Habitat - Indoor :: Finally had to get rid of my filter....Long rant....

[marisa]

I've never used a Hydor Thermo filter, although I am using a Hydor 400-watt Thermo filter and like it. For the heater and filter together, the main reason why I've stayed away from one is that if one goes, you've lost the other, and I'd rather replace only what needs to be replaced if that should happen.

Butterfly, the AquaClear 70 is still working well in the 20 gallon. Bug (the painted) thinks he's getting a free lunch with the bubbles it makes. He's always snapping at them.

I'm getting ready to try the AquaClear 50 in a 10-gallon...stay tuned.

[BROOKLYN]

I've never used a Hydor Thermo filter, although I am using a Hydor 400-watt Thermo filter and like it. For the heater and filter together, the main reason why I've stayed away from one is that if one goes, you've lost the other, and I'd rather replace only what needs to be replaced if that should happen.

Butterfly, the AquaClear 70 is still working well in the 20 gallon. Bug (the painted) thinks he's getting a free lunch with the bubbles it makes. He's always snapping at them.

I'm getting ready to try the AquaClear 50 in a 10-gallon...stay tuned.

That's exactly the reason why I don't go for all in one products Marisa. I use to think it was cool, unique, and very convenient but after using products from ranging from the computer parts to entertainment medias, I simply gave up. It seems to break down faster and at the end, it usually cost me more to replace it. But from what reptilegrrl said, there does seem to be a few exceptions. I use the Aquaclear 50, which I mention before, and it works pretty well for my 29G setup. The water is usually crystal clear but the bottom of the tank does get pretty dirty. I only had problems with the water when I fed tuna/grapes which I no longer do in the same tank. I usually just scoop up the mess everyday.

[reptilegrrl]

I actually agree about most 2-in-1 things. I'll never buy one of those DVD-and-VCR combos, for instance

The thermofilter was a good deal though- my first one cost $50 and my recent one cost almost $60. I also like that the heat element is hidden so Al can't get to it.

There are a few other filters I have thought of trying; I've never had the money to spring for a big canister filter, but some people love them. The Eheim Aquaball filter looks interesting to me. I thought of buying one when I was having a hard time finding a new Ekip (that's the name of the thermofilter), but it was cold and I wanted the heating power.

My goal for the future is to have a small pond, and at that time I will build my own filters. I am a DIY kind of girl. Fric recently sent me pictures ofher pond and I have total pond envy!

[marisa]

Reptilegrrl, you're a DIY person? Stick around...I've got a Mag 5 pond pump I just bought (too much for the stock tank my RES is in) and hopefully will get to use it outside this summer. Need to make a filter, though, if I don't buy one first.

Rather than the Aquaball, I've been yearning for the Eheim Pro 2028. I have never heard a negative thing about them (comments on the price don't count).

The AquaClear 70 is working well in the 20-gallon. I actually saw it lift some broken up poop from the bottom (no extension tube) near the intake and suck it up. It won't however, get to debris between the rocks at the far end of the tank, though. Still, not bad. And no media lifting. I think that once the media gets saturated, the pressure from Aquaclear 70 isn't quite enought to lift it.

[reptilegrrl]

I am a DIY LOVER! I love building and making things. In fact, I am trying to get a handy girl business going. I just love to design, build, and fix things.

Don't buy it, build it! You know you wanna!

[marisa]

Except if you're lazy...