Back-up filter?

[HarmonyAZ]

Now that I see how much cheaper things can be purchased online, I feel like I should get a back-up filter. I have a feeling the pump in mine might give up the ghost soon and I'd hate to pay PetSmart prices because it's an emergency. I currently have an Aquaclear 300 HOB on my 29g tank. I've been happy with it but those Penguin wet/drys look cool, or the cheaper wet/dry filters. Is it worth it? Any advice at all? THANKS. :)

[Prometheus]

I really like my penguin 330's... and the price is just right...

I have 2 of them on my 55 (heavily stocked) water stays crystal clear (did when I had one on it too)... also I haven't had any restart problems...

If you ever run short of filters (and don't do the rinsing thing or foam block) the 'regent 30-60' filters they sell at wally world ( 6 for 9 bucks) are exactly the same as the penguin ones... another bonus...

Lots of ppl like the AC300's, I haven't used them... but it's hard to believe they are any better than the penguins... also I have heard more failures to restart than I have of the penguins, FWIW.

Edit: My penguins (7 months and 3 months) are completely silent... even if the water in my tank falls 2-3 gallons low... I lose between 1-2 gallons a week in evaporation in the winter, tank works as a humidifier HA!

[Cearbhaill]

Funny but my back up filter is a Penguin 330 as well.
I keep two running on my Goldfish tank- I bought the first one when I re-entered fishkeeping and liked it so much I bought another, then got one more "just in case".
I find that keeping several of the same type filters makes keeping supplies that much easier- you only have to remember the one size :D
And I think it's a really decent filter- versatile and easy.

[bayoupr]

My backupon my 90g and my125g are AC500 on each.Been having them for about two years and haven't had any problems.

[JSchmidt]

Either a Penguin (or better, an Emperor) or an Aquaclear would be great backups.

Jim

[HarmonyAZ]

Thanks, all. I read a few more threads after posting that Q and decided on an AquaClear 500. The penguins still look pretty cool to me, though! :)