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I'm thinking of swapping out my Penguin 170 for a Millenium 2000. The 1000 is 85 gph and the 200 is 160 gph. I want to switch because I'm using DIY co2 and the biowheel splashes too much. I like the Marineland lines and have been wanting to try out a Millenium. I like the fact that it has a separate biogrid so that when the cartridge is changed, there is still good bacteria in the flow. You can only rinse a bag/cartridge so many times .

http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_millennium.asp

On the 20 long I am running a sponge filter, as well. I use one in all my tanks for added bio-filtration. It is similar to the first one in this list for 15 gallons.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3940&Ntt=azoo%20sponge%20filters&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

I want to know if anyone has used Milleniums and what their impressions are. Where there any issues with failure or reliability? Any issues with mini-cycles when replacing the cartridge?

Is it quiet and does it make a lot of splashing or is it smooth as I percieve?

I'm also exploring the Whisper 40 (200 gph). I really like the fact that I can put any media I want into the biobag, from activated carbon, to just a handful of seeded gravel or other media.

I've narrowed it down to these two choices for the most part.

Thanks!

Last edited by Cory_Di at 19-Mar-2005 13:15

Millenium is mareineland's midgrade filters. Better than a regent, but not as good as the penguins.

I've never used one personally, but i can and will attest to 2nd nature's longevity and ease of use. I still have whisper filters in use (before they changed numbers and added the triad systems), and they outflow my penguins any day, are quiet, and the triad filtration system and bio-bags are second to none. The flexibility in being able to change media and the sponge really top this filter off. Plus the clear case allows you to see how messy the filter is much easier than any black case would allow.

Yes, they are quiet.

When you say Second Nature, are you referring to Whisper?

I've had the Penguin 170 running two years without a problem and almost don't want to jinx my tank, but I need to get something running that is not as splashy as the biowheel to conserve co2.

Whisper was my other option. Maybe I will give the Whisper 40 a shot. I can always cut the power on my own and see if it restarts or not.

I found some reviews on the Millenium one of the complaints was that it could not self start. I found similar complaints on the Whispers. People would return from work only to find the unit hot and spinning but without water coming out after a power failure. They didn't self-prime apparently. I've wondered if they had low water levels.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 20-Mar-2005 08:47

i have the millenium 2000 on my 10g and it is a pretty nice filter. the only thing i don't like about them is that the filter media comes pre-packaged with charcoal otherwise i really like it. also, i'm pretty sure callatya uses that filter, so maybe she can see this thread and give you some other advice

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

Moondog - have you ever had a power outage with that filter? Did it self-prime and begin all on its own? That is my major concern after reading.

I agree that it is sad that Marineland doesn't make its cartridges flexible. I think we should all email marineland and tell them to follow Tetra's cue with its Whisper media. They now provide a frame, a bag, and the media prepackaged, if you want to use it. But, you can use other stuff too. For uncycled tanks, I like to take a handful of seeded gravel and stuff it into the media. That puts a good amount of good bacteria right into the water flow and near the area you want it really colonizing.

*brain fart* why don't you just take the bio-wheel off your 170?

You're worried about bacteria, i'm sure.

If you're running two sponge filters, don't worry about it!

i've accidentally switched off the power, does that count as an outage? like the whisper (and other filters) if there is enough water to cover the impellor it should self prime and start running right away when the power comes back on.

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

Yes, cutting power in any manner would do well.

Timmay! Actually, the splash is coming from the design of the lip that sits too high above the water line. I have to almost overfill the tank for it to flow in gently. I actually like my Emporer better as it does gently flow down the water fall without a big splash. But, that is too big

rubberband a spoge on the exhaust

Now that is an interesting thought. I'll have to look at the lip and see if I can do that. That would definitely slow it down.