It's a 1/3 of the flow you lose, so I count my 2 per 125gal tank as 700gph not the 1000(500per) as manufacturer stated.
Canister vs Hang on Back
- Thread starter Bobby2415
- Start date
I hated canisters. I ditched mine to go with 3 AC110s. Canisters need to be cleaned frequently which is not common, otherwise they become nitrate factories. I found the AC110s I could clean in 10-15min. Ultimately, I have moved over to sponge filters, specifically HMF, but you do not get the polishing you can with other filters.
The Fluval AquaClear 110 is arguably the best filter ever made period. and definitely the best HOB filter ever made. The only issue you may have is you need about 6 inches of space between the back of your tank and the wall. i believe it hangs over the lip by 5.5 inches out the back of your tank. I have some in service that are 15 years old.
I too would recommend Aquaclears if one is about to buy one or the other. But NOT due to the 'need' to be buying disposable cartridges for the Penguin because there is no need to buy new ones, ever, with just a little easy DIY (see below). With that aspect removed, the comparison is now fairer, now only in terms pf performance and characteristics.
In my opinion these two specific filters are complementary thus earning a role,i n different ways, in one's fish toolkit. I currently run 4 AC 110 and 2 Penguin 350, and, Fluval FX6, and 2 AC 50).
This is how I see them: Comparisons and roles. (Format - AquaClear/Fluval 500=110 --------------- Penguin 330, 330,b 350)
Total Volume (Water or media) - More. Less.
Turnover (gph)- More Less
Versality (media) - Complete Very versatile w/DIY (less volume)
Reliability (start/stop)- Excellent Excellent
Longevity (well cared for)- Forever Forever
Output delivery direction - straight down. More towards /across surface, less deep
Surface agitation/aireation. less (goes deep) Very high (+ additional agitation by biowheel)
Typical price $$ 75-90 34-45
My satisfaction factor - ++++ ++++
Pictures of DIY for Penguin, running on each side 1 modified cartridge (sponge), 1 tray of biomax noodles, and 1 biowheel. Once I bought trays for small noodles, and modified my first cartridges, I have never bought cartridges again, several years ago.
Cheers!
In my opinion these two specific filters are complementary thus earning a role,i n different ways, in one's fish toolkit. I currently run 4 AC 110 and 2 Penguin 350, and, Fluval FX6, and 2 AC 50).
This is how I see them: Comparisons and roles. (Format - AquaClear/Fluval 500=110 --------------- Penguin 330, 330,b 350)
Total Volume (Water or media) - More. Less.
Turnover (gph)- More Less
Versality (media) - Complete Very versatile w/DIY (less volume)
Reliability (start/stop)- Excellent Excellent
Longevity (well cared for)- Forever Forever
Output delivery direction - straight down. More towards /across surface, less deep
Surface agitation/aireation. less (goes deep) Very high (+ additional agitation by biowheel)
Typical price $$ 75-90 34-45
My satisfaction factor - ++++ ++++
Pictures of DIY for Penguin, running on each side 1 modified cartridge (sponge), 1 tray of biomax noodles, and 1 biowheel. Once I bought trays for small noodles, and modified my first cartridges, I have never bought cartridges again, several years ago.
Cheers!
I have experienc with the Penguins and they are easy to use. I used different media that was less expensive then original and worked fine. I liked the versatility of it. Not sure if they can provide better flow and filtering efficiency then the cascade. I have 2 cascades running on a 150 since a HOB will not work wiht my tank configuration. I customized the output of both for optimal water movement.
Have you tried replacing the o-rings and/or magnet? those might be causing the noise. I've done that in the past with success
Good luck
Have you tried replacing the o-rings and/or magnet? those might be causing the noise. I've done that in the past with success
Good luck
We use a Seachem Tidal on my daughters Axolotl tank and are very impressed by it. They have put a lot of little details in it that make it a very nice HOB filter. It is self priming so no hassles with priming it when cleaned or after a power outage. It also has a surface skimmer that does a nice job of keeping the layer of gunk off the top of the water. As well as many other nice features.
I have a 20 year old Penguin Emperor that I have always liked and it works very well. The Seachem Tidal is a better filter though. I have never owned an Aquaclear so I can't give you a comparison.
I have 5 canister filters sitting on a shelf. I gave up on canisters in general when I started using sumps and have never looked back.
I have a 20 year old Penguin Emperor that I have always liked and it works very well. The Seachem Tidal is a better filter though. I have never owned an Aquaclear so I can't give you a comparison.
I have 5 canister filters sitting on a shelf. I gave up on canisters in general when I started using sumps and have never looked back.
