best hang on filter
- Thread starter cornbread_5
- Start date
I also would agree that aquaclear is the best for hang on back filters. I find that aquaclears hardly ever need to be replaced, I have some old aquaclears that are over 5 years old and are still running good.
Well depends on the sitsuation. I have AC110s, Emp400s and Penguin350s. There is noway the emps or penguins can do the job the AC110s do on my 180g. The ACs are used strickly for mechanical filtration with the intakes extended to within 3" of the bottom and they are cleaned on a weekly basis.
For the price though I can buy 2 penguin 350s for less then one AC110, the two will adiquately filter a 75g tank plus I get the safety of having two filters. So to buy an AC for this sitsuation would be silly.
The emp 400s are the in between, cost effective plus you still have the option of adding what ever media you would like.
For the price though I can buy 2 penguin 350s for less then one AC110, the two will adiquately filter a 75g tank plus I get the safety of having two filters. So to buy an AC for this sitsuation would be silly.
The emp 400s are the in between, cost effective plus you still have the option of adding what ever media you would like.
No question that Aquaclear takes the gold on HOB. They are like Eheims that hang on the back of the tank. Fully customizable, powerful, and silent. My Emp 400 sounds like a Dumptruck running in my living room and it looses power quick. The only thing I like about it is the Biowheel and The only real good cartridge you can get for it is the Super Cartridge.
I always used to use the Marineland Bio-Wheel filters, but just got two AquaClear ones. For bang for the buck, I don't think you can beat a Penguin 350 ($27 w/ pricematch at petsmart), but I think the AC's are better filters. I don't use cartridges in my penguins and emporer, but instead I buy AC110 foam and cut it up to fit in the chambers. A lot better and less expensive than changing cartridges, IMO. You don't have chemical filtration that way, but I don't see a need for it in most cases, anyway.
