[ACFishTank]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to decide on a filter for a new tank I'm putting together. Do you think the Aquaclear 50 is a good choice for a 15 gallon tank? Is it too small to hide a heater in it?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[cichnatic]

I think the AC50 will be perfect for you 15 gallon and yes you can hide the heater in that size aquarium.

 

[RoyalFizbin]

The fillter should be ok for that size tank. If you're trying to hide a heater in the filter you'll need to go up at least one more size to the ac70. I'm not even sure its a good idea anyway. The aquaclear filters are made of a brittle plastic and I suspect that the constant hot cycles might be bad for the plastic. It might also be bad for your bacteria if the whole box gets heated up too much.

 

[somewhatshocked]

Definitely go up to AC70 if you want to hide a heater.

They're fine with heaters. I use modified AC70s on my small reef tanks as refugiums and they all have heaters in them. Have done it that way for years.

 

[DogFish]

Another thought, use a Finnex titanium heater mounted vertically next to the intake tube then hide both with hardscape & plants.

 

[ACFishTank]

So AC70 it is! Thanks for your advice.

I was looking at the Finnex heaters but concerned with some of the Amazon reviews. I've seen a few comments about failures after 4-6 months. Any other heaters out there that would fit nicely in the AC70 or should I just try my luck with the Finnex?

 

[somewhatshocked]

Lots of great heaters will fit. Eheim, Cobalt, Fluval, Hydor. Just check measurements before you make a purchase.

 

[DogFish]

So AC70 it is! Thanks for your advice.

I was looking at the Finnex heaters but concerned with some of the Amazon reviews...

I have 4 of them all over a year old(50, 2-250s, 300w), no problems yet. I had the 300W outside from April to October in my Whiskey Barrel pond. All mine have the analog dial, which I believe is the old style that people are posting those complaints about. I don't have personal experience with the digital yet.

 

[mott]

Another option is a 2213 or similar canister and a hydor inline heater

 

[somewhatshocked]

$75-$100 more than an AC+heater. Though, it's a great solution.

OP: Be sure you pick up a temperature controller no matter which heater you decide to go with.

Another option is a 2213 or similar canister and a hydor inline heater

 

[mcaquatic]

$75-$100 more than an AC+heater. Though, it's a great solution.

OP: Be sure you pick up a temperature controller no matter which heater you decide to go with.

what is temperature controller?

 

[ACFishTank]

Another option is a 2213 or similar canister and a hydor inline heater

Hmm.. Now you got me thinking. Do you think the 2211 would suffice?

 

[m00se]

LOL we call this "fish creep"!

*watches excitedly while ACFishTank spends $4000 on a new reef tank by the end of thread*

 

[somewhatshocked]

A device that controls temperature.

Plug your heater in, stick the probe in the tank. It'll shut your heater off if it goes above a set temperature. It's a safety for when your heater fails.

what is temperature controller?

 

[ACFishTank]

LOL we call this "fish creep"!

*watches excitedly while ACFishTank spends $4000 on a new reef tank by the end of thread*

Ha! So true! Well I ended up with the Fluval and Hydor. Now I have to start saving for that LED light and I'll be able to get things up and running!