Equipment Review and Discussion :: all filter experts please come!

[ohitsmason]

hello fellow members, i am in need for a new filter so i have narrowed down the choices to the
Marineland Penguin bio-wheel ( the 350 one to be exact)

and the....

Aqua Clear Power filter ( the 300/70)
So can you help me choose one? If so thx

[meltedspork]

What size is your tank?

[ohitsmason]

oh um 40 gallons sorry =P

[octpusgirl8]

I would go for a canister filter like a Rena XP3, it would keep the tank a lot cleaner and when you get a bigger tank you could still keep the filter. Out of those two choices, i would get the Aquaclear, they're cheaper but still good filters. They have more flexibility as far as media goes, and in my experience anyway they las a lot longer then the penguin filters.

[ohitsmason]

finally someone responds >.> lol but um ok thx for your opinion

[Chrisbarnett]

I'd really encourage a canister filter. You can get the Fluval 404 on ebay brand new for $85 w/ free shipping.

But if you are really set on getting a hang on back, I would get an Aquaclear, but get the Aquaclear 110. Has a 500gph flow rate(the largest of any HOB filter I know of, and would do fine for that tank, as well as a larger one in the future.

[mikee]

I use the Marineland magnum 350 and the Fluval 405 and they both do just fine. The 350 pumps about 350 gph and the Fluval is about 300 gph. You will find the Marineland a little cheaper than the Fluval but the Fluval is much quieter than the Marineland. I have several 350s and have no problem with them. m.

[ohitsmason]

lol i know canisters are better but um for now i dont reallly need that big of a filter lol

[javablog]

lol i know canisters are better but um for now i dont reallly need that big of a filter lol

True but it will save you money in the long run and will keep your tank much cleaner.

[mikee]

Ohit-son -- I have no idea how large your tank is and just answered your question. A canister is easier to clean and maintain. You need to exchange your water at least 5 times per hour. So think in terms of gph. I have a Marineland 350 Magnum on a 29 gallon tank and it does just fine. It has a little swirl in the water but it keep the water clear and the turtles like it. m.

[ohitsmason]

K guys i go tthe aqua clear one but the one for 110 gallon tanks. lol and for those who said that it canisters would be better for the future well um just to tell you guys but um in like 3 months i dont really need a canister filter cuz i am going to build a pond with a good pond filter!. But thxs anyways.

[mikee]

Ohit-son -- What ever you do, remember the water turn over rate should be at least 5 times per hour. Remember the words "at least", more would be better. It keeps the water clean and better for your turtles. m.

[ohitsmason]

okie dokie mikeee! lol um sure ill remember that =P

[Chrisbarnett]

With your 40gal tank, and a 500gph filter, your turnover rate is 12.5x per hour. Well over the 5x per hour stuff.

[mikee]

Chris-barn - 500 gph will do fine. The key is to have at least 5 times the turn over. You just have to watch the suction and the current swirl that may occur. m.