Filter

The sponge for an AC can be reused for a long time. I have one that has been in my 10 gallon tank for over 5 years, just gets rinsed every couple of weeks. That is all I run in most of my filters. The bioballs are great as well and can also be rinsed. If you do decide to run carbon, it should be replaced at least once a month.

For another online shopping option try Big Als.
 
Thanks guys, that is good to know.. question for you TKOS, is there any benefit to not run the carbon? I am under the impression that the more media filters you have, the better.
 
Carbon is not necessary to run in any aquarium. The carbon clogs up fast which is why it needs to be changed frequently if you do use it. The main uses for carbon is that it is very good for removing leftover meds. after treating a tank for illness and disease, and it is a great media for polishing your water so you have the appearence of super clean pristine water. Honestly though, I have eight aquariums running in my home and I do not run carbon in any of the filters for these tanks and the water is crystal clear. You really do not have to run carbon if you choose not to.

Marinemom
 
Penguin/Emperor cartridges only clog up quickly if there is a bunch of gunk in your water that needs to be pulled out. I think the AquaClears are fine filters, but I don't think they keep water as pristine as the Marineland filters do. As for using the AquaClears, I do recommend using the setup they recommend (foam, carbon, biomax). I changed the foam once a quarter, and it wasn't really necessary even then; they rinse pretty clean. I changed the carbon monthly, though the Hagen carbon did seem to tucker out before a month. The biomax will smooth out after about a year and not be quite as hospitable of a host; I recommend there buying the Seachem Matrix already bagged, and using two of them. When it's time to change, change one and wait until the next month to change the other one. Watch out for the motor on the AC filters; sometimes they don't start back after a power outage without taking them out and cleaning them. One final suggestion before purchasing: call the Hagen help line and the Marineland help line to see what your experience will be like if you need to talk to someone.

As for where to get your filter, I would print out the PetsMart online price and have a local store honor it. It may not beat the absolute best price online, but to get close with the convenience of a b&m store earns my loyalty.
 
I use a Zoomed Canister filter that is a terrarium filter. Works very well for my 20 long. Amazon.com has it for cheap. Otherwise go with a AC. They are very reliable.
 
Filters are much cheaper online from PetSmart. Print the price and take it to the store to have them honor it, or catch them when they have a free shipping promo going on. Either way you win!
 
Hi, I have two 20 gal. tanks and am running the penguin 150 with bio-wheel (for up to 30 gal) in each. They are really quiet, the only noise I hear is the water running through each. My tanks are pretty full though. According to my new bible: Aquariums For Dummies, the bio-wheel is one of the best on the market. One word of advice though, they are about $10 cheaper online at Petsmart.com than they are in the store. So I found out if you print the online page and take it to the store they will match the price, and you can save the shipping. Also the replacement filters are about $5 cheaper online, so I check out everything I need online first, print it up and take it with me to the store. The Python was $26 online and $39 in the store (same size 25 ft.)
so it pays to research!
 
What few HOB I have are AC.
 
Petsmart online is the way to go, thats for sure. I only spent $20 on the AC 50/200 filter (the store wanted $42 for it!) and I printed out the online price of $14.99 for the visi-therm stealth 100 Watt heater and the store wanted $31.00 for it but honored the on-line price..
Thanks everyone again for the great advice. I will run the tank without the carbon for a while and see how the tank looks. I can always add it later, right?
 
Yes you can put it back in any time....I prefer to use carbon all the time..:)
 
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