I just switched out my Penguin 100 for an AquaClear 50, and my Penguin 350 for an AquaClear 110. I have to say that the AquaClears perform a heck of a lot better. I'll still use the Penguins on other non-planted setups; they just don't perform as well when a wee bit of plant matter blocks the intake and slows the flow just enough to stop the bio-wheel from turning.
As far as any changes in the biofilter from removing the bio-wheel...I can't really say. When I switched out the filters I left the bio-wheels floating in the tank. They don't have as much contact with water as they did when working with the filter, but I haven't noticed any change in the efficiency of the biofilter through testing.
As far as any changes in the biofilter from removing the bio-wheel...I can't really say. When I switched out the filters I left the bio-wheels floating in the tank. They don't have as much contact with water as they did when working with the filter, but I haven't noticed any change in the efficiency of the biofilter through testing.
