Best HOB Power Filter

[s7rayd0g]

Setting up a 29 gallon and want to get the -best- HOB filter possible. However, I can't find any website with ratings to make a decision on which one is the best. So I'm hoping you guys here might know of a place, or could lend some advice.

My tank will have some Koi Swordtails, maybe a Platy or two, and a few Corydoras---and maybe a Cherry Fire Shrimp or "Bamboo" shrimp. After I get it all cycled and such, of course.

Some of the filters I've been told to look into are Marineland Emperer, Penguin, Rena, AquaClear, and one whose name I can't remember---but it had a surface skimmer on the intake.

My concern is that if I go with the Emperer, I can only get the one for up to 50 gallons. Is it possible to have TOO much filtration? What about the current--will it cause discomfort for my fish?

[TimmyB42386]

a filter rated for a 50 gallon will be good for a 29, you can't overfilter, but if your tank looks like a blender.. you have to much current.

general consensus seems to be that aquaclears are the best. Ive had 3 penguins and have had impellor problems with them. I like cannisters, but if you really want a hob or can't afford a cannister go for the aquaclear, they are well liked, and have been around for a long time.

[MikeInOrlando]

Setting up a 29 gallon and want to get the -best- HOB filter possible. However, I can't find any website with ratings to make a decision on which one is the best. So I'm hoping you guys here might know of a place, or could lend some advice.

My tank will have some Koi Swordtails, maybe a Platy or two, and a few Corydoras---and maybe a Cherry Fire Shrimp or "Bamboo" shrimp. After I get it all cycled and such, of course.

Some of the filters I've been told to look into are Marineland Emperer, Penguin, Rena, AquaClear, and one whose name I can't remember---but it had a surface skimmer on the intake.

My concern is that if I go with the Emperer, I can only get the one for up to 50 gallons. Is it possible to have TOO much filtration? What about the current--will it cause discomfort for my fish?

you should be fine with the 50 gallon filter for the 29....I have an emperor 400 for my 75 gallon and love it. It's all about the bio wheel. I've heard that cannister filters are the absolute best, but if you're going to go with an HOB, the emperor is pretty much up there with the rest. also heard good things about the penguin.

[9MMMAC]

I have an Aqua-Clear 50 on my 20 gal. It's dialed all the way down, and I have a big plastic stump/cave to help deflect the current. As of now, I also have 2 AC 50 powerheads set up reverse flow for my UGF. I also have a lot of tall fake plants, and some short real ones. I have a current that barely makes my plants wave, but it will carry tiny debris around. I think the AC is great! I like the way I can change just parts of my media. It's quiet, too.

[grannylvsfish]

I have a 29 gallon also and I have a wisper 20-40 on one side of the tank, and a penguin bio wheel 200 on the other side. this was I can change filters on one at a time and not do harm to my tank, and my tank is crystal clear.
there is not to much of a wave in my tank, fish love it and like I said my tank is crystal clean and clear.

[necigrad]

general consensus seems to be that aquaclears are the best


It's all about the bio wheel. I've heard that cannister filters are the absolute best, but if you're going to go with an HOB, the emperor is pretty much up there with the rest. also heard good things about the penguin.

Something tells me that style is irrelevant. My inexperienced opinion would be to stick with a "better" brand, regardless of style, and you'll be fine. They're really not much more expensive then lesser names.

[H3D]

I use an AquaClear 70 on my 29 gallon. :dance:

[musho3210]

aquaclear and penguin and emperor are all great HOB filter brands. Its more of an opinion which is better, the bio-wheels or the aquaclears, ive had some good experiance with the bio-wheels. If i were you i would go with the emperor.

They have penguins that can fit your tank size but its best to have overfiltration and the emperors are supirior to the penguins from what ive heard.

[Nutt]

The best I would say would be a HOT magnum but if you want cheaper I think the wispers are about the best bang for the buck IMO. A Wisper 30-60 or HOT mag (I think its the 200) on there and the water will look like glass.

[Mgamer20o0]

i like AC but most hobs are good

[zorlac_lover]

I have a penguin 200 bio-wheel on my 29 and it works like a charm.

[1boatnut]

I have an emperor 400 and so far I am very pleased. It's around $45.00 if you go on-line @ PetSmart and bring the printed price to their store. Saves somewhere aroun 20-25.00

[Weezer]

Shortly we will be setting up a 29 gal. and are going with a Penguin 200, {Already in use on another tank} and a Magnum HOT, this is a canister type HOB. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3598&inm=1&N=2004+22777+2032 and should do the job...

:dance2:

[Ruben Tolon]

I personally use Whisper on some tanks, even though it does not have the reputation of Marineland or Aquaclear, but as long as you keep up with your routine water changes, most HOB's are good for keeping water healthy. I'd choose a Marineland HOB over some others mainly due to the biowheel, but I'd go with anything exceptthe Penn-Plax Cascade.