fearlessfisch
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I use a mix of Marineland Emperor filters, and the Aquaclear line. I shifted to Aquaclears on some tanks a few years ago when I became frustrated at what seemed like constant noise from the Emperors. I also really like the Aquaclear box--its size and versatility and appearance compared to the clunky, black Emperors. The Aquaclear media box and sponges consistently do a great job of filtration, while the Emperor cartridges sometimes seemed to allow a little bit of water to run around them.
However, I have been experiencing a surge of warmth and appreciation for my Emperors lately. I replaced a few impellers, and now the filters are running very quietly and nicely. These are old filters, many of them from back in the early 1990s, and they are powerhouses, running consistently and strong. They always start up, and they never disappoint me. I am experimenting with using cartridges in some of them and cutting sponges to fit in the boxes of the others.
Lately the Aquaclears seem to just...stop. I am constantly having to take them apart to rinse, lubricate, and reset the impellers. They always start up again, but it is a hassle how often this happens. I am sure using play sand as a substrate doesn't help...but I don't have this problem with my Emperors.
They're both good filters, but today I am feeling appreciation for my Emperors and just wanted to say that.
However, I have been experiencing a surge of warmth and appreciation for my Emperors lately. I replaced a few impellers, and now the filters are running very quietly and nicely. These are old filters, many of them from back in the early 1990s, and they are powerhouses, running consistently and strong. They always start up, and they never disappoint me. I am experimenting with using cartridges in some of them and cutting sponges to fit in the boxes of the others.
Lately the Aquaclears seem to just...stop. I am constantly having to take them apart to rinse, lubricate, and reset the impellers. They always start up again, but it is a hassle how often this happens. I am sure using play sand as a substrate doesn't help...but I don't have this problem with my Emperors.
They're both good filters, but today I am feeling appreciation for my Emperors and just wanted to say that.