Aquatech on 55 gal planted tank?

Maden82

Feeder Fish
Feb 24, 2023
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Im wanting to use these two filters on that 55 gal tank that is going to be planted. Will they work good? And should I use different media that what comes with the filters?16772530129228609726600975866519.jpg
 
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tlindsey

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Im wanting to use these two filters on that 55 gal tank that is going to be planted. Will they work good? And should I use different media that what comes with the filters?View attachment 1513624
Welcome aboard
Yes they will work. You can place a bag of biomedia of your choice along with cut to fit sponge in each one.
 

Maden82

Feeder Fish
Feb 24, 2023
4
3
3
42
Welcome aboard
Yes they will work. You can place a bag of biomedia of your choice along with cut to fit sponge in each one.
Do recommend any certain biomedia? And if I wanted to eventually have discus would these keep the water clean enough?
 
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fishguy1978

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Yes, those will work for discus if properly maintained.
You can use any bio media. A bag full of volcanic rock even.
 
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FJB

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The Aquatecs are almost identical to Penguin models (Marineland). I still have a couple of Penguin 350's and have modified them so they don't use any disposable cartridges. The option suggested above (just media in a bag, with or without sponges) will work well. Another option is shown below, which is what I have done (sponges inside cartridge frames, glass noodles inside plastic frames, and I do use the biowheels). Regarding the biowheels - some people don't like and and remove them stating they don't work. I disagree, and even if they don't work as biomedia (I don't believe that to be corect), they are great at producing additional oxygenation.
Regarding the filters working for discus - sure they will work, but the media will need to be cleaned very frequently (not a big deal), but large and very frequent water changes are going to be the key, as well as having a well chosen group of fish (due to inevitable hierarchies).
Penguin 350 filter set-up comp.jpg
 
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Maden82

Feeder Fish
Feb 24, 2023
4
3
3
42
The Aquatecs are almost identical to Penguin models (Marineland). I still have a couple of Penguin 350's and have modified them so they don't use any disposable cartridges. The option suggested above (just media in a bag, with or without sponges) will work well. Another option is shown below, which is what I have done (sponges inside cartridge frames, glass noodles inside plastic frames, and I do use the biowheels). Regarding the biowheels - some people don't like and and remove them stating they don't work. I disagree, and even if they don't work as biomedia (I don't believe that to be corect), they are great at producing additional oxygenation.
Regarding the filters working for discus - sure they will work, but the media will need to be cleaned very frequently (not a big deal), but large and very frequent water changes are going to be the key, as well as having a well chosen group of fish (due to inevitable hierarchies).
View attachment 1513625
Awesome thankyou for the advice and all the info! I like what you did with the filter cartridges. Crafty. Last question. If I had the money would it be better to invest in a canister filter or just use what I got. I saw the 525 gph sunsun canister filter for 130.00. would it be unnecessary! Or a lot better than the two aquatechs
 

fishguy1978

Redtail Catfish
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Stick with what you got. You can purchase the foam inserts for a Aqua Clear filter and use those in your current filters or buy poret foam and cut to size.
 
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FJB

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Agree with the advice on staying with what you have. Although canisters are great and I use some, by necessity one will service them less often than one is likely to do with other filters. Not a good idea with discus.
 
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