I'm thinking about changing the filtration...

[Steve]

However, 100% of the time I have to rotate it about the vertical axis to help the bubbles work themselves out if I want it to be perfectly silent.

I can see where that would be a pain. I have not owned a Fluval so I don't have experience with them. On the Rena though all you have to do to purge any air and fill the canister up after cleaning is once you put the top back on you just pop one of the four top latches and that breaks the seal and the air rushes out and water rushes in. Takes about 2 seconds and your refilled and good to go

I don't have anything against HOB's...I have a couple as well for my 10-29g tanks. I've just been super happy with the Rena canisters is all.

[Helloitsme]

I appreciate all the input. I have used Emperor filters in the past and did not like them. Keep offering your opinions as I have yet to make any sort of decision.

[danielratti]

Wet dry is the way to go since you have a over stocked tank. You also do not need to drill your tank as someone mentioned you can get a hob overflow same concept of drilling the tank but not drilling the tank.

[Steve]

You also do not need to drill your tank as someone mentioned you can get a hob overflow same concept of drilling the tank but not drilling the tank.

I've seen those before but I always heard that the issues with those were if the power were to fail then they will overflow into the room because of the syphon effect. Is that true? Because I plan on getting a 6'-8' tank after the holidays and use a 55g as a sump so some of this info will help me as well soon.

[danielratti]

No if you set them up right. How it works there will be a skimmer box inside of your tank that will connect to the part that hangs over the tank this is where you will have a bulk head that will connect down into your sump. Now how you get a siphon going is by using a u-tube this is where fine ajusting will take place as well since there will be a small nylon nut and screw to adjust the skimmer box up and down to allow different spacing for the u-tube to siphon water. To prime the u-tube you place airline hose to where the bend is in the u tube then place the u tube in the overflow then turn your return pump on during this process you want to suck the air out of the u tube with the airline hose this will cause the u tube to create a siphon. After you have that siphon created you hold the u tube in place and pull the air line out slowly. This siphon on the u tube should not break if done correctly when the power is to go out. so once power kicks back on your pump should start as well and keep the process going with out having to re-prime the u tube.

Next thing to do is make a siphon break hole in your return you can either use a diffuser or make one yourself with pvc pipe. This is where people get the flooding issue its something that cannot be stressed enough. If you do not make this break as a point where you feel comfortable with it will create a back siphon and drain the water in your tank to the end of where your return is. How you decide where to make your hole is you shut your pump off and mark a area you feel comfortable with where you let enough water drain out to where its not flooding your sump.

Its not that hard here is a video to give you a visual and a better idea what Im talking about since I feel as i may confuse some people since im tired and confused myself as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd9tPTM7s0c

[mightieskeeper]

By a new FX5 it will be the only one you need!

[Helloitsme]

Thanks all, I think I may go shopping tomorrow...

[Steve]

That's some good info danielratti thanks.

Helloitsme- sorry, I hope I didn't derail your post too much on ya

[Helloitsme]

Nah, Steve it's cool. I learned some things from the ?'s you asked and the corresponding answers.

[beach]

Poo on the canisters....  I don't like them & don't like cleaning them even more.

+1!

I have a RenaXP too.   What I dont like about it is that its SO heavy when I need to lift it out of the stand and its so bulky (doesnt fit in the sink) I end up with poop water all over my counter and splashed all over.  Gross!!  When its summer, i can haul the beast outside to clean it, but all winter it SUCKS!!  then it never primes properly.  It takes a few days to get all the air out of it (but I'll try popping one of the clips, so thx for the tip!) and within a few weeks, I can tell its starting to clog.   HOB's are so much easier to clean since you only have to remove the media and the media is smaller and easier to rinse more often.      Just my experience...   I wont put a cannister on another tank EVER!

[GrizzlysDad]

For your tank Chuck, if you've been happy with your AquaClear filters then I totally agree with Blair, I would just go with AC-110's.
IMO they are 10-fold better than Emperor 400's. I wouldn't take a brand new Emp 400 for free, but that's my experience with both brands. And as I already stated, if you've been satisfied with the AC-70's, just go up in size and stay happy.
Also, you already know the workings of the AC's and how easy they are to maintain. The 110's are identical to the 70's except for size. Everything goes together the same way.

[Helloitsme]

Yeah, I think I'm going to add an AC110. I'm just going to have to start cleaning more often and step up the water changes and maybe rehome some of the fish. Thanks again for all the input.