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Emperor 400???? | |
Guppy_man Hobbyist Posts: 114 Kudos: 128 Votes: 1 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
Guppy_man Hobbyist Posts: 114 Kudos: 128 Votes: 1 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
Guppy_man Hobbyist Posts: 114 Kudos: 128 Votes: 1 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | 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? |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
victimizati0n Banned Posts: 1217 Kudos: 1105 Votes: 31 Registered: 29-Apr-2004 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
Guppy_man Hobbyist Posts: 114 Kudos: 128 Votes: 1 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | 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!!! |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003 | Then give the 400 a try -- it should be OK with those fish. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
angeleel Fish Addict Posts: 561 Kudos: 472 Votes: 61 Registered: 08-Feb-2005 | 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 |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 | |
Jason_R_S Moderator Posts: 2811 Kudos: 2421 Votes: 391 Registered: 18-Apr-2001 | 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. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39 |
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