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June 25th, 2009
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| | Moderator
| Choosing a filter
OK, so all my tanks were kits that came with filters so I've never had to buy a filter separately.
I have a 30g long tank that I'll be setting up soon.
So two questions.
Since it's a long tank shouldn't I consider getting one rated for a 55 rather than a 30? Also I don't want to spend the extra $ to over filter if I don't have to. (I need a hood also lol)
I don't want to run 2.
What are your opinions/experience on the following filters:
Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel (150 or 200?)
(I'm not crazy about bio-wheels) http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...3B+Circulation
Rena Smart Filter (30 or 55?) http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...3B+Circulation
Aqua Clear by Hagen (200/50 or 300/70?) http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...54143&keepsr=0
Thanks a bunch guys and gals 
Last edited by Lucy; June 25th, 2009 at 11:40 AM.
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June 25th, 2009
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| Hello Lucy. I have the AC 70 (300gph) on my 26g bow front and it does a wonderful job. It's so quiet I check it from time to time just to make sure it's running. Lots of room for bio media. As for the 110 (500gph) I have those ready to go on a new tank. If you think the fish you want to stock can handle 500gph I say go for it. It has the largest brick bio sponge that I've ever seen.
Have a good day today! | |
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June 25th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| You can try the bio-wheel 150 for a 30 gallon long, but there's a high possibility it wouldn't be sufficient for a long tank maybe the 200. I'm using the 150 on a 10 gallon and it's providing great water flow and my tanks a bit over stocked and helps it look super clean. My dad was using an AC 70 on a 36 gallon and it did great and yes the media brick is big! Really good for filtration, it also has adjustable switch to change the flow. At the moment though I like marineland 400(replaced the 70) and the penguin b/c it's easier to clean. | |
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June 25th, 2009
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| | Fish Master
| I'm really not a fan of the Penguins. I think they are loud and cheaply made compared to the Aquaclears, plus the proprietary cartridges get expensive. I have no experience with the Rena. I'd be inclined to choose the Aquaclear 70 for a 30 long. | |
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June 25th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| well i only have cascade 300,s they do 300 GPH and ive been happy with them even though i use 2 and a canister lol | |
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June 28th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| Lucy, I'd definitely go with the AquaClear 70. I have the AquaClear 50 on my 20g long and it does a fantastic job.
IMO, there is no better HOB power filter than the AquaClear. It offers mini canister-like media flexibility ... adjustable flow control ... is simple to maintain ... can be fitted with a surface skimmer attatchment ... etc. | |
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June 28th, 2009
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| Thanks for your suggestions every one
Aquaclear it is. Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for.
Quiet, adjustable flow rate, easy to maintain with plenty of room for media. | |
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June 29th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| Hey Lucy, I see that you've made up your mind but I thought I'd chime in anyway. I love my AquaClear 20 and it is *silent*. | |
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June 29th, 2009
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| Thanks! Any more opinions are helpful! | |
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June 29th, 2009
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| | Fish Master
| Hi Lucy,
Aquaclear filters are the best I have ever used They are very quiet, and they have lots of room to store filter media. I take the carbon out of mine, and use filter floss, a sponge, and ceramic bio-media. I have had the AquaClear 110, 70, 50, and 30 and they all work great! | |
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July 9th, 2009
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| | Moderator
| Thanks everyone.
AquaClear it is then, but I should change the title of this thread to 55g.  | |
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July 9th, 2009
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| | Fish Master
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucy  Thanks everyone.
AquaClear it is then, but I should change the title of this thread to 55g. | ahem...30 gals or 55 gals is HUGE difference...did you have a kick up of your MTS illness? they do have meds for that you know...its in isle 5 in a blue package called "FISHLORE"   | |
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July 9th, 2009
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|   You know how plans can change quickly.
The 55 came with a filter, but I can't get it to work. I cleaned the impeller, the motor isn't working.
I called the guy, he said it was working. 
He had drained the tank the night before and the filter media and said was still wet when I got it.
Maybe it got jostled around too much moving it.....I don't know.  Still need a stand. | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| Yay for 55! Hehe. So, did you get the filter working or buy a new one? | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharkitty Yay for 55! Hehe. So, did you get the filter working or buy a new one? | I couldn't get it to work not matter what I did!
Guess I'll have to get a new filter. I still need a stand. The darn thing is sitting on my front porch lol | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| Lucy:
I just posted a similar post a little while ago between the two Marineland filters and I'm getting mixed feedback. Now I'm reading about Aquaclear and I'm getting more confused. I want to change over a 20, 30 hex, and 55 gal so I want to make the right choice.
Can you post a poll on HOBs? ...(I don't know how)
Maybe include:
Topfin
Emperor
Penguin
Aquaclear
Rena Smartfilter | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| I read your thread with interest
I'm going to go with the Aqua Clear.
To create a poll go here: Polls
Click new thread, scroll to the bottom, you'll see where you can add choices.
I just did a search, there's already a poll about filters.
Here it is: What Is Your Favorite Filter | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| | Fish Keeper
| That's why..."you're da boss!"
Thanks
Jim | |
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July 12th, 2009
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| | Moderator
| Quote:
Originally Posted by dvc_r That's why..."you're da boss!"
Thanks
Jim | Aw shucks. lol  | |
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