I just bought a HOT Magnum filter to add on to one of my 55 gal (with a penguin 330 already established). The owners manual does a very poor job explaining what the different media does and how it works. I was wondering if anyone had any expeirence w/this filter.
what is the difference between the HOT Magnum media
- Thread starter mkpeters6
- Start date
I have a Magnum HOT Pro on my 55 gallon, along with an EMP 400. I have also had another MAG HOT which was given to me before. I think these filters are great for having the options of varied filtration. You can use the media basket (with filter sleeve around it) as your all-around filtration, either with additional mechanical media or carbon as needed. You can trasform it into a polishing filter by removing the basket and using the micron filter (which only lasts about a week before clogging in my tank). You can also use the gravel vacuum attachment (if you have this part) to clean your tank thoroughly, while being able to take your time with it. The filter basket can be filled with bio-media (which I have done successfully), but it isn't very large and is better used for mechanical/supplemental filtration, IMO. As long as you keep up with basic cleaning, your tank should be fairly clean and well-filtered with those two filters, even though I really don't like the Penguin filters.
i just got done setting up my hot magnum pro. first time i set it up the return was connected to the wrong side of the pump. then i took it apart and put it back together and it still was on the wrong side. third times a charm. no leaks yet but i have it sitting on a old newspaper. if it gets wet, i will know i have a problem.
i've had this filter sitting around for 3 months. in the meantime, i used up all the carbon that came with it in the media baskets of other filters. i didnt want to mess with the quick clogging polishing thing so i just stuffed the big basket with extra batting material.
its on a 75g with an established emp400. once the magnum / biowheels have cultured up a bit, I am going to move the emp400 to another tank and use a ac300 as a second filter on this tank.
i've had this filter sitting around for 3 months. in the meantime, i used up all the carbon that came with it in the media baskets of other filters. i didnt want to mess with the quick clogging polishing thing so i just stuffed the big basket with extra batting material.
its on a 75g with an established emp400. once the magnum / biowheels have cultured up a bit, I am going to move the emp400 to another tank and use a ac300 as a second filter on this tank.
I have to agree the penguin filter is not the best filter i have, and i will probably end up buying the Emp 400. the only reason i got the penguin was because got it on sale for 20 bucks.
For the media basket do you just pour the carbon into it and then put the sleeve on?
What other types of mechanical media can be used? What have you had success with?
Thanks for your replies
For the media basket do you just pour the carbon into it and then put the sleeve on?
What other types of mechanical media can be used? What have you had success with?
Thanks for your replies
My tank is very clean all the time with the EMP 400 (with all 4 baskets filled with polyester batting) and Mag HOT, using only the filter sleeve. I have wads of polyester batting I can add if things don't remain this way, though! I have chosen to keep my media basket empty for the time being, since things are looking good. I also don't add additional media yet, because I don't want to restrict the flow any more than necessary!
If you need to add carbon (and I suggest only using temporarily, as needed), just fill up the media basket and rinse it in cold tap water until the water runs clear. Carbon is very dusty straight out of the containers, so rinsing is a good idea. The best mechanical media for the basket would have to be poly-batting, if you wanted additional mechanical.
I also run the Micron filter cartridge once every 2 months, when I clean my HOT thoroughly. I alternately clean one of my filters every month. The micron filter works wonders and really does a great job, but clogs quickly (few days to maybe a week to two...TOPPS!) My water was barely flowing through the filter enough to slightly turn the bio-wheel after one week of use.
The good thing is that all that is being removed from your tank!
If you need to add carbon (and I suggest only using temporarily, as needed), just fill up the media basket and rinse it in cold tap water until the water runs clear. Carbon is very dusty straight out of the containers, so rinsing is a good idea. The best mechanical media for the basket would have to be poly-batting, if you wanted additional mechanical.
I also run the Micron filter cartridge once every 2 months, when I clean my HOT thoroughly. I alternately clean one of my filters every month. The micron filter works wonders and really does a great job, but clogs quickly (few days to maybe a week to two...TOPPS!) My water was barely flowing through the filter enough to slightly turn the bio-wheel after one week of use.
The good thing is that all that is being removed from your tank!