need a good filter

LMOUTHBASS

My hypocrisy goes only so far
Jun 17, 2003
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Boston , MA
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Mark
i have a penguin 330 on my 55 g i want another filter but don't think i want another penguin because of the periodic humming noise they make - other posters say they have the same problem - what can you reccomend i want crystal clear water if possible! ha thanks
 
if you want a HOB filter, I like the AC series(Aqua Clear) You can reuse the sponges and the media is pretty cheap. I like the inexpensive and low maitenence filters. If you want some Bio filterration as well with a HOB then I always liked the HOT Magnum bio wheel combo. I am sure there are other good filters as well but these have always worked well for me.
 
Ive got an Hagen Aquaclear 500 on my 55 and it keeps my water crystal clear...DrsFosterSmith has them on sale for 32 bucks. Ive had mine for about 6 months or so and its been pretty much trouble free.
 
For a hob the ac series is it. Get the ac 500 and an extra sponge. I put a layer of filter floss down first then the two sponges. The filter floss catches the big stuff. And the sponges last and last.
But if you want silence then the rena filtstar is great. I know in your other thread there was talk of maint. I totally disagree. I clean mine once a month no hassle at all. On my 55 I have an ac300 and xp2 everthing is bliss.
 
guys

thanks for your replies - not to soun like a caveman but i kinda am when it comes to filters - the HOT magnum with bio filtration is that an hob ? or canister?
also a few of you seem happy with the AC aqua clear 500 is this hob? (also what does hob mean? i assume it's regualr filters like i have lol)
i'also is hagen the ones who make the aqua clears? i thinki'm leaning towards them i like my penguin but wanna try something else - sometimes it gets the tank crystal clear sometimes not i want a great filter without breaking the bank! :D
 
Yup, H.O.B and H.O.T are the same thing.
Hang On Back -or- Hang On Tank..also known as 'power filters.'
 
AC 500

i think i'm leaning towards this model they were 75 bucks at petco !!! eek - i'm gonna run it with my penguin 330 - ac - thats the aqua clear right? they had the ac 330 i think for 41 bucks i wil go online to seeif i can get it cheaper
cool thanks guys
 
yea AC500s are less than 30 at big als. im switching all mine out for emperors though, maintenance is easier on them for me.
 
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