There are many options when it comes to fish tank filters, and the AquaClear 110 and Emperor 400 tend to be some of the most popular ones on the market. Both options are powerful and work very well for most types of fish tanks.
Although both the AquaClear 110 and Emperor 400 are great fish tank filters, there are some key differences that set them apart.
In this article, we are going to break down the major differences between these two filters so you can figure out which one is right for you.
How many GPH is an AquaClear 110?
GPH is a popular metric that you hear when you mention fish tank filters, so it’s important to know what it means and what to look for.
GPH stands for “gallons per hour” and is commonly referred to as the flow rate of the filter. The AquaClear 110 has a flow rate of 500 GPH.
By contrast, the Emperor 400 filter has a flow rate of 400 GPH. While this is slightly slower than the AquaClear 110, it is still a good filter option for many fish tanks.
How many watts does an AquaClear 110 use?
The AquaClear 110 uses just 14 watts of power. This is a great thing because it does not draw a lot of power, so it is unlikely to overload your system and also could easily be powered by a generator for short periods of time in the event of power loss.
Although the Emperor 400 is a slightly less powerful fish tank filter, it uses a little bit more power than the AquaClear 110. The Emperor 400 uses 19 watts of power. This is still a minimal amount and is not going to overly tax your power but it is important to know.
Are Fluval and AquaClear the same?
Fluval and AquaClear are both brands that are owned by the same parent company, The Hagen Group. Because they are under the same umbrella, it’s easy to confuse the two and assume that they are the same brand.
These filter brands do have some similarities, but there are some distinct differences to keep in mind when trying to decide between the two.
Fluval has only 3 different filter sizes whereas AquaClear has up to 5 different sizes to fit your specific tank. Also, although Fluval does not have as much variety when it comes to size they do have higher, more efficient filtration rates.
How long does AquaClear carbon last?
To keep your fish tank looking clean and pristine, it’s best to change the carbon every 2-4 weeks. Some people prefer to change it every week, whereas others can get almost a month of use out of it before starting to notice it’s time to change it.
The best rule of thumb is to change the carbon when you see the tank looking cloudy or dirty. Depending on the size of your tank, type of fish, and type of filter, you may see some variation in how frequently you need to change the carbon.
Which filter is better: AquaClear 110 or Emperor 400?
Both the AquaClear 110 and Emperor 400 are great fish tank filter options. Both brands have die-hard fans, and the choice of which one is better truly depends on your specific needs and what is important to you.
With that said, most people tend to prefer the AquaClear 110. Reports state that it is much quieter and because it has a higher flow rate, it is more efficient and keeps your fish tank looking cleaner longer.
Is the AquaClear 110 more expensive than the Emperor 400?
The AquaClear 110 is a slightly more expensive fish tank filter than the Emperor 400. You can find an AquaClear for $60-$80 depending on the retailer whereas the Emperor is usually closer to $40-$60.
Both the AquaClear 110 and Emperor 400 are often on sale at most pet supply stores and other online retailers, so you can usually find them at a discount.
Are AquaClear filters quiet?
AquaClear filters are very quiet considering how powerful and durable they are. They have a strong flow rate and work hard to keep any tank or aquarium clean, but they are remarkably quiet while doing so. This is one of the biggest reasons why people love them so much.
What is the ideal flow rate for fish tanks?
There is a lot of focus on fish tank filters being efficient and turning the water over quickly, but there is a possibility of issues if water moves too quickly through a fish tank or aquarium.
The general goal is to have the water in your tank turn over 4 times per hour. Keep this in mind when selecting a filter so you can choose a flow rate that will turn over the water in your tank just 4 times. You will need to know the flow rate of your filter and the gallon size of your tank to make sure they are compatible.
What happens if my flow rate is too fast for my fish tank?
The problem with having a filter with a flow rate that is too fast for your fish tank size is that it could cause disruption in your tank. It can push your fish around in the tank and kick up debris including rocks and other things inside the tank.
Final Thoughts
Both the Emperor 400 and AquaClear 110 are excellent fish tank filters. They are affordable, easy to find in stores, and work very well. They are similar in size, have similar flow rates, and use approximately the same amount of power.
Many people who have used both types of filters prefer the AquaClear 110. Although it is a bit more expensive, it is more powerful and significantly quieter than the Emperor 400. If these things are important to you, it may make sense to splurge a bit on the AquClear over the Emperor.
