So what do you use for media? I've got a Penguin 125, that has the disposable cartridge with carbon. Since I'm cycling the tank, I've put an old Top Fin cartridge (that had been kept in my 10 gal) in the space behind the Penguin cartridge. I suppose I could just toss the Penguin cartridge and fill that entire space with foam or floss for mechanical and additional bio filtration.
Penguin Biowheel filter
- Thread starter mishi8
- Start date
Fill up the tank high enough where it does not splash. The only time I am reaching in my tank is to change the water so I just lower the water level through the siphon before reaching in to far. I have a 10 gallon and 29 gallon and have never had a problem with my arm causing the water to overflow.
I actually top up the water in the tanks about once a week when I hear the splashing you are talking about.
I actually top up the water in the tanks about once a week when I hear the splashing you are talking about.
Puffernewbee, do you use a biowheel filter? Do you find a big difference in sound just by raising the water level?
I've noticed, with my AC 20, that water level makes a big difference, but with the Penguin it seems most of the sound is coming from the wheel moving through the water. It's also creating quite a bit of splash onto the hood and light too. I tried taking the biowheel off, and it does make a huge difference in the splashing sound (more like my AC 20 instead). My water level is just below the black rim on the tank right now...I'm really not sure if I should let the level go higher than that.
I've noticed, with my AC 20, that water level makes a big difference, but with the Penguin it seems most of the sound is coming from the wheel moving through the water. It's also creating quite a bit of splash onto the hood and light too. I tried taking the biowheel off, and it does make a huge difference in the splashing sound (more like my AC 20 instead). My water level is just below the black rim on the tank right now...I'm really not sure if I should let the level go higher than that.
I have a whisper and a penguin on my 20 g. To keep the penguin quiet just fill the tank to just above the black edge. I stick my arm in there everyday to replant uprooted plants (darn clowns!) and I've not spilled water yet. Now water changes are another story...
BTW, you don't have to use the penguin filter pads. I cut the media off and then put it back in and stuffed wooly stuff on the other side and it works just fine. I do the same for my whisper btw. I wish they would make pads without carbon!!
BTW, you don't have to use the penguin filter pads. I cut the media off and then put it back in and stuffed wooly stuff on the other side and it works just fine. I do the same for my whisper btw. I wish they would make pads without carbon!!
I don't want to spill during water changes either (considering my hardwood floors). 
I'll probably ditch the cartridges at some point. I believe they do make filter bags for whisper filters, but probably not for 10 gal or smaller tanks.
I was looking at the new Penguin designs today (I've got the older model) and it looks like the top covers the biowheel much better (less splashing on the tank lid). There is a cover that stays over the wheel, and a separate cover over the media area. I wonder if Marinland would be willing to exchange an old for a new?
I'll probably ditch the cartridges at some point. I believe they do make filter bags for whisper filters, but probably not for 10 gal or smaller tanks.I was looking at the new Penguin designs today (I've got the older model) and it looks like the top covers the biowheel much better (less splashing on the tank lid). There is a cover that stays over the wheel, and a separate cover over the media area. I wonder if Marinland would be willing to exchange an old for a new?
Is it a new filter? I'm assuming it is. The bio-wheel takes a few days before it soaks up water and such. Until then, it does make a bit of noise. After a week or so, you'll notice it's totally silent.
mishi8 said:
I have an Emperor 280 on my 29 gallon which is just a fancy Penguin. I have my tank water level pretty high (just below the black rim the glass sits in inside the tank). The bio-wheel on the Emperor has a sprayer bar on it but it is quiet. When I hear splashing I increae the water level.
I have a Penguin Mini on my 10 gallon puffer tank. I have that tank filled up to the same level and like on the 29 gallon, when I hear splashing I add water to the tank. I cannot even hear the mini when I have the water level up.
