Filtering options

[LGWapnitsky]

I have an Emperor 400 filter running in my 75gal tank (as some of you know already). I've been putting 4 filter cartridges in there the past few months, but have been thinking of some changes to help save a little money in the long run.

What are people's opinions on the following items:

ReefresH2O BioMedia (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4169)
Coralife Bio-Balls Biological Filter Media (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+14727&pcatid=14727)
Thanks in advance, everyone!

-Larry

[coach_z]

#1....looks like a waste of money to me
#2....not sure if you can get much use out of it in an emperor

check this out for cheap and easy filter cartridges for your filter:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202459

Also, i would definately hook up that 350 that you have....

[vanillarum]

I also have an Emp 400 filter on my tank, and agree they get expensive to replace ( filter inserts that is). I have cut down the number of inserts I use to 2, one on each side, with seemingly no ill effects. Increases the flow out of the filter. And I don't change them every time they get dirty, but rather rinse them out and use them again instead. Makes them go a lot further. Good luck.

[Jspigs]

If you are using the bio-wheels there is no need to add additional bio-media.

[Rbishop]

the bio-wheels are a waste in the long run.

[LGWapnitsky]

the bio-wheels are a waste in the long run.

Why is that?

[Rbishop]

Most folks complain about water noise..they increase it...

Every one out there mentions you may see the filter, after a time, stop turning and it is okay...personally, I want to see my filter working, not standing still...

If planted and CO2..they allow to much gas off...

While claiming massive surface area, the majority of it is never in constant contact with the water for gas exchange....especially when it is stopped....

Just a gimmick in my opinion.

[gmh]

You can buy some filter floss in bulk and just cut it to size and insert in the slot.

[CWO4GUNNER]

The bio wheels look impressive but I have never noticed any appreciable increase or decrease in toxic reading due to their use or lack thereof. What I have noticed is an increase in evaporation loss and since removing them a noticeable marked decrease in the need to add water about half as much. So I just don't use bio wheels anymore in HOB's or any application where they are an option, they are just a gimmick IMO. If they were effective you would see huge Farris Wheel size ones at every water reclamation plant in the country but in fact they grow all there bacteria in huge liquid filled containers just like in the aquarium, sumps, and canisters.

[Rbishop]

:iagree: aye-aye to that...

[OldMan47]

You can load the extra plastic holders with things like the Seachem Matrix or similar ceramic media and just rinse and re-use it for years on end. With two holders in the filter, there is no reason to use a proprietary throw away cartridge in either one. I run the 400's little brother on my 20H with a basket of Matrix and the other basket using some after-market filter pads that were cut by me to size from some pieces that I bought originally for my canister filters. The nice plastic mesh baskets nmakes the media used quite flexible. I use the backup to the biomedia to catch any particulate before the water returns to the tank and as is true of any media, it adds to the biological capacity of the filter.

[barbarossa4122]

I use Biomax in the plastic baskets (about 50 rings /basket) and in the other slots I use this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13371 until I run out(8left). After that I'll just use the frames, the blue sponge, floss and quilt batting.

[danclark]

i use the sponge filter and those plastic trays in all my h.o.b only as dividers,. i just pack in as much washable ceramic media as possible and call it good.

[odinthejd]

Filter floss works amazing magic!

[mikeb210]

I use a combo of filter floss and shower scrunchies. Depending on what you need (ie bio, mechanical etc) you could increase floss or get smaller scrubbies. They are both real cheap and work real well IME.

[smitty]

Go and buy an Aqua-Clear 110 power filter. The filtering sponge can be rinsed a 1000 times by squeezing it together and put back in the filter. I have 9 of them running. The emperor is hustling your dollars because of the bio-wheel which that little wheel is over rated. Once the biological is established in the aqua-clear it will keep as long as you rinse it out in tank water.

[jbradt]

Go and buy an Aqua-Clear 110 power filter. The filtering sponge can be rinsed a 1000 times by squeezing it together and put back in the filter. I have 9 of them running. The emperor is hustling your dollars because of the bio-wheel which that little wheel is over rated. Once the biological is established in the aqua-clear it will keep as long as you rinse it out in tank water.

:thumbsup: I love ACs for extended media life. The throw away pad design is a waste IMO.

[DrgRcr]

I have a penguin 350, the little brother to the emperor. The first thing I did was get rid of those cartridges. In their place, I cut pieces of pond sponge filter material to fit the area where the cartridges would be, and behind them I stuffed polyester pillow fill. It has worked very well, catching alot of debris. Yesterday I changed the pillow fill, because it was whipped, to quilt batting layers for easier maintenance.

Interesting about the evaporation with the wheels. The tank I have them on does seem to lose more than my others with no wheels.

[67chevelle]

The cartridges in all Marineland HOB filters,Penguin and Emperor,are a waste of money,and there is not a huge need for carbon.

If you want to use carbon,buy the media baskets and add it to them.Then you can buy blue bonded filter pads,cut to fit,and place them in front of the media baskets for mechanical filtration.
http://www.aquariumguys.com/mediabasket.html

Or you can buy supercartridges,and stuff the bonded filter pads down in them for your maechanical filtration.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4231
http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&w=supercartridge&af=cat1:fish%20type:product&isort=score&method=and&ts=results&rt=template_switch_search

I have never owned a Aquaclear HOB filter.But I do have several Marineland HOB's. It seems everyone has an opinion on them,and most people prefer the one they own.

I personally am now sold on Eheim canister filters,and never plan on buying another HOB.I love my Marineland HOB's,especially since I have found a way to ditch the replacement cartridges.

Penguin and Emperor filters work just fine.I have used them on too many tanks with great results not to think that.I even have 2 of them running on a tank with pressurized CO2,and the plants are doing wonderfully.What ever gas exchange there is,there is not enough to exhaust the CO2.

If for some reason I find that I need to buy another HOB,I will go with an AC,just to see how they work,and because I have heard such good things about them.

Anyway,I have found by using the blue bonded pad with the media baskets and supercartridges will allow you to add carbon,or other chemical filtration if you feel the need,and still have plenty of mechanical and bio filtratioan as well.You can also add filter floss to the media baskets for a finer filter material as well.

[Trigger1985]

I've got a Marineland Eclipse 2- same expensive filter pads, and a biowheel. I somehow lost my biowheel when the tank was in transit to a new location, so I packed the biowheel chamber with a couple bags of ceramic, and a bag of carbon for good measure. Got tired of replacing the filter pad since they were 5 bucks a pop ever 2-4 weeks, expensive when you're unemployed. I got a roll of bonded filter media from petco for 5 bucks, Looks like I'll be able to get 6 filter inserts out of it (Rite size H are HUGE, depending on you're filter size you can get a LOT more of a single pad)

[MChambers]

I've been thinking about replacing the carbon cartridges with Poret filter foam, cut to shape.

http://www.swisstropicals.com/Poret%20Filter%20Foam.html

I'd be interested to know if anyone has tried this.

[Slappy*McFish]

Or you can buy supercartridges,and stuff the bonded filter pads down in them for your maechanical filtration.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4231
http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&w=supercartridge&af=cat1:fish%20type:product&isort=score&method=and&ts=results&rt=template_switch_search

Anyway,I have found by using the blue bonded pad with the media baskets and supercartridges will allow you to add carbon,or other chemical filtration if you feel the need,and still have plenty of mechanical and bio filtratioan as well.You can also add filter floss to the media baskets for a finer filter material as well.
I use the Super Cartridges in my Emperor 400, as well.:thumbsup:

[excuzzzeme]

I have 2 Emperor 400's and I stuff them with poly-fil. It's cheap and lasts far longer than the cartridges.

I also have AC110/500's and love the water flow from them. I have an AC70 on a planted 29 and never yet thought about the need for CO2.

The bio-wheel design is just a different way to get you to buy. It does what is claimed but the degree of it is so minor you might as well toss it out.