Yes, it could pop up a clogged sponge, but with general maintenance, the sponge won't get clogged. When I say general maintenance, I mean squeezing the sponge out once every 2-3 months, which is much better than changing filter pads up to twice a week like you said. Same goes for the o-ring. I have only had to clean an impeller once, and thats when I accidentally got some sand in my ac110 - otherwise, I have never needed to (although I do check every so often, and have never had a failed o ring on an acxxx..?) What I gather from the above post is that penguins have inferior filtration and require more maintenance?
Looking for good filtration that won't break the bank.
- Thread starter Mythic Figment
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Yes, it could pop up a clogged sponge, but with general maintenance, the sponge won't get clogged. When I say general maintenance, I mean squeezing the sponge out once every 2-3 months, which is much better than changing filter pads up to twice a week like you said. Same goes for the o-ring. I have only had to clean an impeller once, and thats when I accidentally got some sand in my ac110 - otherwise, I have never needed to (although I do check every so often, and have never had a failed o ring on an acxxx..?) What I gather from the above post is that penguins have inferior filtration and require more maintenance?
The OP is asking for inexpesive filtration option. In BigAl, AC110 sells for $80, Penquin 350 $30 and Penquin 200 $20. So you can buy 2 Penquin 350 and one Penquin 200 for the price of one AC110. So AC is not an economic solution.
All HOBs work on the same principle so there is not much difference from brand to brand in term of filtration effectiveness. I use Penquin exclusively because I like to standardize the filter pad size by cutting them from bulk Polyester batting I bought from craft shop. Penquin is no difference from other HOB brand that the fitler needs to be changed frequently because it is too effective in trapping dirt on small media volume. Changing the filter pad takes up only 2 minutes, so it is not a lot of work. The only other maintenance needed is to clean the gunk built up on the impeller every few months or else the pump won't restart in power interuption. Penquin and most HOB brands do not require removing the motor to clean the impeller so there is no O ring wear and tear and eventual leak as AC would.
All HOBs work on the same principle so there is not much difference from brand to brand in term of filtration effectiveness. I use Penquin exclusively because I like to standardize the filter pad size by cutting them from bulk Polyester batting I bought from craft shop. Penquin is no difference from other HOB brand that the fitler needs to be changed frequently because it is too effective in trapping dirt on small media volume. Changing the filter pad takes up only 2 minutes, so it is not a lot of work. The only other maintenance needed is to clean the gunk built up on the impeller every few months or else the pump won't restart in power interuption. Penquin and most HOB brands do not require removing the motor to clean the impeller so there is no O ring wear and tear and eventual leak as AC would.
want an inexpensive, kick ass filter? build one like mine. get a peanut butter jar, carve a hole in the lid the size of the intake for a powerhead. cut out the bottom of the container and add a sink strainer. fill it up with foam and carbon. push that powerhead into the hole in the lid so its snug. put the thing into the tank, plug and play. lol, they rock any filter any day. dog ugly, but they dont come easier. pic seen has bio rings instea dof carbon, but you can swap the two out anytime.
