Recommend A New Filter Please

[Musicfreak]

As of right now I have a Penguin Bio-Wheel 200, from Marineland. After my switch to sand about 4 to 5 months ago my filter started acting up, I started cleaning it religiously and about two month ago started working great. Then a few weeks ago my propeller broke. I have been able to fix it with some super glue but I know it won't hold forever, I have 35-40 gallon tank from some cichlids in it.

I have looked on Marineland's website and the only part they do not have for my filter is of course the part I need. I would love to keep the filter but if I can't find the part I am going to have to get a new one. I have been looking at the Aquaclear filters as a next replacement. If anyone has any recommendations that would be great, also some tricks of how to keep sand out of the filter also would be awesome.

Thank You!!

 

[Autumnsky]

Use a prefilter sponge and that should help keep the sand out of it.

The filter I have used and worked the best with fine sand was the Aqueon HOB, I have tried a walmart cheapie and it didn't last but a week and also a Maineland one started rattling and only lasted a few months.

Also I have a AC 110 now on a different tank (sand is a little more coarse/heavy) and a prefilter and it has been fine since the beginning of the year.

I usually unplug the filter when I am pouring water in, adjusting the decor, etc. Just remember to plug it back in!!!

 

[Musicfreak]

Yeah, I have learned to keep mine unplugged. This is my first time using sand, over the years I always used gravel so defiantly a learning experience. Thankfully I've never forgotten to turn my filter back on.

 

[20cc]

great filter...i run 2

Amazon.com: SunSun HW-302 3-Stage External Canister Filter, 264 GPH: Pet Supplies

 

[Musicfreak]

Interesting, I've never messed around much with a canister filter. I never knew they existed till earlier this year when I got into the hobby seriously instead of not knowing the true way of doing things.

 

[Autumnsky]

I also have a Fluval FX-5 and it is a monster. Once you learn how to set it up is works perfectly.

 

[foshizzle11]

I also have a Fluval FX-5 and it is a monster. Once you learn how to set it up is works perfectly.

This is a sweet filter but is expensive!! It is huge as well. What size tank do you have?

 

[Autumnsky]

This is a sweet filter but is expensive!! It is huge as well. What size tank do you have?

It is a 72G Oceanic bowfront. It was a sweet DEAL! Tank, Oceanic stand, Water changer, half the substrate, decorations, chemicals and everything to go with it including the FX-5

($200 for everything! Got it for half the original price being asked on CL)

Water was low in pic for my Fiddler Crab and my Mystery snail egg pods...

 

[wildroseofky]

Have you looked here for parts. Aquarium Filters & Filtration: Marineland H.O.T. Magnum Replacement Parts Seems a shame to do away with a filter if all it needs is the impellar. I recently bought an Aqueon Quietflow Filter from that site because it was so cheap. I was really surprised by it. I like my Aquaclear filter but the aqueon does a surprising job of keeping the tank it is in clean. The only real problem is that you cannot adjust the flow. Other than that it works great and is quiet.