02-17-2007, 08:01 AM
Thanks for the update.
Never actually owned an emperor but have had many Biowheel 300/330s and I think they're an incredible value. Not familiar with the redesign. Also experienced the no questions asked missing parts mailing at least once or twice.
Had enough experience with Aqua Clears-- the first was inherited, the second came with a new "kit"-- PITA. I still have replacement sponges sitting by my door for no reason (decommissioned the filters long ago).
I've always had the impression that whisper filters are crap, not sure why. One good thing about them is that you can get biobags though. Tetra made 'em for the biowheel for a short while but they dried up (very likely a legal threat from Marineland).
[quote ArtP][quote h']Marineland filters and Jåger heaters will always be the gold standard for me.
I really shouldn't start talking fish stuff BUT Marineland used to make a good filter (Penguin Bio Wheels were great although Emperors were problematic) but the latest models really suck. They redesigned them recently, eliminated a few things (extra holders for Carbon). One good thing, Marineland was like Apple, if you had a problem or a broken part, U could call a 800 number and they would send you out a replacement part usually at No Charge.
Whisper Power Filters have had the same basic design for years and like a Mac, they just work. The replacement Carts are usually cheaper and are a common size (they fit a few other filters also).
Whisper was bought out by Tetra a while back, and last year Marineland got absorbed and merged into one big company (Called United Pet Group). They still operate as separate companies for the moment under the big umbrella. Not sure where Marineland will be in a few years.
Avoid AquaClear power filters, that sponge and charcoal type design is inefficient, water bypass happens too quick if that sponge gets clogged.
Anyway if you haven't guessed by now, when I am not doing freelance computer stuff, my steady income involves Aquariums and Tropical fish.
Never actually owned an emperor but have had many Biowheel 300/330s and I think they're an incredible value. Not familiar with the redesign. Also experienced the no questions asked missing parts mailing at least once or twice.
Had enough experience with Aqua Clears-- the first was inherited, the second came with a new "kit"-- PITA. I still have replacement sponges sitting by my door for no reason (decommissioned the filters long ago).
I've always had the impression that whisper filters are crap, not sure why. One good thing about them is that you can get biobags though. Tetra made 'em for the biowheel for a short while but they dried up (very likely a legal threat from Marineland).
[quote ArtP][quote h']Marineland filters and Jåger heaters will always be the gold standard for me.
I really shouldn't start talking fish stuff BUT Marineland used to make a good filter (Penguin Bio Wheels were great although Emperors were problematic) but the latest models really suck. They redesigned them recently, eliminated a few things (extra holders for Carbon). One good thing, Marineland was like Apple, if you had a problem or a broken part, U could call a 800 number and they would send you out a replacement part usually at No Charge.
Whisper Power Filters have had the same basic design for years and like a Mac, they just work. The replacement Carts are usually cheaper and are a common size (they fit a few other filters also).
Whisper was bought out by Tetra a while back, and last year Marineland got absorbed and merged into one big company (Called United Pet Group). They still operate as separate companies for the moment under the big umbrella. Not sure where Marineland will be in a few years.
Avoid AquaClear power filters, that sponge and charcoal type design is inefficient, water bypass happens too quick if that sponge gets clogged.
Anyway if you haven't guessed by now, when I am not doing freelance computer stuff, my steady income involves Aquariums and Tropical fish.