HOB filters- aquaclear 110, Fluval C4 or Marineland emporer 400

[OCD]

any experience with these?
pros/cons/love/hate?

I'm about to loose my battle against "muliple tank syndrome"...... probably buying a new one.. and perhaps starting an african cichlid tank.... probably 55 gallon....
sigh. once the bug gets you...

thanks!

[discuspaul]

No recent experience with Fluval or Marineland Emperor, but I now swear by AC 110 HOB's for a discus tank. The only drawback is that being HOB's, they're not out of sight like canisters.
But to me, that's a definite advantage.
I have 2 110's on my 75 gal discus tank and can't say enough good about them.
They're efficient and reliable, easy to keep clean, very versatile in terms of ready ability to cleanse, interchange, or replace media, large compartmentation, easily serviced and maintained, as well as quite quiet if you do keep them well-maintained.
Highly recommend.

[ExReefer]

I like AC 110 for filtration ability and hate them for the noise they produce. Mine was quiet for about year, but now it's loud.

[Bill63SG]

I like both,but like the old school marinelands.The new ones dont have a flow adjustment,the older ones have a lever that pulls up or down.I like using the large filters and putting them on thier lowest flow rate.

[Orange Crush]

I love my AC HOB I just wish it would start on its own when I plug it in. Everytime I do a waterchange I have to pour water into the filter before I plug it in, if I forget it makes this horrible noise. I have had 5 of them and have the same issue with each one.

[RebelThunder]

AC 110 for me too. I got 2 on my 75 gallon and extremely quiet. I have an older one, an AC 500 and it was so noisy. turns out I just need to replace the impeller. Long lasting and very durable! I just wish they are cheap though.

[Bud Smith]

I like both,but like the old school marinelands.The new ones dont have a flow adjustment,the older ones have a lever that pulls up or down.I like using the large filters and putting them on thier lowest flow rate.

+1 - I use both - I use double foam blocks in my AC 110 and I like the bio-wheel on the marineland 280 with just filter material

[Bill63SG]

I've actually been using the emporer's for years,and in the last 6-7 months decided to give the AC 110's a try.It was under that section on Amazon where they sell returns , I think it's amazon fullfilment,got'em for around $38 in the box,shipping included.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

I too use both filters and have not had any issues in 2 years. The AQ110 does has some noise to it after the first year like ExReefer mentioned but for the bio load that they both can handle, its perfect.

I use the AQ110 in conjunction with the Fluval 405 on my 95 gallon tank. The ML400 I use in conjunction with a Fluval 405 on my 90 gallon tank.

[daffyfish]

The Aquaclears are great. Have tried a few cannisters. But, I am slowly switching back to these.

[OCD]

OK, so i'm hearing resoundingly positive things on the Aquaclears! that's basically what all my research has said too.
However, I understand the Fluval C4 is supposed to be an "upgraded" version of the AC 110 (both by Hagen?), so didn't know if this was even better...
might try that one unless someone as any screaming protests?

[Orange Crush]

OK, so i'm hearing resoundingly positive things on the Aquaclears! that's basically what all my research has said too.
However, I understand the Fluval C4 is supposed to be an "upgraded" version of the AC 110 (both by Hagen?), so didn't know if this was even better...
might try that one unless someone as any screaming protests?

I have never used one but from the picture it looks like it has less space for actual filter media and would be less adaptable to what you want to fill it with but I am only basing that on the picture:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...supplies&img=0

[Skip]

I want to try the C4, but +2 on AC

[OCD]

thanks everyone for all of your input! I really appreciate it!
I'll post an update once i officially buy, cycle the tank and have given things reasonable time assess.
(what i got out of this post is that now, i'm actually thinking about buying 2 filters-- replacing my current filter with an aquaclear for the discus, and trying the c4 for the new one....)
see why i gave myslef OCD as a screen name..

[tonytheboss1]

However, I understand the Fluval C4 is supposed to be an "upgraded" version of the AC 110 (both by Hagen?), so didn't know if this was even better...
might try that one unless someone as any screaming protests?

I've run 2 A/C 500's (110's) on my 125 for over7yrs. The versatility & performance is unmatched by any other HOB (including their new C4) in my humble opinion. These are the best water movers in the A/C line. They get my vote hands down. "T"