What kind of filter?

[Buglet]

Hello...I once again bow to your expertise!

I am starting the process of purchasing the accessories for our new 46 gallon tank. I know that 2 of the most often discussed filters here are Fluval and Eheim. We have also looked at Penguin Bio-Wheels.

I would be very interested as to the pros/cons of each, as well as reommended sizes/models...the only experience I have is the bio-wheel in our 6 gallon Eclipse.

Thanks so much!

 

[Leslie]

I personally have never run a Fluval or Eheim but I do run Penguins/Emperors and can say they are very nice. I'm running 2 Emperor 400s on the 125 and they do a wonderful job. I'm very partial to the idea of the biowheel.

 

[StingrayKid]

I would get a BIO whell because beneficial bacteria clings to the wheel, and spews it into the tank.

 

[Buglet]

hmmm....I want to do my best to understand the different types of filters.

I thought that with the Bio-Wheel, the beneficial bacteria culture grows on the wheel, and remains there, fed by the water that passes over it. But StingrayKid says it spews the bacteria into the tank....so does that mean that the Bio-wheel essentially "feeds" bacteria to the tank?

Anyone?

 

[Tropjunky]

i'd get a Rena or an ehiem fluval are the low ranking filter makers (external).

a Rena Xp2 is wot u need but not sure on ehiem i don't use them to pricy but the professional wet/dry ones should be excelent as it has good filtration wit added bio power. and u can get a heater intergrated into it.

 

[Nisha]

hmmm....I want to do my best to understand the different types of filters.

I thought that with the Bio-Wheel, the beneficial bacteria culture grows on the wheel, and remains there, fed by the water that passes over it. But StingrayKid says it spews the bacteria into the tank....so does that mean that the Bio-wheel essentially "feeds" bacteria to the tank?

Anyone?

Yes, the bacterial culture lives in the Biowheel and as the water passes through it the bacteria is also distributed into the tank. So, even if you change the filter pads and do water changes, the bacteria is distributed into the tank immediately as the water flows through the Biowheel and prevents any sudden changes in the balance of the tank.
I would personally recommend a Biowheel. My penguin 300 does a great job. The better the filtration, the happier the fish.

 

[Buglet]

Argh...still confused....

I went to the Marineland site and it says nothing about the Bio-wheel releasing bacteria into the water.

here's the link:

http/www.marineland.com/science/biowheel.asp

*sheesh* who knew getting educated about a filter was so hard???