Company:
Marineland
Model:
Penguin 150 Power Filter
Link to product description:
http://www.marineland.com/sites/Marineland/products/productdetail.aspx?id=2054&cid=2006&mid=3226
Price range:
$25-$50, model 100-350
Pros:
The Bio-Wheel is a great way to transfer biological media from filter to filter or tank to tank, especially from HOB to canister filter. Some Bio Wheels are interchangeable with other Marineland filters, including those in Eclipse tanks. All Penguin models have two strainers: one on the bottom of the intake tube like every other HOB filter, but also one in the middle of the intake tube. This makes water circulation great for a HOB filter. Also, the long intake is great for taller tanks. Cartridges are easy to find, replace, and read for proper media changing. The carbon inside is great quality.
Cons
The media selection isnt the best for these filters, especially compared to AC flters or canister filters, but this is easily rectified with the use of the media basket that comes with all 200's and 350's. Also, the two-piece media cover can be a pain, especially if it slips and begins to vibrate agains the plastic filter box.
Star rating (1-5 with 5 being the best)
****
How long have you used the product?
I used these filters, I had two Penguin 150's, before they were replaced with a Marineland C-360. They were replaced purely because of good fortune on my part, and had I not won the C-360 they would still be running on my tank today.
Build quality and value for your money.
The build quality on these filters is great, but there was one problem I had. Before i initially set up my tank, one of the filters was cracked. Probably not Marineland's fault or bad filter plastic quality, but it should be noted. As for value, there is really no other filter that filters as well for the same money. Ac's are quite a bit more in my area, and the Penguins do such a good job that I would not hesitate getting another.
Other comments
Many talk about excess noise from Penguin filters, such as the "water dripping" sound, but this is easily fixed by filling the tank up to where the outlets of the filters are seen under the surface of the water. At that pont, there are totally silent.
Marineland
Model:
Penguin 150 Power Filter
Link to product description:
http://www.marineland.com/sites/Marineland/products/productdetail.aspx?id=2054&cid=2006&mid=3226
Price range:
$25-$50, model 100-350
Pros:
The Bio-Wheel is a great way to transfer biological media from filter to filter or tank to tank, especially from HOB to canister filter. Some Bio Wheels are interchangeable with other Marineland filters, including those in Eclipse tanks. All Penguin models have two strainers: one on the bottom of the intake tube like every other HOB filter, but also one in the middle of the intake tube. This makes water circulation great for a HOB filter. Also, the long intake is great for taller tanks. Cartridges are easy to find, replace, and read for proper media changing. The carbon inside is great quality.
Cons
The media selection isnt the best for these filters, especially compared to AC flters or canister filters, but this is easily rectified with the use of the media basket that comes with all 200's and 350's. Also, the two-piece media cover can be a pain, especially if it slips and begins to vibrate agains the plastic filter box.
Star rating (1-5 with 5 being the best)
****
How long have you used the product?
I used these filters, I had two Penguin 150's, before they were replaced with a Marineland C-360. They were replaced purely because of good fortune on my part, and had I not won the C-360 they would still be running on my tank today.
Build quality and value for your money.
The build quality on these filters is great, but there was one problem I had. Before i initially set up my tank, one of the filters was cracked. Probably not Marineland's fault or bad filter plastic quality, but it should be noted. As for value, there is really no other filter that filters as well for the same money. Ac's are quite a bit more in my area, and the Penguins do such a good job that I would not hesitate getting another.
Other comments
Many talk about excess noise from Penguin filters, such as the "water dripping" sound, but this is easily fixed by filling the tank up to where the outlets of the filters are seen under the surface of the water. At that pont, there are totally silent.