I'll add to my previous comments regarding noise. I too have found my Emperor to run VERY quietly. Water splashing is the main noise...and I like that sound.
Regarding filter cartidges....I power clean mine each week with a shower massage type shower head. It removes all the gunk and does an excellent job. I also realize any bacteria on those cartidges is killed/washed away as well, and that is my intention. I prefer my beneficial bacteria to reside more on the biowheels instead. The majority of my biologic filtration is performed by my plants anyway.
The extra media cages are great for customizing your media choices. I use hand cut filter material that filters for smaller particles.
***Your question regarding how much water change is appropriate for your tank depends more on what type of fish you stock it with than tank size. Messy fish = bigger/more frequent PWC. I have a moderately planted tropical community tank with neon tetras, pearl gouramis, platys, and a german blue ram and I exchange approx. 15 gallons a week on my 55 gal.
Do a search on this site and you'll learn far more than what you read on this thread. There's a wealth of information here. That's how I did it and I'm enjoying my hobby far more because of it. Good luck.
Regarding filter cartidges....I power clean mine each week with a shower massage type shower head. It removes all the gunk and does an excellent job. I also realize any bacteria on those cartidges is killed/washed away as well, and that is my intention. I prefer my beneficial bacteria to reside more on the biowheels instead. The majority of my biologic filtration is performed by my plants anyway.
The extra media cages are great for customizing your media choices. I use hand cut filter material that filters for smaller particles.
***Your question regarding how much water change is appropriate for your tank depends more on what type of fish you stock it with than tank size. Messy fish = bigger/more frequent PWC. I have a moderately planted tropical community tank with neon tetras, pearl gouramis, platys, and a german blue ram and I exchange approx. 15 gallons a week on my 55 gal.
Do a search on this site and you'll learn far more than what you read on this thread. There's a wealth of information here. That's how I did it and I'm enjoying my hobby far more because of it. Good luck.
, I'm going on and buying the 400 before it goes off sale!!