I've decided I just don't like Canister filters. Been running them for years now and I just dread having to clean them. So, I decided to go back to my trusty HOB filters that I love so much. When you're delaying necessary maintenance because you dread the filter you're using, it's time to get rid of your pain point and replace it for the sake of the fish.
Problem is, I need something pretty quiet. I own an Aquaclear 300 AND an Aquaclear 70. I just replaced the impeller and the impeller shaft on the 300 and I lubricated the impeller shaft with petroleum jelly. None of that helped with the noise level. With the cover off the filter, the level is acceptable. With the cover on the filter, it's LOUD. The vibration going all day is completely unacceptable.
So I decided to look at other options. I bought a Whisper 30 to use on another tank, and that thing is just way too loud. I also lubricated the impeller, but was most unhappy with the noise level even after that. So, it's drying now and I am debating returning it to the store. Problem is, Petsmarts return policy says, I need to reuturn it in "sellable condition", which means I need to buy a new cartridge for it. I paid $20 for the filter. I would need to buy a 3 pack of cartridges, which will cost me $10. Might be better to just keep the thing.
Next, I got an Aqueon Quietflow 30. That one made a LOT of noise when I turned it on. But I decided to also lubricate the impeller on this one. And it got nice and quiet after that. Except the design of the filter make it have a continuous splashing sound, which annoys the cr*p out of me.
This tank is in my home office in my basement and I hear it next to me the whole work day. I really need something quieter than any of these options.
There are so many recommendations for the Aquaclear filters, but I own both a 300 and a 70, both with new impeller shafts and impellers and they're noisy. I called Hagen, and they recommended I get a new motor, which I don't want to do. And I also learned Hagen got rid of the Aquaclear lifetime warranty and replaced it with a 2 year warranty. Companies usually do stuff like that when the change their manufacturing process.
I think the only option left that I have not tried is a Penguin.
I had a Penguin Emperor years ago (back when they made single wheel Emperors) when they first came out, and I seem to recall they were relatively quiet.
I know I used to use Second Nature Whisper 2 filters and they were pretty quiet. I had one in the bedroom and I seem to recall that I had no trouble sleeping.
Back to the Aquaclear....
I know all the models except the 110 use the motor with just different impellers. Is the 70 just prone to more noise, because the impeller is moving that much more water on the same motor? Would a 110 be quieter than a 70, since it has a different motor?
I know the Aqua-Tech are made by Marineland for Walmart. They look very similar to the old Penguin, pre-biowheel design. I wonder if those would be any quieter.
I just really want something as quiet as possible in a HOB.
Problem is, I need something pretty quiet. I own an Aquaclear 300 AND an Aquaclear 70. I just replaced the impeller and the impeller shaft on the 300 and I lubricated the impeller shaft with petroleum jelly. None of that helped with the noise level. With the cover off the filter, the level is acceptable. With the cover on the filter, it's LOUD. The vibration going all day is completely unacceptable.
So I decided to look at other options. I bought a Whisper 30 to use on another tank, and that thing is just way too loud. I also lubricated the impeller, but was most unhappy with the noise level even after that. So, it's drying now and I am debating returning it to the store. Problem is, Petsmarts return policy says, I need to reuturn it in "sellable condition", which means I need to buy a new cartridge for it. I paid $20 for the filter. I would need to buy a 3 pack of cartridges, which will cost me $10. Might be better to just keep the thing.
Next, I got an Aqueon Quietflow 30. That one made a LOT of noise when I turned it on. But I decided to also lubricate the impeller on this one. And it got nice and quiet after that. Except the design of the filter make it have a continuous splashing sound, which annoys the cr*p out of me.
This tank is in my home office in my basement and I hear it next to me the whole work day. I really need something quieter than any of these options.
There are so many recommendations for the Aquaclear filters, but I own both a 300 and a 70, both with new impeller shafts and impellers and they're noisy. I called Hagen, and they recommended I get a new motor, which I don't want to do. And I also learned Hagen got rid of the Aquaclear lifetime warranty and replaced it with a 2 year warranty. Companies usually do stuff like that when the change their manufacturing process.
I think the only option left that I have not tried is a Penguin.
I had a Penguin Emperor years ago (back when they made single wheel Emperors) when they first came out, and I seem to recall they were relatively quiet.
I know I used to use Second Nature Whisper 2 filters and they were pretty quiet. I had one in the bedroom and I seem to recall that I had no trouble sleeping.
Back to the Aquaclear....
I know all the models except the 110 use the motor with just different impellers. Is the 70 just prone to more noise, because the impeller is moving that much more water on the same motor? Would a 110 be quieter than a 70, since it has a different motor?
I know the Aqua-Tech are made by Marineland for Walmart. They look very similar to the old Penguin, pre-biowheel design. I wonder if those would be any quieter.
I just really want something as quiet as possible in a HOB.
