filters options

**dolphinsrok** · 10-15-2009, 11:16 PM

hi all, i've had penguin biowheell 350's for the last 2 yrs but they seem to give me about 6 good months before they start to sound loud and annoying. even after cleaning them sometimes it works then the impeller eventually goes. what other options would i have, i'm looking for something very quiet maybe a cannister or diatom? here is my setup, 35gal african cichlid, no live plants, just plain rocks, sand as a substrate.

**Lab_Rat** · 10-15-2009, 11:27 PM

I don't care for the penguins either, I agree they're just loud filters. I'd go with a canister filter, the xp2 would be good for a tank that size.

**yamaracer5** · 10-15-2009, 11:29 PM

I really like my Rena's.I have 3 xp3's on my 125 gallon mbuna tank sitting right in my living room and i can barely hear them. I would get a xp3 or xp2.

**dolphinsrok** · 10-15-2009, 11:32 PM

thanks, i'm heading out now to petco. hopefully they have a sale and don't nail me too much, i know they are more expensive than the biowheels but if they will last longer and stay quiet, it's worth it.
wish i had time to do more research and buiy one online for cheaper... might get a small biowheel to get me buy for a week then buy a cannister online.

**hybridguy** · 10-15-2009, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by dolphinsrok

hi all, i've had penguin biowheell 350's for the last 2 yrs but they seem to give me about 6 good months before they start to sound loud and annoying. even after cleaning them sometimes it works then the impeller eventually goes. what other options would i have, i'm looking for something very quiet maybe a cannister or diatom? here is my setup, 35gal african cichlid, no live plants, just plain rocks, sand as a substrate.

I run aquaclear 110's on my 220 and they do a great job. They have been running for 5 yrs and u still cant hear them.

**dolphinsrok** · 10-17-2009, 04:05 AM

Originally Posted by hybridguy

I run aquaclear 110's on my 220 and they do a great job. They have been running for 5 yrs and u still cant hear them.

I picked up a rena x2 and set it up about 3 hours ago. The h2o looks really clear already, it's amazing and I haven't done a change in 5 weeks. I have water and I'll start doing 3 week 25% changes now. Love this filter, I can't even tell it's on. The x2 is rated for up to a 75 gallon. I might uograde my 35gal to a 55 or 60 gallon (possibly salt h2o) so this filter should still do the trick on a larger tank. thanks everyone for all the help!

**domjd05** · 10-18-2009, 12:09 AM

I'd consider doing a WC at leeaasst every other week.. but its your tank! Great decision on the xp2! I've had my penguin 350 for about a year, with sand as substrate.. its still quiet.. but maybe I'm lucky because I hear nothing but complaints about those things.

**Sarkazmo** · 10-18-2009, 05:05 PM

My Marineland Penguins are so quiet that I have to check them to make sure they're still running! I dunno where people get that they're loud.

Sark

**Taurus** · 10-18-2009, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by domjd05

I'd consider doing a WC at leeaasst every other week.. but its your tank! Great decision on the xp2! I've had my penguin 350 for about a year, with sand as substrate.. its still quiet.. but maybe I'm lucky because I hear nothing but complaints about those things.

Yeah, water changes are still important no matter what filter you're using. I'd do 30% at least once per week. But that's just my opinion.