|
|
Post by bcroft on Dec 31, 2005 23:50:36 GMT -5
Honestly, I'm running around in circles as to which one I should purchase for my 30 gallon. Here are the features that I like and don't like on the brands:
Biowheel:
Pro
-I like that I only have to replace the pad, and not the wheel itself
- Don't have to take everything out just to wash things out, everything is very nicely placed.
Con
- No output adjustments.
- People say that live plants do not grow well with this
- Loud wheel after awhile
Aquaclear:
Pro
-Love the flow adjustment.
-3 stages are clearly there
-Can remove just the carbon
-Quiet
Con
-Scared that the current will be too strong
When you vote, can you please tell me why you feel that way.
|
|
bettons
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 187
|
Post by bettons on Jan 1, 2006 11:16:47 GMT -5
My plants do well and I have BIO-wheel 125 in my 10 gallon guppy tank. never heard of loud noises...If you mean the splashing of the water that is true, If you raise the water level just about enough all the noise will be gone. What will surely happen to the wheel is that probably the first time you set it up it will do 360* turns but after a while it will move irregularly and that is normal, in fact if your tank is mature enough you should see that. i didn't vote because I don't have any experience with the aquaclear, and now I am thinking that i should have bought the aquaclear  |
|
|
|
Post by amanichen on Jan 1, 2006 11:52:09 GMT -5
Between the two I'd use an Aquaclear. It's more flexible and adjustable. (You can adjust the flow rate on the Aquaclear to minimize the current.)
I've never heard of the...
"- People say that live plants do not grow well with this"
...for the Marineland filters.
|
|
|
|
Post by bcroft on Jan 1, 2006 14:00:19 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by amanichen on Jan 1, 2006 14:14:21 GMT -5
It's cool =) When you compare an Aquaclear to a Penguin, the Aquaclear comes out slightly on top. But when you compare aquaclear to Emperor, the Emperor evens the field out. |
|
|
|
Post by bcroft on Jan 1, 2006 14:22:52 GMT -5
Oh ok gotcha. I think I should just settle with the AquaClear then  Since I'm not interested in the 15 inch emperor Now I was thinking about what size to get, I was very interested in the 50 (200) model. This is set for 20-50 gallon tanks, as the 30(150) is set for 10-30 gallons. I think I would be better off with the extra flow, for just a couple extra dollars. |
|
sawcat
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 237
|
Post by sawcat on Jan 1, 2006 15:05:03 GMT -5
When the whisper 10i broke when I was setting up my ten gallon (saved it from the minibow, since it was too much for that), I replaced it with the Biowheel Penguin 100. I like it for the wheel with the bio, and I only replace the cartridge. I put it in Dec 7, and my plants are doing pretty good I think.
I judge when I need to add a bit of water by the splashing noise, if it's not a water change time. Mine is in mine bedroom, and the way I see it is, you don't need a seperate white noise machine if you use those =)
I had asked in a Betta community on LJ, and someone had suggesting adding filter fiber or batting into the intake tube to help slow the flow. Another observation I have is the divider I have very nicely keeps the betta side nice and slow, so I thought about constructing a plastic canvas U shaped box to put in front of the output area.
|
|
wheelyfeet
Fry
So many fish, so little tank space.
Posts: 40
|
Post by wheelyfeet on Jan 12, 2006 13:23:24 GMT -5
I'm new here, but am using a biowheel in my Eclipse 3. I know you've already decided, but just for fun I'm adding my 2 cents. BiowheelGood points:- Excellent biological filtration that adapts quickly to changes in need.
- Quiet.
- easy care
Bad points:. - Uses filter cartridges for mechanical filtration ($$$)
- Cannot use as a hospital tank filter
- Cannot share filter media with other established tanks
- Flow rate is not adjustable. (I've overcome this by creating a baffle using these instructions:
www.petfish.net/articles/Do-It-Yourself/currentkill.php This method can be used with any external power filter with too strong of a current.)
If I didn't already have the Eclipse 3 on hand (it was given to us), I think I would have set up a Betta tank using a five gallon aquarium filtered with the aquaclear. Our 75 gallon is filtered with a canister filter, our 10 came with a cascade 80 that has no permanent biofilter. I will be changing soon to an aquaclear. My next tank will also have an aquaclear. Aquaclear Good points: - Can use different types of filter media for different needs
- Flow rate is adjustable (according to website)
- There are ceramic pieces to use as a biological filter. (They suggest replacing them from fairly frequently, but I don't see why one couldn't just rinse them well in lukewarm dechlorinated water to preserve the culture as we do with canister filter)
- Do-it-yourselfers can reduce costs by making own filter media bags and using bulk products
- Can share filter media with other tanks if other tanks use same type of media (good for cycling and cost reduction if a do-it-yourselfer.)
- Can be bought inexpensively
- Can use as a hospital tank filter (no charcoal)
Bad Points:- I've heard they are not particularly sturdy (but shouldn't be a problem if care is used.)
As far as size, over-filtration isn't usually bad! If the flow is too strong, create an easy to make baffle. Debra |
|
|
|
Post by sevenhelmet on Mar 11, 2006 21:40:19 GMT -5
I also have the Eclipse 3, and the tank is moderately planted with live plants. My Betta does not seem to mind the current at all, in fact he spends a lot of time just hanging out in the breeze or right underneath the filter wash. He got too close to the intake yesterday (part of his tail stuck to it) and wiggled away then turned around and flared at it! He has been more careful since then and even built a bubble nest in a quieter part of the tank. I don't see any problems with the Eclipse 3 system, mine at least does not produce too much current for a betta.
|
|
|
|
Post by teresa on Mar 12, 2006 13:04:56 GMT -5
how come you don't have an 'other' choice? my vote is for other. I use a cheapy filter in my 5gal tanks (3) by penn-plax the smallworld one . used to have the aqua clears on 2 of them and just didn't like it. neither did the bettas. I can put these ones right down in pressure and it maintains a 0 ammonia with nothing more then a gentle bubbling. almost no current because they are submersible and much happier boys. and the cost means a much happier bettamama too. the filters including all tubing, air pump and a filter cartridge cost about $15 and the replacement filters are only $4 for 2. I replace the filters once a month and do a 25% weekly water change. Clean, healthy, ammonia free tanks for cheap  I don't think it would work on anything bigger than a 5 gal though, as they are really meant for those little tanks like the critter keepers. throw in a few plants, a couple of hideys and a 25W submersible heater that I get for $20 from my favorite fish supply store and I think I found my favorite Betta set up |
|
Since I'm not interested in the 15 inch emperor 
I don't think it would work on anything bigger than a 5 gal though, as they are really meant for those little tanks like the critter keepers. throw in a few plants, a couple of hideys and a 25W submersible heater that I get for $20 from my favorite fish supply store and I think I found my favorite Betta set up