Beginner: Filter?

[slick_jing]

I have a problem selecting the right filter. I have a 25g tank. After reading some reviews online, I am caught between a penguin filter and an emperor filter. I read that the emperor is really good while the penguin has a few problems.

The penguin 170 is on sale for 38.99 at Big als while the Emperor 280 is EXPENSIVE!! (Plus it looks too big to fit in my tank) What are your suggestions?

[mseguin]

I myself prefer the Aquaclears but the Penguin should be perfectly adequate for your tank.

[Mettle]

I too prefer the Aquaclear line of filters to anything put out by Marineland. That's just my personal preference though. (I also get this odd feeling when I see them because Marineland also makes Walmart's line of Aquatech filters.) I just don't personally like filters that use catridges.

Having said all that I wouldn't mind one day getting an Emperor of some size and trying it out to see how much I like it. (I've had Penguins, Eclipse tanks and Aquatech filters before.)

[Aiglos]

A Penguin 170 is MORE then sufficient for your tank. Marineland is an excellent company and very rarely do I ever hear complaints from Penguin/emperor users.  The main issue with cartridges is that when you replace them you lose all of your benificial bacteria, however with the bio-wheel this issue is not a problem.  

You will find many different opinions on the matter, but if you are asking for suggestions I would say that 1 penguin 170 is ENOUGH for your 30 gallon tank that is lightly stocked.  If you are really serious abotu fishkeeping think about doubling up your penguin 170's   or getting the emperor 280.  It is well worth the money spent, as your fish will be much happier and you will never have to worry about mini-cycling.

[BigDaddy]

I have an Emperor 280 on one of my 33 gallon tanks.  Can't complain.  Definately get the emperor over the penguin, as penguin biowheels rely solely on the filters output to turn and are therefore prone to stopping ... the emperor has a second pump that shoots filtered water across the biowheel.

The 280 should easily fit on your 25 gallon tank.