Reddit reviews Marineland PF0350B Penguin Power Filter, Upto 75 Gallons, 350 GPH

I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 10 gallons, personally. I have a really hard time keeping the water parameters where I like them on my 10 gallon.

10 gallons is nice because you aren't limited to just one fish, which is what you would be limited to with anything smaller.

I would recommend a 10 gallon and letting your son pick out the decorations, and put in a few anubias or easy-care plants into the gravel.

As far as your heater goes, I would recommend an adjustable one rather than a single-temp. Additionally, for ease of accurate readings I would buy a digital thermometer.

For filtration, I really like the Marineland hang on the back filters, such as this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Penguin-Power-Filter-70-Gallon/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414876612&sr=8-2&keywords=marineland+filter

And for lighting, it all depends on if you decide you want real plants or fake plants - fake plants, any old lighting will work. If you want real plants, I'd recommend the Finnex planted+. I bought a Finnex RayII for my 37gallon and it's too much light, so I'm not getting the growth I'd like since I don't have a CO2 system.

We actually used to have problems with the nitrate level a few months ago but we got a better filter and haven't had a problem since. Between that and consistent water changes around every week we haven't had a single problem with water levels. This is the filter we use Marineland Penguin Power Filter, 50 to 70-Gallon, 350 GPH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jqNfAbA43PT8Z

That filter is rated for aquariums up to 25 gallons.


You said "4ft" tank, so I assume it's a 55g?

You typically want to OVER filter a goldfish tank. They are dirty fish. I don't think adding a sponge filter will be enough to give you Adequate filtration for them.

You would be better off saving up and getting a HOB filter. Maybe check out some of the cyber Monday sales. This one here would work and is pretty cheap right now, there are tons if other good deals going on as well.

In the mean time, just up the frequency of water changes to keep them healthy. If it's just the 2 goldfish, a 30 - 40%
partial once a week should be do it , but you can just test your water to figure out exactly how much/often it's needed.

I use these. If you got two, you could have a ton of fish and still maitina great water quality. http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Penguin-Power-Filter-70-Gallon/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418408571&sr=8-1&keywords=350+penguin

Setup

Item| Description
---|---
Tank | 55 Gallon
Filter|[Marineland Penguin 350] (http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Penguin-Power-Filter-70-Gallon/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1406908824&sr=1-1&keywords=bio-wheel+350&dpPl=1)
Filter | Marineland Penguin 150 filled with Biomax
Heater| Aqueon 200w heater
Substrate | Tahitian Moon Sand
Substrate| CaribSea Eco Complete
Lighting|Marineland Single Bright

I wish I went with a better lighting system as it's very weak, I can only grow low light, easy going plants. Currently looking for something better. I also want to upgrade to a [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Cascade%C2%AE-Canister-Filter-Gallon-Aquariums/dp/B0002DJ9NY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406911455&sr=8-1&keywords=pennplax+canister+filter&dpPl=1). canister filter.

I have in there some platties, had 4 red and 4 yellow but some died and some spawned, I don't know how much platties I have. I also have 2 green cory catfish, and 2 zebra danios (I know I'm supposed to have more, but when I first started out I had about 6 of each with some guppies. Had a bad ich attack and lost everyone except the two corys and two danios)



http://imgur.com/a/Pbs4X

>cheap filter (no actual "filter" as that will undermine any treatment)


Sorry, not understanding that portion. And what do you mean the 'filter floss'? I have the filter pad in my sump followed by some live rock followed by my heavy duty filter that picks up any other type of debris. Are you just using a 'hang over the edge' type of filter? http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Penguin-Power-Filter-70-Gallon/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1420570358&sr=1-6&keywords=aquarium+filter+media

Several questions about my 55(ish) gallon freshwater tank:

1. I have a marineland filter ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IMDQM). Right now, it is just using the intake it came with. I am considering getting an under-gravel filter (I was thinking this one? https://www.amazon.com/Undergravel-Filteration-Bottom-Circular-Aquarium/dp/B00ZUIRGOU ) Would it be possible to connect that setup to my current filter? How would I do that?
   
2. So when I replace the filter, I would probably completely overhaul the tank. I currently only have 2 5 gallon buckets; I was thinking that I'd fill those from the existing water and put the fish (I have about 20 guppies, tetras, and other small community fish) into one of the buckets. Would it be safe to have those fish in that bucket for 2-3 days while I let the temperature adjust with the new water? And would adding the 10 gallons of old water to 45 gallons of new (RO filtered) water with some bacteria starter and conditioner be OK?
   
3. I plan to wash the gravel and decorations, clean the tank, rearrange the plants, put in the under-gravel filter, and better position the air stone (a 12 inch bar). Is there anything else I should consider doing at this time?
   
   Note: my biggest problems right now are filthy gravel and a high alkaline and PH that I can't lower.

I have a Penguin 350 filling in on a 55 gallon tank with a Red-ear slider in it, since my canister bit the dust about a week ago. It's pretty old, but it's a workhorse. It really moves a considerable amount of water, and keeps the turtle tank pretty clean which is impressive because even one turtle generates substantially more waste than a whole aquarium of fish.

I was actually considering buying another Penguin 350 filter just to have on hand since Amazon dropped the price down this week...

not sure where you're getting your prices. I got two decently reviewed powerheads for $14, a skimmer for $100, $40 for 10lbs of live rock and another $60 for 20lbs of non-live rock.
And then i got your basic run of the mill filter for $30

Got pretty much all of this on amazon. I'm sure the local fish shops would charge up the a$$ for this stuff... Do you think I need any other filtering other than what i'm linking to below?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IMDQM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-05271-Super-Skimmer-65-Gallon/dp/B000BJNL6A/ref=sr_1_22?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1480323303&sr=1-22&keywords=saltwater+sump

K man, I got the Marineland penguin 350. I'm about as frugal as they come. I got 5 cories, a bristlenose pleco, 8 cherry barbs, 8 cardinal tetras, 8 Rummy nose tetras, and an apisto, and it's been great.

Marineland Penguin Power Filter, 50 to 70-Gallon, 350 GPH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_g3k6Cb1M3QRTZ

Just gotta make sure your water is filled up pretty high. Then it's quiet.

I'll keep an eye on my parameters (as always), but I also have a Penguin 350 that I got with my tank that hasn't been used yet.


Though, I have been thinking of upgrading to a canister.

I use this one for my one res. Works pretty well in a 20 gal.

Marineland Penguin Power Filter, 50 to 70-Gallon, 350 GPH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BK.PybG26P2C1

Right now the ammonia is down to 1 ppm- maybe a little over 1 but not as high as 2. That's a great sign.

Maybe I do need a second filter. I'm using this one:

MarineLand Penguin Power Filter, 50 to 70-Gallon, 350 GPH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_PizLBb1DFEXS2

Penguin 330 filter is bio-wheel hang on the back of the tank power filter. You can read reviews about performance on amazon in QA. Wheels sometimes stuck and have to be periodically replaced, they create splashing sound, unlike common long lip HOBs (Marina Slim). Smaller space for filter media, unlike the second filter, but easier access for replacing it.

The second is canister filter. It could be hidden out of the way, quiet, has more space for filter media, but harder to clean. Without cleaning it could become nitrate producing factory.

You can use both of them and find instructions on the manufacturer's websites.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000260FUW/?tag=fishlore-20

https://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Penguin-Power-Filter-50-Gallon/dp/B0009IMDQM/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1519069282&sr=1-4&keywords=filter&th=1

I was looking at these two so far, but the 2nd one seems off since its half price the others...