Filter questions

[NY Detailer]

I was wondering about the bio-wheel filters that so many people talk about. Maybe I will get one.

Right now I have a Aqua Clear 300. I was looking into getting the
Emperor Bio Wheel 400. Anyone have anything good or bad about it.
Is it a better filter.
here is a link to the filter
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3619

 

[Philbe]

I run the Emp 400 and the main reason I chooose it over the AC is that you never have to mess with the bio function of the filter. You can change the other media in the filter and the wheels stay in place. I like the way you can control the flow output with out effecting the bio wheels. And its quiet afther the bio wheels get soaked. It makes a heck of a splosin'noise for the first bit though.
HTH Phil

 

[125gJoe]

If you have a "live planted" aquarium, it's better to use a canister. The filters that hang on the back of the tank cause too much surface disturbance which depletes CO2 that the plants need to thrive....

 

[Hound]

Since you are already using an AC300 I would just keep it rather than getting into a emporer 400. If you do feel the urge to upgrade I'd agree with 125gjoe and go with a cannister filter. I use a Fluval 404 myself with no problems and I have heard the Filstar filters are also fairly affordable.

 

[NY Detailer]

do you have a link to these filters. also if i change my filter will i need to cycle the tank again and can it be harmful to the fish.

 

[Hound]

The easiest way to quick shop the various filters is to look around on the web. petsmart.com is one you can check or bigalsonline.com is another. I tend to buy from bigalsonline myself.

 

[daveedka]

Since you are already using an AC300 I would just keep it rather than getting into a emporer 400

Agreed, as well as the fact that if you are heavily planted this is a filter to avoid, I traditionally use the 400 as my primary HOB on bigger tanks and absolutely love these filters, the AC's seem to be very good filters as well, I use them but not as extensively. I like the oxygenation effect of the emporer, but am not a plant man yet, and I like the ease of maintenance and adjustability. If I already had an AC, I probably wouldn't buy an Emporer to replace it with unless I had a problem of some type. But would in a heatbeat if I did have trouble.