New filter recommendations & how to transfer filter bacteria

[Hokieokieamy]

Hey guys,

I have a 38 gallon tank and looking into a new filter because mine is constantly leaking. Any recommendations? The MarineLand one seems highly rated but it’s for a 50-75 gallon tank...wouldn’t that be an overkill? Plus I don’t want a huge filter taking up my tank if it’s not necessary. I’m also not looking to spend a fortune. I currently have the aquaclear filter

Also, what do you suggest is the best way to transfer filter bacteria? Should I just plop my old sponge into the new filter? It’s pretty small so I don’t think it’ll have a problem fitting.

Thanks!

 

[dmpfishlover]

Hey guys,

I have a 38 gallon tank and looking into a new filter because mine is constantly leaking. Any recommendations? The MarineLand one seems highly rated but it’s for a 50-75 gallon tank...wouldn’t that be an overkill? Plus I don’t want a huge filter taking up my tank if it’s not necessary. I’m also not looking to spend a fortune. I currently have the aquaclear fluval filter

Also, what do you suggest is the best way to transfer filter bacteria? Should I just plop my old sponge into the new filter? It’s pretty small so I don’t think it’ll have a problem fitting.

Thanks!

I am not familiar with a Marineland One filter...Is this a HOB filter? I am familiar with the Marineland Penguin Filter and Marineland Emperor Filters... But I have never heard of the Marineland One?

 

[Metalhead88]

If you are looking for a HOB filter, the Acuaclear series is likely the best bet. They are reliable, quiet, and hold a ton of media. The AC 50 would work well in your 38 gallon tank. Depending on how much flow you'd like the AC 70 would be even better.

And yes, you can just plop your established media in the filter and it'll do it's job.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I think someone recently commented that Marineland is noisy and may not be suitable if your tank is in your bedroom.

To me, both Aquaclear and Marineland are good.
If I were you, I will get either two Aquaclear 30/40 or two Marineland 150 (for 30 gallons).
Having two filters are better for:
1)Backup purpose in case one is down.
2)If your tank long like a 3 ft and above, you can put one at the left and one at the right.
The filtrations will be more effective as you have one on each side of the tank.
The disadvantage of hang on filter is the intake outlet is next to the output outlet.
So, the filter may suck in water tht has just been filtered instead of water from other part of the tank.

By the way, take note that the filter flow rate will be strong at the beginning but it will slow down after a few months if you don't clean the impeller often.

For the old filter media, as what Metalhead said, just put the old filter media together with the new one for 1-2 months. You can dispose it after two months or if its still in good condition, you can continue to use it.

Lastly, some people like Top filter as its also very convenient to maintain.. In fact, its easier to reach the Top filter which is placed at the top of the aquarium than hang on filter which is placed at the back of the filter.
And the top filter intake outlet is at the different end from the output outlet which gives better filtrations. .

 

[Retired Viking]

I would look at a simple sponge filter, like Aquatop classic sponge filter-cheap, easy to install and maintain.

 

[Fishmanic]

I would get an aquaclear 50 and also put in a air pump operated sponge filter for the oppisite side of the tank. Then you will have one still running if one fails. Thats the setup I have in my 35 gallon tall hex tank.

 

[Fishmanic]

When you say the present filter leaks, where is it leaking? You may just need to patch it or adjust the position of the filter. Which model is your present aquaclear filter?

 

[Jan Cavalieri]

I'm looking at a spot on the back of my Aquaclear 70 (clearly the best filter but also huge pain in the neck some times) but the leaking looks like it's coming from the spray in the water. Now we just did a water change, see the same leakage as usual but it won't stop. Thought there might also due to a cracked tube - which are luckily the same size as a free'd up 20 Aquaclear. We are both very exerperienced with fussing with this filter so I don't think we cracked any tubing - I can hear the motor running but no water gets sucked into the impeller and back out again. We've repositioned it many times with no luck. I feel the vibration from the impeller, the U-tupe and 1st of 2 intake tubes - tried switching them around (I have 4 to work with) - NO LUCK - any ideas?

Sorry for hijacking this threat = but to respond to the original thread
- I do recommend the Aquaclear even with it being fussy, it's just the best. I would either plop the old sponge and ceramics into the new filter or split the sponge in half and use one new half and one old half. Also - after today I LOVE the idea of getting 2 smaller filters - it will distribute air better and be a wonderful backup. It's not cheap but with what you've likely got invested in the tank you don't want cheap.