Penguin Biowheel filter

[mishi8]

I just set up my new 20gal, and installed the Penguin HOB filter that came with it. Don't know that I'm completely happy with it since it makes so much splashing noise! Any one else experience this? Can the noise be lessened, or is it just something I have to get used to? I can't raise the water level much higher without risking displacing water onto the floor everytime I work in the tank.

[slipknottin]

Just dont use the biowheel.

[mishi8]

:duh: Now, that would kind of defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? If I were to do that, then I'd take it back and exchange for an Aquaclear so that I could at least customize my media! :D

[Larissa]

I'd just raise the water level. Don't stick your arm in there.

[MidnightPyro]

I own a Penguin Biowheel 125. Filling up the water as high as it'll go helps a lot. My splashing noise is very little, the splashing it makes now doesn't really bother me much at all.

[mishi8]

So how high do you keep your water? How close to the top edge of the tank?

[slipknottin]

:duh: Now, that would kind of defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? If I were to do that, then I'd take it back and exchange for an Aquaclear so that I could at least customize my media! :D


penguins are better filters than ACs, at least in my opinion. Always restart, dont leak, and run quieter (as long as you dont use the biowheels)

[JinxXx0085]

Just dont use the biowheel.
Umm.. what might be wrong with the biowheel? :huh:
I thought that the wheel is a nice bonus to have...

[mishi8]

penguins are better filters than ACs, at least in my opinion. Always restart, dont leak, and run quieter (as long as you dont use the biowheels)

Do you use penguin filters? The point about always restarting is a good one. My AC doesn't always start up easily...takes a good priming after a water change...and sometimes the impellor needs a kick start. I was actually surprised when my filter started on its own after an overnight power outage. I find it to be an exceptionally quiet filter though. Maybe because it's just an AC 20 on a 10 gal tank. :)

I'm going to leave the biowheel going for now. Maybe I can get past the noise if I just think of it as the sound of a "soothing waterfall." LOL :p:

[slipknottin]

Do you use penguin filters?

Yup, I use mostly penguins, I do use one AC 300 though, that I dont really like. I even have a couple old blue colored penguins that still work fine.

[mishi8]

So what do you use for media? I've got a Penguin 125, that has the disposable cartridge with carbon. Since I'm cycling the tank, I've put an old Top Fin cartridge (that had been kept in my 10 gal) in the space behind the Penguin cartridge. I suppose I could just toss the Penguin cartridge and fill that entire space with foam or floss for mechanical and additional bio filtration.

[Puffernewbee]

Fill up the tank high enough where it does not splash. The only time I am reaching in my tank is to change the water so I just lower the water level through the siphon before reaching in to far. I have a 10 gallon and 29 gallon and have never had a problem with my arm causing the water to overflow.

I actually top up the water in the tanks about once a week when I hear the splashing you are talking about.

[mishi8]

Puffernewbee, do you use a biowheel filter? Do you find a big difference in sound just by raising the water level?

I've noticed, with my AC 20, that water level makes a big difference, but with the Penguin it seems most of the sound is coming from the wheel moving through the water. It's also creating quite a bit of splash onto the hood and light too. I tried taking the biowheel off, and it does make a huge difference in the splashing sound (more like my AC 20 instead). My water level is just below the black rim on the tank right now...I'm really not sure if I should let the level go higher than that.

[anonapersona]

I always keep my tanks filled to above the bottom of the black rim.

[StacieA]

I have a whisper and a penguin on my 20 g. To keep the penguin quiet just fill the tank to just above the black edge. I stick my arm in there everyday to replant uprooted plants (darn clowns!) and I've not spilled water yet. Now water changes are another story...

BTW, you don't have to use the penguin filter pads. I cut the media off and then put it back in and stuffed wooly stuff on the other side and it works just fine. I do the same for my whisper btw. I wish they would make pads without carbon!!

[mishi8]

I don't want to spill during water changes either (considering my hardwood floors). :) I'll probably ditch the cartridges at some point. I believe they do make filter bags for whisper filters, but probably not for 10 gal or smaller tanks.

I was looking at the new Penguin designs today (I've got the older model) and it looks like the top covers the biowheel much better (less splashing on the tank lid). There is a cover that stays over the wheel, and a separate cover over the media area. I wonder if Marinland would be willing to exchange an old for a new?

[CajunCC]

Is it a new filter? I'm assuming it is. The bio-wheel takes a few days before it soaks up water and such. Until then, it does make a bit of noise. After a week or so, you'll notice it's totally silent.

[mishi8]

Yes, it's brand new. Interesting to hear it will change over time. Thanks for the tip! :)

[Puffernewbee]

Puffernewbee, do you use a biowheel filter? Do you find a big difference in sound just by raising the water level?

I've noticed, with my AC 20, that water level makes a big difference, but with the Penguin it seems most of the sound is coming from the wheel moving through the water. It's also creating quite a bit of splash onto the hood and light too. I tried taking the biowheel off, and it does make a huge difference in the splashing sound (more like my AC 20 instead). My water level is just below the black rim on the tank right now...I'm really not sure if I should let the level go higher than that.

I have an Emperor 280 on my 29 gallon which is just a fancy Penguin. I have my tank water level pretty high (just below the black rim the glass sits in inside the tank). The bio-wheel on the Emperor has a sprayer bar on it but it is quiet. When I hear splashing I increae the water level.
I have a Penguin Mini on my 10 gallon puffer tank. I have that tank filled up to the same level and like on the 29 gallon, when I hear splashing I add water to the tank. I cannot even hear the mini when I have the water level up.

[mishi8]

Thanks again, Puffernewbee. I responded through PM. :)

[thesydmonster]

I also have a penguin on my 10 gallon tank (the 100) and keep the water level full, right up to the edge, to avoid the splashing noise. I also have not had it overflow when I put my arm in there but I don't do much in the tank except during a water change. I think it's a good filter, I hope you and your fish enjoy yours :)

[Holly9937]

also, dumb question, but do you have the top/lid on the filter? I notice the mini biowheel is noticably louder when I take the lid off

[SCU33ZE]

also, dumb question, but do you have the top/lid on the filter? I notice the mini biowheel is noticably louder when I take the lid off

This is because the lid resonates the sound of the filter.
Its exactly the same even on Aquaclears.
You can hear the hum of the motor much more with the lid on than off
HTH

[Kasakato]

Exact same with any filter :D

[mishi8]

also, dumb question, but do you have the top/lid on the filter? I notice the mini biowheel is noticably louder when I take the lid off

Yes I do. I noticed that the newer models have a larger cover over the biowheel...mine is the old model though, so most of the biowheel is exposed even with the lid on. I did contact Marineland, and they said that the splashing and noise will subside as the biowheel absorbs more water. I've already noticed a slight difference since I first posted...my original post was on day one of my new tank, so the biowheel had absorbed not much, if any, water at that point...definitely less splash now. :)

[thesydmonster]

Glad to hear it's doing better for you :)

When I first set mine up, I could hear it more than I do now. Since it's in my bedroom and I am a light sleeper, I could also hear if it changed it's rhythm or stopped. I am a dork, I know ;) Anyway, it is more quiet with the lids on.