filter face-off

[garvondavis14]

Alright...I have narrowed my decision down to two, well three filters...i have a 55 gallon that i plan on planting some java moss, driftwood, a large number of cardinal tetras...i am looking at 3 filters, the marineland emperor 400, the tetratec pf300 and pf 500...i can get the emperor for about $45, and the pf300 about $35 and 500 about $50 or so...i don't know which...any opinions will be taken. if get a tetratec, i will most likely get the heater, for about $20 extra, but that's really of no concern, just the filters.thanks.

 

[Kissofthegorami]

If you are doing a hang on back power filter, I would go aquaclear500. You can get it online for $40. The versatility of the filter media and space for bio filtration is a good enough reason alone, but they also last forever. If ou like the bio wheel concept, I'd go with a emperor 400. I heard they can sometimes be noisier then aquaclears but it cannot be that bad. Tetra's new filters, tetratec have gotten horrible customer reviews. The heater in the filter is a bad idea because if the filter breaks down or stops running, whihc i guess it does sometimes, your aquarium has no heat.

 

[Harlock]

I know nothing of the Tetratecs. I use Penguins (the lower model of Emperor) and they are not noisy at all, except for some water trickle noise when the aqurium level gets lower. Top it off, no more noise. I like the idea of getting two smaller filters rather then one large one. Redundancy is nice. If one filter fails, at least the other one is still working.

I was leaning toward Aquaclears when I first set up my tank, but I decided against them in the end because I had several folks who owned them tell me that they sometimes didn't start right up after being powered off or a power failure. My Penguins start without fail, so I am happy. My next filter will be a Rena Filstar XP3 for a larger tank. Canisters are really nice if you want to set up a planted tank. Not absolutely necessary, but definitely nice.

 

[Kasakato]

I would say get a Aquaclear filter. I have a Penguin and its ok. The only problem I have is that water some times splashes off the wheel and onto my desk. So I put a lego wall and it keeps the water in the filter. I have heard that AC filters are very good however I have never used one. I agree with Harlock with the Rena FilStar Filters. I have one on my 20g and love it. It is super quite, and very easy to clean. (Eaiser that HOBs IMO)

 

[slipknottin]

Tetratec filters have reliability issues.

AC filters often dont always restart after power outages.

Penguin filters can make alot of splashing noises with the biowheels.


So I use penguins without the biowheels. I cut up a piece of foam, and use that as a filter cartridge.

 

[JSchmidt]

For me, the reliability of a filter (esp. its ability to restart after a power outage or water change) is of primary importance. Of the three, I think the Emps are most reliable. Aquaclears often don't restart (I know this from personal experience) and Tetratecs don't have a very good reputation. If you ditch the cartridges from the Emps and use a couple of blocks of Aquaclear foam in the filter wells of the Emp, you have a great filter with mechanical media that will last pretty much forever.

HTH,
Jim

 

[Malachite]

I have the emporer 400. Like Harlock said as long as the tank level is high I get no splashing sound. Once it makes noise I know the water is low. I haven't really had any troubles with it. I can't really advise as to which is one is better. I am actually switching over to a Fluval 404 canister. It was only $97.

 

[nvan2]

Anyone use cascade filters? Id never heard of them, but noticed them at one of the petstores in town... heard the lady recommending it. Kinda seems like its a penguin without the biowheel.. instead they have this grid type thing thats supposed to be good for bacteria. Kinda wierd tho, thats the only pace ive ever seen it.