what kind of filter do you use for your QT's?

[Lion-o]

I have traditionally bought the hang on the back waterwheel types, but I've had many die on me. Last one that died I replaced with a fluval U2, which I thought might be hot **** as it sits in the tank and makes way less noise (no waterfall) and way less splash. However, that died on me even quicker than the hang on the back ones have.

I don't know if I just have bad luck or the problem is the cheap filters I am buying. Is it because they're marine compatible but they aren't really designed for it? What do you good people use?

thanks in advance!
danny

[oh207]

Aquaclear 70 on a 20 gallon for QT.

[HumbleFish]

First off, I have to give props to MrTuskfish for this. I was using an u/g filter in QT before I learnt this from him.

Use an Aquaclear HOB power filter. I personally use an AC70 on my 29gal QT; AC50 gets the job done on my 20L QT.

The beauty of using Aquaclear is they utilize these very porous foam inserts (see links at botton). You stick one down in your DT sump (or behind the rocks) for a month or more, and enough bacteria will have transferred onto that puppy to use for biological filtration in QT when you put it back in the HOB. No ammonia worries in QT ever again! Think of it like having a piece of LR in the HOB for filtration (but without the copper absorption worries).

http://www.amazon.com/Aquaclear-70-G...dp/B001E6DT16/

http://www.amazon.com/Aquaclear-50-G.../dp/B0002AQK4S

[Pife]

I just run an oversized hob from wally world.

[sponger0]

I use a cheap filter...I think its an aqueon with no pads or carbon. Small bag of Fluval Biomax and call it a day.

[Lion-o]

Thanks for the input. Do you find the Aquaclear filters to be a higher quality than the penguin ones? The penguins are the ones I've bought in the past and not had too much luck with (I don't think I've had one last longer than 2 years - but maybe 2 years is all I should expect).

I do like the idea of soaking the foam in the DT before throwing it in QT, and I could do the same thing with the foam pad in my fluval (if the pump was still working!!). I do still like the idea of the fluval since its less noise and splash, but we'll see.

[igot2gats]

I use this, driven by an air pump.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...156&cadevice=c

[Pigpen17]

Originally Posted by Lion-o

Thanks for the input. Do you find the Aquaclear filters to be a higher quality than the penguin ones? The penguins are the ones I've bought in the past and not had too much luck with (I don't think I've had one last longer than 2 years - but maybe 2 years is all I should expect).

I do like the idea of soaking the foam in the DT before throwing it in QT, and I could do the same thing with the foam pad in my fluval (if the pump was still working!!). I do still like the idea of the fluval since its less noise and splash, but we'll see.

The thing I like about the Aquaclear is that you can add whatever kind of media you want. It stacks like a canister, not like the insert type filters.

I have mine loaded with the large Fluval Bio Rings in a mesh bag with the Aquaclear Sponge insert. I spiked it with Biospira and had no issues with Ammonia. Plus, I didn't want to run carbon, but when I had a bacteria bloom I just added a carbon bag. it's really whatever you want to put in it that will fit.

[Fishmommy]

oversized HOB stuffed with porous clay I cycled with ammonia.
I keep an extra bag of the porous clay cycled in my fuge so it will be ready if I need to swap out my filter media.

[oh207]

I went with Aquaclear because I know the brand name. I used 3 Aquaclear 500 on a 125g fresh water tank a very long time ago, probably over 20yrs. They worked very well along with a canister fluval. I like the basket they have and that I can add whatever media I want. In a QT sometimes it's necessary to take out carbon. And also the ammonia pellets. The sponge and ceramic tiles is all that's needed.

[m0nkie]

Originally Posted by Lion-o

Thanks for the input. Do you find the Aquaclear filters to be a higher quality than the penguin ones? The penguins are the ones I've bought in the past and not had too much luck with (I don't think I've had one last longer than 2 years - but maybe 2 years is all I should expect).

I do like the idea of soaking the foam in the DT before throwing it in QT, and I could do the same thing with the foam pad in my fluval (if the pump was still working!!). I do still like the idea of the fluval since its less noise and splash, but we'll see.

Marineland makes two major types of HOB filter. Emperor and penguin. Penguins are the lower rated, lower flow, and cheaper designed filter. Aimed at the low budget consumers. I have never had problem with Aquaclear.

Penguins are quieter than Emperor and Aquaclear. But not by much

[Bruce51]

Im looking at getting 2 AquaClear 20 for my 2 10 gallon QT tanks.
I like the way you can use any media in them that will fit.

[kmbyrnes]

Petco cheapies stuffed with pillow floss changed as soon as they turn color for TTM
Same for QT, but use filters kept in the sump

[Marchillo]

Originally Posted by igot2gats

I use this, driven by an air pump.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...156&cadevice=c

Plus 1. I chose a sponge filter model with dual sponges so if I have to clean one the other one still have good bacteria on it. Two weeks in no issues and no cleaning needed. It's driven by an air pump. Filters on Amazon like 5$ and air pump can be repurposed for different things.

[ericarenee]

magnum 350 canister I run it with rubble rock from my sump tank and a Small filter pad to collect waste.

[Sk8r]

Pot filter: cd-50-pack-case, with small pump and screen to prevent intrusion of floss into pump, wad of cheap bulk pillow floss, wrapping tablespoon of carbon if not medicating, with an exit tube, and a small glass weight to keep the floss in. Submerge whole thing. Change floss daily.

[homer1475]

Originally Posted by Pigpen17

The thing I like about the Aquaclear is that you can add whatever kind of media you want. It stacks like a canister, not like the insert type filters.

I have mine loaded with the large Fluval Bio Rings in a mesh bag with the Aquaclear Sponge insert. I spiked it with Biospira and had no issues with Ammonia. Plus, I didn't want to run carbon, but when I had a bacteria bloom I just added a carbon bag. it's really whatever you want to put in it that will fit.

Exactly this, except I run the seachem boimatrix media instead of ceramic rings.