New Penguin vs. Emperor

[mcps95]

Long story short: I just upgraded the hoods and strip light on my 55gal, and now my TetraTec 300 HOB filter is getting in the way since it hangs over the tank too far (prevents the strip light from being placed far back enough to allow the glass hoods to open correctly). I got "legs" for the strip light, but because of their design, it still requires the light not be placed over the hood lids.

Since I've been considering replacing my filter for some time now, I figured this would be the best opportunity. I'd like to get 1-2 HOB filters, and have pretty much narrowed it down to either the New Penguin series (350B), or the Emperor series (400). I know that the Emperor is the "higher-end" filter of the two, due to the extra pump and spray bar for driving the bio-wheel, and while the old Penguin models were clearly trumped by the Emperor, it seems the new Penguins seem to close the gap quite a bit and look like a better, more up-to-date design.

1) Has anyone tried both of these filters? Is the new Penguin worth considering over the Emperor?

2) Could anyone provide "overhang" dimensions for these? (Overhang referring to the distance from the outer surface of the back glass/frame towards the front of the tank.)

3) What generic media have people used with either of these filters? (Specific items/numbers from Big Al's would be greatly appreciated.)

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Raskolnikov]

The Penguin 350B requires 3" from the front of the glass (measured there since our glass thicknesses will vary depending on tank and manufacturer). I use these: http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4336/cid/1234
cut to shape for my 350B filters.

I've not used the Emperor filters, but if I were to buy another HOB, I'd get an Aquaclear. My older (~4yrs) AC500s start up faster and run more quietly than the 350Bs that I have had for only a couple months, and I get less problems w/ bubbles in the water column using them.

 

[FishKeeper-16]

I have 2 older 125's on my 29g tank and they are great so far. I think the emporier's are better built and will out perform the penguins but I have not had and emporier though.