Thoughts on Aqueon internal filter?

[suprdave]

Looking to get something that might be a bit quieter than the one I have now (Aqueon hang-on-back filter). Does anyone have any experience with these? http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-40-Gall...nternal+filter

[msawdey]

dont do an internal. They are unsightly. If you want to move up from a HOB, then go to a canister

[suprdave]

Thanks!

Outside of the unsightlyness, do you have any experience with the actual performance?

[Knotyoureality]

I've used several of the smallest versions of this for my 2.5-10g tanks.

Quieter than an HOB filter by far, they do tend to take up quite a bit of space in the tank. "Unsightly" is subjective, and dependent on your scaping. The dark color blends well with a black painted tank back and I found it pretty easy to obscure mine with a combination of driftwood and plants. I also liked the flexibility offered by the multiple rotation options on the outlet head. Keep in mind the actual dimensions of the unit as well--it can look deceptively slim in photos, but they actually take up quite a bit of space in the tank.

However, the one problem I had is that the filters--at least on the small versions--are pretty much impossible to rinse out well as the actual media is surrounded by non-flexing plastic making it impossible to squeeze out any of the debris. I still use mine--but have replaced their filter catridges with custom cut blocks of foam that I can clean without losing beneficial bacteria.

[msawdey]

Originally Posted by Knotyoureality

However, the one problem I had is that the filters--at least on the small versions--are pretty much impossible to rinse out well as the actual media is surrounded by non-flexing plastic making it impossible to squeeze out any of the debris. I still use mine--but have replaced their filter catridges with custom cut blocks of foam that I can clean without losing beneficial bacteria.

knot hit it on the head here. Plus, as far as filtration, the amount of biological filtration is severely limited in these filters

[suprdave]

Originally Posted by Knotyoureality

I still use mine--but have replaced their filter catridges with custom cut blocks of foam that I can clean without losing beneficial bacteria.

Thank you! Excellent information. Would you mind sharing a link to the foam you have found works best? Do you just push the foam into the plastic, or are you not using the plastic housing at all for it?

[tiggity]

I have one and what I did with the diy filter media as well.

The "cartridges" can be opened and the foam and carbon removed. I use filter floss from the LFS (They look like pillow stuffing)

[Knotyoureality]

I honestly couldn't tell you what foam I'm using--it's white, has a large pore size, is very stiff--and was on clearance at the LFS.

Application is dead easy and I wouldnt' hesitate to use any filter media that can be cut to size--whether it's from a single block or made by first layering thinner pads to get the needed bulk.

Remove the filter cartridges entirely, cut a rectangle of foam of approximately the same size (a smidge larger will help ensure a good fit), trim the long front edges on one side to accomodate the curved chamber, slide it into the case, reassamble and go.

[msawdey]

any sort of foam will work.... The only reason I say it is 'unsightly' is as i progressed in fish keeping, it became apparent that I wanted to maximize space in the tank for..... well. the fish... I wanted to create a natural looking environment