Plz Help Me Choose...filter

[Captain Retardo]

Hello! I just got a 29 gallon starter kit from Wal-Mart on Saturday, and it came with an Aqua-Tech filter, I have heard these filters are terrible, can you give me some more anecdotes?

My main question: If my Aqua-Tech filter breaks down, which power filter brand would be the best for my tank (all the pros and cons in parentheses is info that I learned from Cichlid Forums reviews, but since so many people said different things, I got really confused!):

Whisper (Pros: Supposedly quiet, Easy to maintain. Cons: Not an efficient filter)

Penguin (Pros: Biowheel, Lots of space for filter cartridges, Looks nice, Very efficient filter. Cons: Cartridge costs a lot of money (of course I can just put some cheap filter foam or other stuff on the blue part), has to be a very high water level otherwise it will be very loud)

AquaClear (Pros: Efficient (some say), cheap cartridges. Cons: UGLY plastic!)

what would be a good turnover rate for my filter?

I am thinking about the penguin filter, but I have to have a really high water level, is it so high that if i put my arm in, the tank would overflow? Does it make a lot of noise (in your expierence)?

Anything else I should know?

 

[Aulonochromis]

I've always liked aquaclears, very durable and quiet when the water level is at the top. I don't know about ugly, the tube is clear so it's pretty inconspicuous.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Thanks for the input!

The part that I think is ugly is the filter box

 

[Tolak]

I never thought about it, but the ac's do look a little ugly compared to the others. I have a box with used penguin, whisper, aqua tec, and a few other oddball filters. My 4 29 gallons & a 30 gallon are running ac 50's, 3 20 gallons with ac 20's, & a 65 with an ac 70. If the other filters worked better, they wouldn't be in a box in the closet.

I don't baby these filters, they are in breeding tanks that would be considered more than a little overstocked. They have a sponge or canister filter running along with them, I set them up for mechanical filtration, which they excell at. I clean them when they start to choke, once or twice a month. One of the 50's is nearly 7 years old with the same sponge, it's still in usable shape.

Here's someting I've tried; Extend the intake tube of an ac & another hob of similar gph. Put them on a tank & get them running. Start draining the tank & see which one dies first.

If you want a really nice looking filter that also works really good, get an Eheim 2222 or 2224.

 

[Aulonochromis]

The filter box is hidden behind the tank.

Aquaclears have served me well. Even sucking up silica sand, I just cleaned them and they kept working quietly. The sponges can just be rinsed and used forever so you don't have to buy media like you would for a Penguin.

 

[Captain Retardo]

I know the filter box is behind the tank, just, urgh! For now, I choose Aqua Clear.

How long do you think the Aqua-Tech filter is gonna last, or is it just bad?

Tolak-Sorry, I can't afford a canister filter

 

[jpedersen024]

Ok, so I might be a little late, but since I am currently running one of each I thought I'd offer my .02.

I love the Aquaclear. I wish I would have bought another one for my 55g instead of the penguin. My AC never backs up. It is quiet, not ugly at all (imo), efficient, and I love the fact that I can change out the media at different times... therefore saving money, and keeping beneficial bacteria growing always. My sole complaint is that the water current is a bit strong, and when adjusted just gets noisy. It keeps my water crystal clear. More than I can say for my Penguin.

The Penguin is constantly backing up. Partially from a busy tank, ok, but I have been having to change my filter cartridge weekly. I find that ridiculous. The biowheel does not always turn, and if it stops for a bit, has a tendency to dry out half. Which then weights it so that it NEVER turns properly until you soak it completely again in a bucket (or tank). When you do give it a little spin to get it going again, all the crud (dead bacteria?) that has dried up on it, flakes off and clouds the tank water. Fun. Can you tell I'm a little annoyed with all this lately??

As for water levels, I do like to keep mine quite high. If the out flow ramp is at or below water level, it makes each filter pretty much silent. If you want more O2, or don't mind a little splash, both still run fine with lower levels. The noise might only be disruptive in a quiet bedroom or something.

Good luck.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Okay, I choose Aquaclear then!

The noise might only be disruptive in a quiet bedroom or something.

I am going to put the tank in my quiet bedroom! (Still getting AC though)

Thanks for the input everybody!

Also last questions: How long do the Aqua-Tech filters last? Or is it actually good? Should I just run it until it breaks, or just get the AC?

 

[jpedersen024]

I don't know anything about the Aquatech, but my opinion is run it while you have it ("free") anyways. It will still filter your tank and get things going, plus you'll have time to shop around for a good AC deal.