Ac70 or Penguin 200 HOB Filter?

[Chief Tom]

I like the big penguins because the media bins are huge. Just started an AC50 on the wifes new tank and the basket is very large and it's truly quiet. So far I like it. Tailor the media the way you like. Currently using all sponge and ceramics.

 

[robmcd]

Looks like I am the only person voting Penguin. I have a couple Emperor 400s that have been running for 15 years. No issues aside from replacing rubber O rings on the spray bars.

 

[FishNCash]

The AC filter imo.

yea I was thinking the same. The only problem is I need to move my tank 1/4” out from the wall to give enough clearance. What a pain!

AC is a great brand. Just keep the water level high so it doesn't drain entirely if power cuts. I have had no issues and have frequent power cuts

i was thinking the same about the water level. I never had an issue with water back siphoninng. I did have an issue with some ac motor not restarting and need me to finger the impeller to get it going again.

i know you didn't mention it but i use a tidal 55 for mechanical filtration on my tank. it can handle power outages and has a basket that is easy to stuff with mechanical media and pull out for easy cleaning. just thought i'd mention it. i use a tidal 110 for my bio filtration.

i didn’t mention it bcuz I am not looking to buy another HOB. I already have penguin200, ac70, and ac110.

I was just going to mention looking at Seachem's new Tidal series of filters. Seems to have all the good qualities that fish keepers wants.
Self prime after power outage/maintenance
Surface skimmer
Non cartridge type biological
I use ACs and I am considering changing over.

according to Aquarium CoOp on YouTube he thinks Aquaclear HOB is still the best bang for the buck Filter.

 

[FishNCash]

I like the big penguins because the media bins are huge. Just started an AC50 on the wifes new tank and the basket is very large and it's truly quiet. So far I like it. Tailor the media the way you like. Currently using all sponge and ceramics.

I have the ac50 too but a bit too small for a 150g tank. The ac50 motor is swappable to the ac70 housing. You get to store more bio media this way.

Looks like I am the only person voting Penguin. I have a couple Emperor 400s that have been running for 15 years. No issues aside from replacing rubber O rings on the spray bars.

i used to be a die hard fan of Penguin and Marineland. I became an Aquaclear fan when I saw how much better in mechanical filtration it did. Penguin & Marineland GPH start to decrease with age. Another thing I find it annoying is the micro bubbles created from the spinning wheel.

 

[fishhead0103666]

It may only be me but whenever so got an emperor 400 it always died in about 3 months.

 

[celebrist]

I would use an AC110. Like above they do tend to siphon themselves dry if power is interupted. When I clean mine I do not unplug the filter. I pull the uplift tube and then the media. Rinse both and reassemble. I don't have to remember to plug in after filling the tank.

So you leave it running and it just recirculates the water in the body then?

 

[FishNCash]

It may only be me but whenever so got an emperor 400 it always died in about 3 months.

Did you Marineland to report it? They are usually good at give you a one time free replacement.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I never have liked dealing with people so I didn’t bother reporting it.

 

[ethnics]

yea I was thinking the same. The only problem is I need to move my tank 1/4” out from the wall to give enough clearance. What a pain!
i was thinking the same about the water level. I never had an issue with water back siphoninng. I did have an issue with some ac motor not restarting and need me to finger the impeller to get it going again.
i didn’t mention it bcuz I am not looking to buy another HOB. I already have penguin200, ac70, and ac110.
according to Aquarium CoOp on YouTube he thinks Aquaclear HOB is still the best bang for the buck Filter.

Go with the ac70 then. i personally can't use a product that can't restart itself after a power outage. i don't really care what some guy on youtube says. my fish and the health of my tank are more important than some guys opinion or the price a properly working product. cheers

 

[FishNCash]

Go with the ac70 then. i personally can't use a product that can't restart itself after a power outage. i don't really care what some guy on youtube says. my fish and the health of my tank are more important than some guys opinion or the price a properly working product. cheers

Here is the problem with the Aquaclear filter. All the one that I bought new have restarted itself fine after a power outage. The few I got as second hand seem to be a hit or miss on restarting after a power outage. I am still trying to figure out what is the cause of some not restarting by itself.

It was just an opinion. I never said Sea Chem Tidal was bad. I heard many positives on this filter. Only negative is the price point. Just a bit pricey if I have to buy 5 for multiple tanks.