AquaRank.com

FishProfiles.com Message Forums

faq | etiquette | register | my account | search | mailbox
# FishProfiles.com Message Forums
L# General
 L# Technical Tinkering
  L# Emperor 400????
 Post Reply  New Topic
SubscribeEmperor 400????
Guppy_man
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 114
Kudos: 128
Votes: 1
Registered: 27-Oct-2003
male usa
Is it a good filter? I am running 2 penguin 170's on my 29 and I am totally unhappy with them.I would like to upgrade and put the 170's on a smaller tank.Just want opinions on it.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Report 
DoctorJ
**********
---------------
Big Fish
Posts: 344
Kudos: 1159
Votes: 191
Registered: 13-May-2003
male canada
It is a good filter, but I'm not sure it's that much better than a Penguin. The main difference is that it has a separate pump that sprays water on the biowheel. The Emperor also has a refillable media basket (but the Penguin kind of has one too). I looked closely at it, but opted for a Penguin 330 instead. It was cheaper and I wasn't sure that the Emperor 400 offered much more to justify the added cost. I guess it would depend on what you don't like about the Penguin 170 -- it might be that the Emperor 400 has the same problem.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Guppy_man
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 114
Kudos: 128
Votes: 1
Registered: 27-Oct-2003
male usa
I really just want something bigger.I think I am slightly overstocked so I would like a bigger filter.I do keep up with water changes and I do test the water(with good results)but it is always cloudy.I don't know why either.My ammonia and nitrite are both at zero,I do not overfeed,and I do not have live plants.I use accu-clear and other things that is supposed to clear the water,but with no luck.I have even changed the filter cartridges,but nothing works.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DoctorJ
**********
---------------
Big Fish
Posts: 344
Kudos: 1159
Votes: 191
Registered: 13-May-2003
male canada
It maybe that you need more mechanical filtration. Aquaclears are very good at mechanical filtration (and I think good at biological filtration, too). What you might consider doing is replacing one of the Penguin 170s with an Aquaclear 200 (they recently changed the number -- it's the one that turns over 200 gallons per hour). You can use two sponges on the AC 200 -- then you have the strengths of both filters working for you. Just a suggestion.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Guppy_man
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 114
Kudos: 128
Votes: 1
Registered: 27-Oct-2003
male usa
Are aquaclear filters really as good as all the hype they get??? I have always been a fan of bio-wheels,but should I maybe get a aquaclear filter instead? Would the 500 be overkill?
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
victimizati0n
**********
-----
Banned
Posts: 1217
Kudos: 1105
Votes: 31
Registered: 29-Apr-2004
male
AC filters are noo good IMHO.

Get the emperor 400, it is a great filter. We have been runing one on my 55g tank for around 4 years now (maby?) and it hasnt given us any trouble.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DoctorJ
**********
---------------
Big Fish
Posts: 344
Kudos: 1159
Votes: 191
Registered: 13-May-2003
male canada
In my experience, Aquaclear filters are very good filters. They're inexpensive and versatile. In this part of the world, they are by far the preferred power filter. I have an AC 500 (along with a Penguin 330) on my 75 gallon and it works very well. With two sponges, it holds a lot of media. And the advantage over Emperors and Penguins is that you don't have any filter pads to replace. I'm happy with mine. I think an AC 500 would be overkill on a 29 gallon aquarium. The 500 moves a LOT of water and I think you'd be creating a bit of a vortex in there. If you have fish that like to swim and enjoy current (like danios) they'll do fine, but I think most fish would prefer a slower current. I think an AC 300 would be perfect for a 29.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Guppy_man
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 114
Kudos: 128
Votes: 1
Registered: 27-Oct-2003
male usa
Well since It's still about 50-50 I'll fill everyone in on my stock.And yes I know it is a bit overstocked.
10 Pristella's,8 glowlights,6 danios,4 male guppies,6 cories,1 butterfly pleco,and 1 unidentified tetra.So I really do want to have a big filter.I just do not like the way the penguin 170's work.So I would really like to use the emperor 400.Just like opinions on it.Thank you everyone!!!
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DoctorJ
**********
---------------
Big Fish
Posts: 344
Kudos: 1159
Votes: 191
Registered: 13-May-2003
male canada
Then give the 400 a try -- it should be OK with those fish.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
angeleel
******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 561
Kudos: 472
Votes: 61
Registered: 08-Feb-2005
female canada
Emperor 400's are great

I had one for a good three to four years as well no problems as long as you clean with the cleaner rod provided.

I also have one on another tank.

I would have no problem buying one again


Angel Eel

Last edited by angeleel at 31-Mar-2005 00:42
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile Yahoo PM Edit Delete Report 
Jason_R_S
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 2811
Kudos: 2421
Votes: 391
Registered: 18-Apr-2001
male usa us-indiana
I prefer Aquaclears myself. I've only ever had problems with 2 aquaclear 300 filters but these were both used and came with the 125 gallon that I bought from a guy here in town. I have no idea how he maintained the filters but I can say they were nasty when I got them. all the ones I've bought new have given me absolutely no trouble at all.

I do have 2 Emperor 400's and granted they were also used when I got them but have run fine for me. my problems with the emperors are for one the replacement filter cartridges. imo rinsing the sponge of an aquaclear is very little trouble in comparison with buying replacement cartridges. my other problem with emperors is the flow rate seems to slow down even when the cartridge only looks just slightly dirty. the flow rate also slows down quite a bit when the water level goes down. these are just my experiences with them...I'd never buy a new emperor 400 but I'll buy many more aquaclears.
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 11:39Profile Yahoo PM Edit Delete Report 
Post Reply  New Topic
Jump to: 

The views expressed on this page are the implied opinions of their respective authors.
Under no circumstances do the comments on this page represent the opinions of the staff of FishProfiles.com.

FishProfiles.com Forums, version 11.0
Mazeguy Smilies