I want to get a new filter

Hi.  I have learned so much from this site!  I really appreciate all the help.  My filter came with my tank.  It only has one filter cartridge.  I was looking at the Penquin bio-wheel filter & the aqua clear.  I noticed that they treat the water mech./chem./biological.  My tank is a 10 gal.  I read on the site that it is ok to use a stronger filter.  I was thinking of getting one that treats a 30 or 50 gal. tank.  Is that ok?  If I ever get the hang of this, I might want a bigger tank. :  Let me know what you think.  Thanks Gina

 

I vastly prefer the Aquaclear over the Pernguin.
IMO, the bio wheel is over rated.
While using a larger than rated filter is good, make sure you are not getting something that is so powerful that your fish wil be constantly fighting the filter flow.

Dino

 

I much prefer my Aquaclears also. I have 4 The flow on that particular filter can be turned down. I have one rated for a 30 Gal. on a 15 Gal. tank and have it turned down and works really well. but it depends on what your going to put in the tank also. I think the one for a 50 Gal would be just a little too fast for your 10 Gal. Hope that helps.
Carol

 

Thank you! It does help. I have a post in the beginners area. I have been struggling with my alkalinity & I am hoping a new filter will help. I appreciate any & all suggestions

 

I personally hate the HOB filters. I have just about quit using them except in my 20 gal. long. Thank god I have 2 filters running in that tank. On more than one occasion, I have found 1 of the filters has quit for who knows how long. If that had been the only filter on the tank, I would probably had some very sick fish. I really like the sponge filters and have them in my 10 gal., 55 gal. and 100 gal. tank. They are all I have for filtration in my 10 and 55, and they do a great job. They are very cheap also, and they are safe if you have fry in your tank.

 

What are sponge filters? (duh) Are they the Whisper in tank filters? Can I find those at Petsmart or Petco? Gina

 

is one type of sponge filter. I have 3 of these running in different tanks.

 

is one type of sponge filter.  I have 3 of these running in different tanks. 

That site is awesome. Lots of info on filters & plants! Wow. I'm sure I'll have more questions after reading all that. If anyone has questions about filters, check it out. Gina

 

I have sponge filters in all my fry tanks and they work great. Haven't been as brave as Gunnie and put them in other tanks although it works really well for her.
Carol

 

HI Gunnie & Butterfly
Do the sponge filters take up very much room in your tank?  It's hard to tell what size they are by the picture on the wed site.  I would need the filter, air pump, line & sponges (2).  Anything else?  I thought I might try it.  Some of the other filters have two or three different types of cartridges.  The sponge filters use just a sponge.  Right?  Any suggestions on the air pump or are they all about the same?  Thank you.
  gina

 

They come in different sizes and shapes. I have one with a large round sponge in one 20 G, one with 2 small sponges on it in the other 20 G, and one with a single small sponge in the 7G. I kind of like the ones with the small sponges better because you can adjust how they sit since they have suction cups that can stick to the side of the tank. They are like the one that comes up in the link and that should do nicely for your 10G.
Carol

 

Thanks Butterfly.

 

Neen,
another place to get sponge filters cheap. I've ordered food from this site, and had good service.

 

I know it might be too late but I REALLY like penguin bio-wheels I hav a 50 gallon (b/c I like to overflter) in my 30 gallon tank and the water iss crystal clear and I change the filter cartirdge once a month all the mantinence I do is clean the tube and clean the propler at the botom I also hav a whisper and don't like it but iv heard sponge ones r really good to I might get one of those too soon b/c I want to start breding bettas there's a nice link on them I have the 51 gallon one love it