Opinions on Hang on Back Filters

[DallasDiscus]

Will be purchasing a new hang on back filter for my ten gallon tank later today. The storm last night knocked out our power for a split second and that was all it took to retire the current one.

Wanted to get anyone's two cents who has had experience with Aquaclear or Pengiun's Bio-Wheel filters. I have used the Bi0-Wheel filters in the past and have an opportunity to branch out here. Should I stick with the tried and true methods of the past? What are the advantages vs the disadvantages.

Annnnnnnd...... GO!

[rolloffhill]

Have had both, and to date still have more AC's in the stable. They are good strong filters that you can put your own media/filter pads in.

Penguins aren't nearly as strong IMO. Only advantage is the bio-wheel...

[greeneyed]

Did you try cleaning the impeller? Maybe all it takes to get the old going again.

[tsunderl]

It is probably an impeller issue. Clean it and the area it fits in to and I'd bet you are good to go.

I've used both and like the Penguin filters best. I make my own filters for the Penguins I have out of blue filter material, pillow stuffing, and a media bag. Better than paying out the nose for their replacement filters.

[Morability Ranch]

I have 4 penguin 350's with bio wheels on my 140 tank and I really like them. Like others have said try cleaning the impeller, I have had my HOB's quit in power outages before and thought they had died but then messed with them and cleaned the impeller and they recovered and started working again.

[biggin]

ACs all day.

Dump that BioWheel crap. I am not sure about it give me something I know works.

AC vote
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[robtaylor76]

I use Aquaclear and have not had any problems with them.

[FishDaddy]

i have several different varieties, including both of these. I have to say I like the Aquaclear for flow and ability to clean. I don't like it when it get's clogged, the media can start to rise up. I like the penguin cause it's easy to use a aftermarket filter pad for. I chucked the biowheel awhile back!

[bristlenosedude]

I am an Aquaclear user also. The bio wheel types don't seem to have the same output. For larger tanks I use the HOT Magnum. I can move it easily from tank to tank. All the sit on the floor types are to much trouble to move because of the hose length you need to be able to reach the top or bottom tanks. I use these filters for removing particulate from the water only. Sponges provide the biological filtration.

[dcacjc]

Another vote for the A/C, move a lot of water and the versatility cant beat it.

[thebassepidemic]

I use both.... I have the Penguin 400 on my Flowerhorn's tank, and it does a great job. I prefer the big AC filters more though just due to the horsepower.

[DallasDiscus]

Well, after the storm out power got knocked out, and then our cable and internet did too. So I did not have access to the outside world until today. Went ahead with the AquaClear unit for a 30 gallon tank with a flow rate of 150gph, same as the old Bio Wheel. I was running a bio media bag in the old Bio Wheel and used that in the new AquaClear unit with a dose of Stress Zyme to help the cylce. Decided to go with the AC because I like to monkey around with the filtration methods and in the long run it will be cheaper to do that than buy the replacement cartridges all the time. Initial impression is unremarkable, but time will tell. I do like the way that it keeps the current gentle, though.

Thank you guys for chiming in

[iron]

I love aquaclear. Theres a bunch you can do with it and it is super easy to maintain. I have no idea on the bio wheels but all my tanks will be supplied with aquaclear no matter how big. The other filters I have to service and spend money on constantly. The aquaclear I dont. Its a great investment, no matter what tank you have. The only real thing you may have to replace it the charcoal bag, which most people dont use in the first place. Sometimes the bag will rip hence needing to replace.

iron added 6 Minutes and 32 Seconds later...

I am an Aquaclear user also. The bio wheel types don't seem to have the same output. For larger tanks I use the HOT Magnum. I can move it easily from tank to tank. All the sit on the floor types are to much trouble to move because of the hose length you need to be able to reach the top or bottom tanks. I use these filters for removing particulate from the water only. Sponges provide the biological filtration.


Listen to this guy on it, he has like 30 tanks in his garage and is an AC addict. He has a great set up that I would love to have someday really soon. Super easy maintenance the way he has them going. I was undecided until I went to Phils house and saw what he has and what he says about them. Iron

[DallasDiscus]

These AC units are super easy to change out and relatively quiet. Glad I went with one. The intake line is on the opposite side of the old Bio Wheel so I may have to move some plants around in the tank to hide it. I like how you can see the filter media thru the plastic. Suppose thats where the 'clear' in AC comes from

[DallasDiscus]

Has been a couple of days since I purchased the AC, and am still happy I did it! Soo quiet. Thinking about getting a second, larger one for the Discus tank.

[Phonetic Diabetic]

I have an AC 300 and a Emperor 350. They both do the job, with the AC being stronger. I really am starting to hate HOBs though, they all tend to get obnoxiously loud when the impeller craps out and I'm not replacing them. Makes me want to get away from sand.

[Haiven]

I like them both, but have gravitated more toward the Penguins.

[ma71556]

Reading this thread makes me,want to buy an AquaClear filter, my penguin bioWheel works great, but it is expensive to buy those filter pads. I swithched about 4 months ago to the walmart brand(9.95x6pak) from the marineland pad(18.99x6pak). Looking for New or used aquaclear for my two 10gal tanks.

[FishDaddy]

if you have to use a penguin or other filter that uses pads, cut the pad off the plastic (just tear it off, really). make a piece of pantyhose that fits over the whole plastic piece and then pour carbon in (if needed) or put pillow stuffing inside the pantyhose. refillable and cheap!! :D

[ma71556]

Good idea!!! I had not thought about that.thank you!:D

[bgk245]

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that you're tied to the filter cartridges that come with specific filters. I have an old Whisper Jr that I use for quarantine tanks, and all I do raid one of my AC's for some of the media stones and a piece of one of the extra sponges there. Then I tuck it into the basket of the Whisper, and it's good to go. As long as water flow is not impeded, and it's running over and through the media, it gets the job done.

[worldpeace19]

I use the aquaclear they have worked great for me for 3 years!