Turbo Powered 350 Penguin

[Eddie]

Just broke down my super turbo powered Penguin 350. Generally this filter uses 4 disposable cartridges, that are basically filter floss and activated carbon. I don't use carbon and the cartridges are total junk (money making scheme). Anyways, about the only decent part of the filter is the bio-wheel which still isn't my first option for the bacteria bed. I prefer a decent media and sponge over anything. I picked up a few Penguin media cartridges and filled them with Eheim Substrate Pro. I then used Poret Foam from Hans, that I custom cut to fill the gap at that rear of the filter assembly. So the filter pulls water through the Poret foam first, and then hits the Substrate Pro Cartridges and then finally passes along the bio-wheel. The bio-wheel is the last step of bio filtration and its not even the most effective part of this set-up. To top it all off, I custom cut an Aqua Clear 110 sponge, to fit over the intake tube strainer.

Not my first choice of filter by any means, but I had a ton of these Penguin 350s laying around and figured I'd put them to good use. I rarely have to break this filter down, just rinse off the pre-filter every other day if that. Aside from that, this thing is definitely a turbo powered nitrification monster!

[ockyra215]

Eddie,
Thats a good idea I am going to borrow it from you...If you dont mind ofcourse.

[David Rose]

I have two of the Emperor 400s and one 350. I basically did the same thing less the Poret foam when I was using them. At one point, I used four media cartridges plus cut-to-size floss pads. I got the idea of the Eheim substrate from advice you had given last summer.

This approach certainly does make them discus friendly and more productive, but agreed...not my first choice either. I've since retired mine...at least for now.

You're always sharing some good ideas Eddie! Thanks!

[JL15219]

I was thinking of making a prefilter for my Emperor 400...I have seen may say to use a Aquaclear 110 sponge like you did hear but is it not too porous would it be better for it to be finer so it would trap smaller particles? Just curious?

[Eddie]

I was thinking of making a prefilter for my Emperor 400...I have seen may say to use a Aquaclear 110 sponge like you did hear but is it not too porous would it be better for it to be finer so it would trap smaller particles? Just curious?

Thanks guys! Had plenty of poret foam to make dividers and use pieces for filters and such.

The AC sponge was too porous and I have since switched to women stockings (idea from mikel). Its super good at keep particles out and really keeps you rinsing it daily as it can get fouled quickly and slow down water input/out from the filter.

Eddie

[JL15219]

LOL what really...and it doesnt have any kind of weird chemical or anything that will harm the fish? That is way cheaper than buying an aquaclear 110 sponge....does it matter what kind of stocking?

Thanks guys! Had plenty of poret foam to make dividers and use pieces for filters and such.

The AC sponge was too porous and I have since switched to women stockings (idea from mikel). Its super good at keep particles out and really keeps you rinsing it daily as it can get fouled quickly and slow down water input/out from the filter.

Eddie

[Eddie]

LOL what really...and it doesnt have any kind of weird chemical or anything that will harm the fish? That is way cheaper than buying an aquaclear 110 sponge....does it matter what kind of stocking?

Good thinking but I just get some cheap Japanese ones and they work fine. Fish are fine and have been since I have been using them. You may want to check the material if you try it.


Eddie

[Double Up]

Did something nearly identical with a pengiun 200 !

[ExReefer]

I use this pre-filter sponge on my Emperor 400:

http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Eugene-...8410873&sr=8-1

I like it because it's black and blends in better with the filter. I had to cut it a bit to make it work, but I like it.

[Eddie]

I use this pre-filter sponge on my Emperor 400:

http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Eugene-...8410873&sr=8-1

I like it because it's black and blends in better with the filter. I had to cut it a bit to make it work, but I like it.

That definitely looks like a better pre-filter. I like the small, dense pores for better debris entrapment.


Eddie

[JL15219]

I use this pre-filter sponge on my Emperor 400:

http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Eugene-...8410873&sr=8-1

I like it because it's black and blends in better with the filter. I had to cut it a bit to make it work, but I like it.

Thanks for the link...I might try that...

[limpert]

Do you think that ceramic rings would fit in the new penguin media cartridges? I noticed that the Eheim substrat is a little pricey.

I am trying to do away with carbon completely...

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Where'd you find the media cartridges? I've never seen any of those anywhere. I have the 400 and I just use the cartridges that come with it..but I suck at anything technical. Do you have to replace any of what you're using? Or just clean it off a bit? Cause I know the floss on the cartridges I have deteriorates quickly.

[Eddie]

Where'd you find the media cartridges? I've never seen any of those anywhere. I have the 400 and I just use the cartridges that come with it..but I suck at anything technical. Do you have to replace any of what you're using? Or just clean it off a bit? Cause I know the floss on the cartridges I have deteriorates quickly.

Hey there Jenna, I have 2 extra that I can send you for free! Give me your address and I'll get them sent of on Tuesday.

Eddie

[kitykatfunkiehat]

NO WAY! I'll pm you.