a question - filtration

[LMOUTHBASS]

hello i have a penguin 330 on my 55 g but i want sparkling water - i was also running my old 120 (i think ) by penguin form my old 20g as well i like double filtration but the thing crapped out oin me - so i was thinkin bout getting another one however -
have been hearing lots about canister filters at firsti thought they were an older type of filtration then i quickly noticed how much more expensive they are! are they better whats the difference? i 'm thinking of getting one to go with my regular filtration system thanks

[SayersWeb]

I would stick with the bio-wheel filters. Canisters are great for larger tanks, but they are harder to maintan. You really should clean the canister filter media at each water change and this can be a lot of work. The bio-wheel filters are so easy. When the cartridge clogs just rinse it under a strong stream of water and place it back in the filter. Takes 1 minute.

I have two Penguin 330s on a 60 gallon and it is crystal clear.... But it did take about 6-8 weeks after the tanks was first established.

I also have two 330s on a 120 and it is clear, but not like the 60. This tank was set up on November 28, so I am waiting to see if a few more weeks will make a difference. The tank is fairly well stocked and I tend to feed them quite a lot.

Also just set up two 55s with a single 330 on each. I'm thinking that the 330 should be enough filtration for them. Will know for sure in a few weeks once they are established.

I still run canisters on my 180..... Cannot use the Marineland bio-wheel attachment since it is an acrylic tank. I am trying to be better about cleaning the canisters, but it is hard to get motivated after I finish the water change on all 10 tanks! :)

[Prometheus]

Originally posted by SayersWeb
I would stick with the bio-wheel filters. Canisters are great for larger tanks, but they are harder to maintan. You really should clean the canister filter media at each water change and this can be a lot of work. The bio-wheel filters are so easy. When the cartridge clogs just rinse it under a strong stream of water and place it back in the filter. Takes 1 minute.

I have two Penguin 330s on a 60 gallon and it is crystal clear.... But it did take about 6-8 weeks after the tanks was first established.


I would agree... I have 2 330's on my 55... Water is crystal clear as well...

[blitzen25bm]

just put 1 emper 400 on it and double up on the mechanical filtration.

[LMOUTHBASS]

are they superior filtration though? whats the big commotion with them???

[TKOS]

From what I understand they tend to do a better job of mechanical filtration than most HOBs. Of course there is always a space issue as well and some people just ahte the falling water sound of an HOB. If you are going with a planted tank with added CO2 then a canister is really a must to keep all of that precious CO2 in the tank. But there is nothing at all wrong with having HOB, IMO. And 2 is a great thing as well. I like the accessibility of the media.

[Uncle Bete]

I like the Marineland 250 HOB Canister for ease of maintenance and if it doesn't get you the sparkle with the normal carbon/sleeve set-up. you can always use the micron filter to really clean it. It usually does just fine with the carbon/sleeve set-up though!

As far as reg. HOB's I like Aqua Clear for ease of maintenance and being alot cheaper to use in the long run. Just rinse the sponge, and I buy a draw string media bag and use Marineland carbon in it. (cheaper than buying AC's ready made bags)