New Filter

[Soulcoffr]

Even though cartridges are expensive, they are decent bio-filters in their own right. Once the carbon is used up, it makes ok bio-media. It typically does not release what it's absorbed back into the water either.

However, the better option, and it's one open to any HOB filter regardless of manufacturer, is putting AC filter foam in the media chamber. Just cut it to fit, and voila! you have a permanent biofilter in your HOB. All you have to do is rinse it out in the changed tank water every month or less. (YMMV, by the way, depending on how dirty you tank is.)

Also, places like Drs. Foster and Smith have alternatives to the cartidges sold by the mfgrs. Either store-branded filter cartridges which are much cheaper, or permanent solutions like a porous ceramic insert. Here's an interesting alternative that I've come across recently...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13374&N=2004+113804

You can't beat HOBs for ease of maintenance. They may not filter as well as a canister, but for the cost of the filter, I'd rather not have to tear down a canister and have multiple HOBs.

Just my two cents. Everyone has their preference.

 

[ibanezgfx]

i may try those new cartriges. i was going to add the fluval onto the tank as well as keep the aquatech possibly. thats why i mentioned the 204.

those cartriges look like they replace the entire system, mechanical, biological and chemical. maybe theyre better than the filter cartridges i buy from walmart

 

[HolyBull]

Get a Magnum 350 Pro. Very versatile. I'd get one for my 40 for the water polishing option.

 

[TKOS]

I had a Whisper which takes the catridges as well. And as was mentioned I threw out the catridge, cut a large piece of Aquaclear foam to size and stuffed it in. then I stuck some filter floss on the top and voila polished water, just replace the floss eveyso often, rinse the foam and you are good to go. Cheaper than running 2 filters as well.