Penguin Power Filter 330 Tricks

[swha]

Hi folks,
Have anyone tried "penguin power filter 330 tricks"?
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/power_filter_tricks_iv.php

I am just wondering if its performance is better than "Fluval filter". I
think it'll cost about $90 to make it. It's almost same price of Fluval 404.
Also, if I use power head to suck up water instead of Mag-Drive submersible
pump, how will its performance be reduced? Actually, the pump is the most
expensive part of this trick, so I'd like to use the powerhead I am using
now.

Another thing I want to know is "Why should I remove activated carbon from
the cartilage?" Does it kill useful bacteria?


Thanks,
SW

[CapFusion]

"swha" > wrote in message
...
> Hi folks,
> Have anyone tried "penguin power filter 330 tricks"?
> http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/power_filter_tricks_iv.php
>
> I am just wondering if its performance is better than "Fluval filter". I
> think it'll cost about $90 to make it. It's almost same price of Fluval
> 404.
> Also, if I use power head to suck up water instead of Mag-Drive
> submersible pump, how will its performance be reduced? Actually, the pump
> is the most expensive part of this trick, so I'd like to use the powerhead
> I am using now.
>
> Another thing I want to know is "Why should I remove activated carbon from
> the cartilage?" Does it kill useful bacteria?
>
>
> Thanks,
> SW
>

Bacteria that reside on the carbon that you throw away and replace with
another media like Matrix rock, new bacterial will colonize on that Matrix
Rock.

Carbon [any type of carbon] will have three basic function -
1 - absorb chemical / odor
2 - trap debris
3 - home for aerobacteria to colonize and to breakdown of Ammonia > Nitrite
> Nitrate

The main function of carbon is to absorb chemical and odor.
The only time carbon really need is when there some chemical warfare /
removal of medicine / odor from the water that pass through it. When carbon
fully absorb to it capacity, it will become as function of #2 and #3 and may
release / leak what chemical back that it absorb.

All mechanical filter [like Penguin / Fluval as you indicated] do the same
job and function and Wet/Dry filter. Replacing the Penguin media with a
Matrix Rock will improve it performance but still a mechanical filter. You
simply using certain material for extra function.

Example -
* Matric Rock will provide better sporse for oxygen exchange for bacteria to
colonize and breakdown nutrient.
* Carbon - does the same as above but less density spore area for bacteria
but extra function is to absorb chemical / odor etc.
It all depend on what type of media you use. The end result of this trick
filter is the same and can use any mechanical filter. Penguin filter is
simply cheaper.

CapFusion,...