Hello I need to change my penquin 330 in my oscar tank, I also have an aqua clear 110 filter....................what should I get to replace this filter???

The problem I have is it's become noisy........................

Any advise would be helpful, thanks

Are you looking for another HOB filter or a canister filter? Also what's your budget to work with?

`if your willing to spend 100-200$ then i would go with a conister, they are reliable, quiet, and very good filtration

Either another AC 110 or a Rena XP3. Two great filters IMO.

Either another AC 110 or a Rena XP3. Two great filters IMO.

I double "ditto" DaveB's response! Giggly

Where is your three other posts? Giggly

I stopped my reply during a post which I thought had hung up. Guess not idunno Giggly

Just messing with you DaveB! Giggly

Go Celtics! Bouncy Prboy

another HOB filter Those are all good choices, I guess I can go with another aquaclear110, never had problems with it.

thanks guys!!!

One quick question Chelsie, what size tank is this? With an oscar your gonna need some massive filtration and even though Aqua Clears are excellent filters if your gonna spend the $60 or whatever they cost now, could I recommend going with a canister filter like the Rena XP series. They are excellent at keeping the water clean, although I might be partial to them because I have not tried eheims or fluvals yet.

Have you looked at the impeller? It may just need a new one.

I concur on Aquaclears... my favourite HOB filter.

my tank is 125 gallons, I have 3 oscars, I already have a aquaclear in that tank.

I could try a fluval, I have on in my frontosa's tank. I like it and you don't have to clean it as often...........

I will check the impeller this weekend, funny you mentioned that, that is what hubby was saying....................thanks

Yeah always check your impellers before you go and buy new filters, they are much cheaper to replace and if you really like the filter you won't have to buy a new one.

Hey Chelsea, I don't know if your interested in a canister filter or not, but
I just got an email from...

"That Fish Place, That Pet Place"

They are selling Marineland C360 filters for about 135.00.

That's 30% off the normal online price!

Just thought I would tell you about it.

preacherboy: what is the website for the pet place??

thanks

http://www.thatpetplace.com/

I agree with Preacherboy & DaveB.

I run an XP3 and a C360 canister on my 90g... I gave the C360 it's first thorough clean-out last night (media rinsed in a bucket of tank-water)...

The C360 was an absolute PITA to disassemble, clean, re-assemble and prime. It took forever (especially the reassembly and priming - my teddy bears were in very grave danger of being ejected from my crib!). then the blessed thing continued to churn & release micro-bubbles into the tank looong into the evening...

My experience with the XP3 has consistently been the polar opposite - it just couldn't be easier to strip, clean, prime and get back "into production".

In addition, Marineland don't even ship a $1.50 spraybar with their $190CAD canister?!? Que?!?

I've used Eheim's in the past (2213, 2215 & 2217), and although I don't dispute their performance, in my experience, making sure that O-ring seal is seated correctly and doesn't leak is quite the demonstration of patience!

There! That's my 2c! Nanananaa Now ask me how I REALLY feel! Tres Bien!

Cheers!

What a review, Windowlicka!

I don't have the Marineland C360, but was considered buying one
until I was able to get 2 XP3's for the price of one!

I already have a XP3 running on my 75 gallon along with a AC110
and I can't say enough good things about the XP3 or the AC110.

From your review, Windowlicka, I'm glad I didn't buy the
C360!

And I agree, the XP3 is the easiest canister filter to work on and clean!

Lol! I really should learn to stay off my high-horse - the altitude makes me dizzy and gives me nose bleeds! take that and that!

I've personally just never been a fan of HOB's, purely because I'm all for the cleanest possible looking tank, and without herds of visible equipment... I'd love to try using a sump at some point, and eradicate even the canister inlets/outlets too... maybe on the next tank! twitchy

Cheers!

The Fluval 405's have been pretty cooperative when I actually get my act together and clean them.

Things to keep in mind when chosing a filter. If you are in an area where there are frequent power outages beware of the canister filter. The water in these things can go toxic quite quickly during a power outage and if you are not there to unplug and clean it, you can wipe out a tank of fish when the power comes back on. I do not argue that a canister filter cleans better than a HOB but you must also be prepared to clean it regularly. I have heard praises of the new FX5 that Hagen produces. People say it never clogs up, or I barely ever have to clean it. The primary purpose of a filter is to collect solid debris from the tank and store it in a convenient place for you to remove it from the system. If it remains in the filter slowly breaking down it might as well be left in the tank to decompose. A HOB while more unsightly and somewhat less effective than a canister (although this could probably be debated comparing brands etc.) is much easier to service and therefore more likely to be done. Regular filter maintenance is mandatory, be honest with yourself and chose the filter which you WILL service.

Sorry to preach but I see a lot of the DARK SIDE of fish keeping.

David

good info!!!! how often should you clean the fluval?? I have one in my frontosa's tank and clean it every 3 months, that is what I've been told at the pet shop. Do you agreed witht hat?? thanks

Hey Chelsie, I have the XP3's and I clean mine every other month.

That's because my tanks are all overcrowded with fish and the waste
production is very high.

I believe it all depends on the size of your fish and the amount of your fish.

Just check the compartment in your canister filter that is responsible for
the mechanical filtration and that should tell you about how often to clean
your canister filter.

Good luck!

hey chelsie I think the jury is out on this one,I own three xp's and love them. a few of my fish buddies swear bye they're eheims, but imo I love my 2 xp2's and a xp4 they strip down in seconds use the water in the canister to clean filters and around the impeller housing rinse your ceramics or stars whatever your choice(ceramics are mine don't have too change ever, just a little rinse, collects a lot of that good bacteria we want) change your fine filter put back together done in about 10 minutes that includes the canister filling itself, once filled plug back in, DONE! so to get to the point get a canister filter if you are willing to spend 100-200, in the long run you will love how clean your tank will keep!

snoball: great info, thanks I'm still shopping around. I will be cleaning my canisters this weekend, and I need to take it about to check and clean all the parts inside before I make my decision. Thanks.