"John Thomas" wrote in message
...
|
| Questions:
| After doing some homework on the net, I've settled on getting a
| submerged internal filter, probably a Fluval 4+. (I especially like
the
| idea that I can add a peat filter to it to help out the pH, but
that's a
| minor concern.)

I've found the submerged filters to be effective, but high
maintenance. Mostly due to the need to remove covers and reach into
the tank to change or rinse the media, not to mention lost space in
the tank, and I find them unsightly, particularily in species and
'theme' tanks.

|
| Does this sound like a good choice, given these parameters?
| Is the Eheim Aquaball worth the extra dough over the Fluval? If so,
why?
| Is the 4+ overkill? Since I already have the Penguin 170, would a
3+ do?
|
| Thanks in advance for any on-topic opinions.

I'm a firm believer that there is no 'overkill' when you're
talking filtration. Unless the outflow is pinning fish up against the
glass, having some cushion is nice.
I really don't like the Aquaball, but for only one reason, the
maintenance is even worse than the Fluvals. The media is VERY small,
and will clog fast. You're going to be pulling that bad boy out of
the tank once a week. Other than that the Aquaball is a fantastic
device, but Fluval has really stepped up to the plate recently. I'd
go with the Fluval if you're set on the submerged design.

All that said, you have 100 dollars to spend. In your situation,
I'd take 45 dollars of that, and get a Marineland 400, and mothball
the 170. Use the other 55 dollars to buy the little woman something
to butter her up for permission to add yet another tank.


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