Change Filter

[Daigle107]

I currently am using a type of filter that I really am not sure of, it's a whisper 20 power filter on a 29 gallon tank, I have found a Marineland Penguin 350B Power Filter for sale on a familiar fish supply website, http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19169/si1379661/cl0/marinelandpenguin350bpowerfilter and I was curious if anyone had any information on this filter, like it's length or size, and if anyone could tell me if this is too much power for my little 29 gallon... I love the way that the filter looks, that is why I want it so bad. Thank you in advance, and I hope to hear from you soon, as soon as I have a good idea on this filter I'll be ordering both the filter and a new API master kit.

Justin

 

[OldMan47]

My own guess is that it is just too big for your smaller tank. I would favor the 150 or the 200 model in that product line for a tank your size. You might also want to look into the AC filter series. The trouble I have with the Penguin line is that they use throw away cartridges and are not easy to convert to other media. I have used lots of cartridge filters in my life but think that if you are starting out from scratch you could buy a better filter for media flexibility. Have a look at this model instead. It does not use throw away cartridges, except the carbon of course, and will probably cost less to run in the long run. It is also very flexible in what media you use in it. Another option would be a nice sponge filter, especially if you are going to be breeding and want to save lots of fry. This one is available at the same seller's location.

This is a picture of one of my sponges that does a nice job on a 40 gallon breeder.

 

[Daigle107]

I've never understood how a sponge filter works exactly... I know that they are pretty popular, but the only type of filter I've ever used is a power filter that hangs on the back of the tank. I am very interested in breeding, my goal is to breed a pair of rams, so the sponge filter would definitely work for me. I've also noticed that they are very inexpensive, which fits perfectly for my budget. If you could help me out at all with a little more information on the way they work that'd be great, thanks for the idea OM.

 

[Daigle107]

I also have an undergravel filter in my tank that I forgot to mention earlier...

 

[OldMan47]

If the undergravel is actively being used, it will provide all of the filtration you really need in a tank. They are not in favor at the moment because they are a bit harder to use properly than a HOB, hang on back, filter. If you just have the UGF installed but it is not being used, do not start it up without first cleaning under the filter plate. (yes that means taking the tank apart)
Sponge filters are as simple as can be. You move water out of the center tube and it works its way back in through the sponge. In order to move the water you either use an air pump and a bubbler or you remove the air tube part and connect a small power head to the lift tube to move the water. Either way, the filter makes a great biological filter but a terrible mechanical filter. When you are running with a sponge filter, the build of material on the tank bottom must be cleaned by hand using your siphon, just like using an undergravel filter.