Brand new 20 gallon and I need some advice!!!!!!!!

[sCeRaXn]

My filters have been running for over 2 years, and I have only cleaned it 8 times, 4 times while it was on a 72G, and 4 times while it was on my 20G. When I first took apart my filter, I was a newbie, and that was my 2nd filter, and I didn't know about water changes, and believed everything petco people told me. What model of the penguin do you have? is it the one in the link or the older one?

The cover makes a huge difference, as it has deflectors, and forces the water out and one point, and makes less of a splashing sound if the water level is correct.

I have the one from your link(350, even though they have the 100 pictured in your link) and the 200. Neither one are in use anymore for the reason i described earlier. Actually, i dont have any HOB filters anymore unless you want to consider the Magnum HOT a HOB(i consider it a canister even though it hangs on the tank). Both of the Bio-Wheels were replaced with Aquaclears before i switched to all canisters though. There are too many "ifs" involved with the Bio-Wheels IMO. Theyre quiet "if" the wheel is still moving and the water level in the tank is exactly right. It filters well "if" you dont put in too much media, otherwise it backs up and flows out the overflow. It flows well "if" you have as little media as possible and its super clean, otherwise it backs up and goes out the overflow(which is annoying). The Aquaclears worked well and were quiet no matter what the water level was. They didnt lose flow as quickly as the Penguins, they were able to accomidate better and more filter media, and youre able to control the flow rates on them. IMO they were the superior filter in every way.

edit: I might add that my AC A620 filter maintained a higher flow rate than my Pengiun 350 despite holding almost twice as much filter media and being rated at 50 less gph. Its probably the best HOB filter ive used in the 15 years ive been a part of this hobby.

Not true at all....the flow will decrease based on how soon it gets clogged from physical items...NOT TIME.....you over feed consistently, it will get clogged sooner....dieing plants...shortens the time....it is not an issue of time at all...observation is the key.

Agreed :thm:

 

[RisiganL.]

If you want to go really cheap you can get a Top Fin 20 filter for around $22 and a Top Fin 100w heater for $25. I have used the filter and they are OK but not the best. The heaters are a bit more risky. It is not uncommon to hear stories of them exploding. I have personally had a heater overheat and explode, so I would find something better.