Which HOB Would You Choose?

**Hillside_TRECE** · 10-16-2010, 01:12 AM

Between an AquaClear, Marineland and possibly a Tetra Whisper, which HOB filter would be the best pick? I'm still debating getting rid of my two Aqueon QuietFlows because I just cannot seem to establish clear water in my 60-gallon, and I'm beginning to get fed up with these filters' operation -- I mean, I'm running TWO filters in my tank, and the water still isn't clear (unless my fluorescent lights are creating the smoky, whispy look in the water below...).

The Marineland PRO line seems interesting (what is it...an Emperor or Penguin?) because it has dual waterfalls, but I keep hearing about the AquaClears. Is there one that is going to yield cleaner/clearer water over the other? What would be recommended for a 60-gallon with fancy goldfish that need a lot of filtration?

**kurly** · 10-16-2010, 01:27 AM

I have an Aquaclear 110 on my 65 gallon tank and an Aquaclear 30 on my 10 gallon tank and I love them. They are quiet, keep my water very clear and I haven't had any problems with either one. I have had to AC30 for five years and the AC110 for two years. They are the only filters I have used so I can't comment on the other two you are asking about.

**DrNic** · 10-16-2010, 01:35 AM

I was always a fan of Marineland Penguin model filters for a 60G tank you would probably need a 350 model, or two 200s. If you have it in your budget though you should seriously consider trying a canister filter for a tank that size. For years I used only HOBs, then when I setup my 75G I went to a canister and I'll never go back to HOBs.

Take some pics to put on the forum if you can and check your water chemistry. Depending on why your water is cloudy new filters might not actually fix the problem.

**Pleco380** · 10-16-2010, 02:00 AM

I personally like AquaClear filters. Very reliable and easy to keep maintained. I have an AC 20 on a 10g and an AC 110 with the help of a cannister filter on an 80g. The only other brand of HOB filter was an Aquatech and that was not even close to as good as the AC's.

**Hillside_TRECE** · 10-16-2010, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by kurly

I have an Aquaclear 110 on my 65 gallon tank and an Aquaclear 30 on my 10 gallon tank and I love them. They are quiet, keep my water very clear and I haven't had any problems with either one. I have had to AC30 for five years and the AC110 for two years. They are the only filters I have used so I can't comment on the other two you are asking about.

Thanks Kurly.

Do these work like the standard HOB filters, with cascading waterfall movement/exchange process?

**Hillside_TRECE** · 10-16-2010, 02:21 AM

Originally Posted by DrNic

I was always a fan of Marineland Penguin model filters for a 60G tank you would probably need a 350 model, or two 200s. If you have it in your budget though you should seriously consider trying a canister filter for a tank that size. For years I used only HOBs, then when I setup my 75G I went to a canister and I'll never go back to HOBs.

Thanks Nic.

I considered a canister, but they just don't seem to be the kind of filtration I would want to go with based on my hobbyist level here; I think I would like to stick with an HOB...what is so "bad" about them, at any rate?

So, do you recommend Marineland filters over an AquaClear? Are both these brands "better" than Aqueons or Tetras?

Take some pics to put on the forum if you can and check your water chemistry. Depending on why your water is cloudy new filters might not actually fix the problem.

I'm working on the pics; as for the chemistry, I only have the test strips and I haven't tested the water in awhile. I think it's time, but I just don't know why the water won't clear -- even with dual filters running.

**Hillside_TRECE** · 10-16-2010, 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by Pleco380

I personally like AquaClear filters. Very reliable and easy to keep maintained. I have an AC 20 on a 10g and an AC 110 with the help of a cannister filter on an 80g. The only other brand of HOB filter was an Aquatech and that was not even close to as good as the AC's.

Thanks Pleco.

Seems the AquaClears are definitely preferred by most hobbyists on every site; are they easy to set up?

Should I be looking at any other brands beyond AquaClear, Marineland or possibly Tetra?

**Pleco380** · 10-16-2010, 02:24 AM

They are very easy to set up, yes. Never run them dry though, always fill with water before turning it on which I guess all filters are alike with. They come with step by step instructions.

**sheamurai** · 10-16-2010, 02:45 AM

I'll second the vote for Aquaclears. Simple to set up and maintain. I won't buy anything else as far as HOBs go.
I'll also second the vote for canisters. A lot of people here (myself included) run one of each style on their tanks. They are not hard to set up, and require maintenance less often, I find.
And also another second vote for the thought that filtration may not be the problem causing your cloudy water. Unless your filters have no biological media in them, the cause of the cloudy water shouldn't be a lack in the filters. What are you running in them? Perhaps all you need to do is add some more biological media. That is the big reason canister filters are popular - TONS of bio-media.
Rather than replacing both your current filters, you may want to think about just replacing one of them with a canister.

**DrNic** · 10-16-2010, 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by Hillside_TRECE

Thanks Nic.

I considered a canister, but they just don't seem to be the kind of filtration I would want to go with based on my hobbyist level here; I think I would like to stick with an HOB...what is so "bad" about them, at any rate?

So, do you recommend Marineland filters over an AquaClear? Are both these brands "better" than Aqueons or Tetras?

I'm working on the pics; as for the chemistry, I only have the test strips and I haven't tested the water in awhile. I think it's time, but I just don't know why the water won't clear -- even with dual filters running.

There's really nothing 'bad' about HOB filters. There's just a big difference between the two. Most canister filters are dead quiet. Literally silent for many of the major brands. Although water trickling doesn't bother many people the silence of a canister filter is incredibly nice. Maintenance is also much easier with a canister. Although HOBs really only require filter changes every month or so most canisters only have to be cleaned out every 3-4 months depending on the size. It's kind of hard to explain but the difference is night and day in regards to sound, maintenance and even aesthetic of the tank having only tubing running in/out and no bulky filters on the back. Canisters will cost more than HOBs but from my perspective they are well worth the cost.

I never tried all the brands you mention, but I did like the Marineland filters over AquaClear and Tetras. This was mainly because their filters, if maintained properly, can be reused for at least a year which saves a lot of money on cartridges. If you decide to go with this type drop me a PM and I'll send you instructions on how to reuse them.