Penguin BIO-Wheel vs Aquaclear HOB

[Torch]

I am starting a 50 gallon Ranchu tank using HOB filter. Debating between 350 Penguin BIO-Wheel or Aquaclear 50 Hang on the back filters. Any recommendations or opinions? The HOB will be use for bio and mechanical filtration and current ( oxygen ).

Six 3 to 4 inch size Ranchus bioload.

[Torch]

Like to mention that I am looking for crystal clear filtration setup, know Ranchu has long bulky fish poops.

[thomasn]

the good thing about aquaclear filters are more flexible with the media you use whereas with penguin filters, you have to use penguin cartridges.

[cowiche ponder]

Like my aquaclear, but also added a few sponge filters because I could :)

[devins23]

I never used Penguin, but I have been using an aquaclear for years now and I think it does a great job cleaning the tank. I suggest u get the biggest aquaclear (model 110) for ur 50 gallon, that is if u do decide to get an aquaclear.

[bigbettadan]

I like Aquaclear for ease of maintance, or HOT magnums.... But for my goldfish, it is nothing but sponge filters, and heavy water changes......

Dan

[Torch]

Seems Aquaclear is more popular. The Aquaclear 110 would be strong of current for my Ranchus in my 50 gallon, probably shoot for aqualclear 50 and internal Hydro sponge.

[Veil Gal]

I am curious why people like the hydro sponges, is it the large surface area for growing "good bacteria?" I have only used them in fry tanks and I find them less than great for removing the fish waste. Maybe because I have that "brown scum" algae--the water quality always seems mediocre. I do daily water changes in fry tanks with hydro sponges. But, I rinse the sponges out only a couple of times a month-- they are always loaded with crud. Do people recommend rinsing the hydro sponges on a more intense schedule? I actually have better water quality using the cheapo corner box filters--at least for removal of solids, in older :youtellme:FRY tanks. I use power filters in adult tanks.
How often do people like to rinse out their hydro sponges?

[cowiche ponder]

I don't rinse mine as often as I probably should..maybe every few months.

They do carry a high bio load. I have 2 stacked on a powerhead.

I hope to set up a tank soon with a refugium where the sponges can go..they certainly aren't pretty. It does give a great start to a qt tank if a fish or 2 needs to be moved or new incoming fish.

But what is pretty when the tank sits in the middle of a barn? :-*

[jinyu_fan]

I think you'll need more than an Aquaclear 50 for a 50 gallon tank. I had an Aquaclear 50 for my 26 gallon and I rinse out the sponge in the filter with every water change. You would not believe the amount of gunk that gets trap. I liked the Aquaclears and the 50 is now the 2nd filter for a 40 gallon (I have an Emperor 400 already on the 40). If you think that the 110 will have too strong a current, consider getting 2 Aquaclear 50s.

[Torch]

Thanks all, good idea to put two Aquaclear 50. I want good filtration and clear water.

[thomasn]

I am curious why people like the hydro sponges, is it the large surface area for growing "good bacteria?" I have only used them in fry tanks and I find them less than great for removing the fish waste. Maybe because I have that "brown scum" algae--the water quality always seems mediocre. I do daily water changes in fry tanks with hydro sponges. But, I rinse the sponges out only a couple of times a month-- they are always loaded with crud. Do people recommend rinsing the hydro sponges on a more intense schedule? I actually have better water quality using the cheapo corner box filters--at least for removal of solids, in older :youtellme:FRY tanks. I use power filters in adult tanks.
How often do people like to rinse out their hydro sponges?

because... there is less current, much easier to clean, don't have to remember to turn it back on after water change, no chance of flooding, frozen foods like bloodworms don't get sucked in filter, I can see when I need to clean filter plus they are cheap, cheap, cheap. I rinse once a month or so while I do water changes. I do have poo and stuff floating around but it doesnt bother me.

[Torch]

So using Hydro sponge filter only, you have zero ammonia, nitrite and water is clear? How often do you do water change? Do you have have high bioload or how many fish and size of your tank? Actually I read that strong current is not good for Ranchus?

[Ajno]

I like the aquaclears as well. On my 55 gallon I had 2 AC70's and it did a good job of keeping the tank clean. Current is not an issue on this tank either.

[Torch]

Thanks Ajno, how did you setup the Aquaclear? What layers or media do you stack it with for crystal clear water? Sponge on bottom and media on top? Since you are two, one with sponge one with media? How many ranchus? Sorry for so many questions.

[bigbettadan]

I will put in my 2 cents...... If I were keeping goldfish in a display aquarium(my fast majority are in tubs/small ponds) I would use a cansister filter, like the Magnum 350. I had great sucess with those with very large fancy goldfish. Goldfish produce a ton, I mean a ton of waste compared to tropicals and suck alot of oxygen from the water and do better with more surface area(hence the advantage of ponds/tubs again). So no matter what power filter you use, you will need to clean in frequently. I like bare bottom with sponges best, with 90% weekly water changes.........

Dan

[Ajno]

The 55 I have 3 ranchu. Each aquaclear has the sponge on the bottom and then two bags of biomax.
I also agree with Dan about the frequent water changes and cleaing the media often. Thats the one advantage of HOB's easier to clean.

[Torch]

Thanks, got some good suggestion, think I'll go with Aquaclear, probably AC 70 on my 50 gallon.

[BruceP]

Hmmm? I must be doing it wrong.... I have 4 55's and am running two ac110's and a magnum 350 on each one. Also running a 110g with the same filtration plus 25w UV. Maybe I should remove one of the AC110s from each of the 55s. No wonder my electric bill is so high... LOL

[Virginia ranchu]

I have both Penguin and Aquaclear filters. I like the Aquaclear sponge blocks because they are easy to clean and offer more surface area for nitrifying bacteria. The only downside I have found to the Aquaclears is that when my power goes off, (which is often in the time in the summer) the impellers do not start back up automatically when the power returns. This causes the water in the filter box to heat up and become anaerobic (a stinking mess). I then have to remove the filter and clean thoroughly before restarting. If I am home when the power comes back on, I can usually "kick start" the impeller with my finger. I don't have this problem with the Penguin filters.

Cheers,

Rob

[Torch]

I am thinking about using AquaClear 110 ( 167-500 gph ) on the 50 gallon tank. My acrylic tank is 36"W x 15"D x 20"H with 14 inch slot for HOB, so it will fit. I will adjust the flow rate to bare minimum so that current will not be too strong on the Ranchus. I know they like gentle water for sleeping and growing.
The AC 110 should hold enough bio media and clear up the water. The output drop should provide good oxygenation.

[Ajno]

Good call, I think you will like the aquaclear filters.

[Ajno]

Hmmm? I must be doing it wrong.... I have 4 55's and am running two ac110's and a magnum 350 on each one. Also running a 110g with the same filtration plus 25w UV. Maybe I should remove one of the AC110s from each of the 55s. No wonder my electric bill is so high... LOL

Wow I didn't know anyone used Magnums anymore. I bet your water is crystal clear though.

[bigbettadan]

I built 3 magnums from parts in the local pet store in college. Very easy to work on. I used them when I was keeping high end chinese goldfish in display tanks back then. While I no longer use them much for goldfish, I still use one to prep jar changing water for bettas. They are tough and last forever. A great product..

Dan

[cowiche ponder]

The only downside I have found to the Aquaclears is that when my power goes off, (which is often in the time in the summer) the impellers do not start back up automatically when the power returns. This causes the water in the filter box to heat up and become anaerobic (a stinking mess).

I don't have that problem at all with my Aquaclear and it's not a new unit!