marineland penguins

Ok I think it's time to get a new filter, the aquaclear creates alot of saltspray and noise. I use the filter for carbon and phos/nitrate sponges, I use them in a media bag and through the bags in the filter.

I was looking at the marineland penguins, I have 2 questions about filters.

1. do I have to get one graded to a 55g or can I get a smaller one since I am using it for only carbon/chemical filteration?

2. these filters use the insert media which I don't think is good enough for SW, can I still use the media bags filled with carbon and throw it in there or am I stuck using the insert media?

Can someone please help me because I am really unsure of what you can or cannot use in a filter. The first pic is the media to use on the penguin, the second pic is what I currently use.

 

No you don't have to get one rated for the size tank you are going to be using it for! You may want to check on a cannister filter for the carbon and phosphate media and increased water flow.
Do you have a sump?
You can also place the carbon media bag in a concealed part of your tank where there is adequate water movement, this way you can get rid of the Aquaclear filter and don't have to think of getting another filter. Use that money to stock more in your tank!...
I don't use a cannister or hang on in my 75gallon refugium, but place my carbon media close to my powerhead to give me the advantage associated with the carbon dosing!

 

There is no sump and no where I can place the media bag where you won't see it. I have no problem buying a newer filter, and if I can go small it would cost only $30. I am glad to know I can throw a media bag into any filter because I was getting disappointed if I got stuck with only the aquaclears. I just figured it wouldn't work properly without using the inserts.

 

I would just get a phosban reactor by two little fishes. I run carbon though mine works great.

J

 

Yeah, those reactors are fairly cheap and can be used for many different filter medias as well as rubble/nano liverock etc...