravel vac/rearrange while I unpacked my new 110. To my surprise, the case was shattered in the box! Luckily I had just enough time to get back to the store before it closed to exchange the faulty AC110 for an unscathed unit while my beloved fish sat in 3" of unheated and uncirculated water with all decor piled to one side (there was not time to fill it, or I would have missed the store). All was well when I returned.
Originally, I was going to replace the rather noisy TopFin 60 with the AC110, but my wife/son convinced me to keep the Top Fin 60 in there as well (more is better, right?). The AC110 is really a nice unit. Great water flow, and there is minimal splashing or pump noise. It's worth the money, and is obviously solid construction. Where I started out with a feeble 300GPH, now I have 800GPH total between the two units. Yes! Now I just need to figure out what stock is suitable for a 55 gallon and what will get along with my Yellow Labs, etc.