Should I get a new filter?

RedRaider15

I've had a Penguin 200 HOB filter for over a year now on my aquarium. I've noticed that now it has a reduced water volume moving through it and it is also very loud as it used to be quiet. Should I get a new filter and if so, what one.

fish keeper 2013

How big is your tank?

RedRaider15

37 gallon.

OSagent23

Have you tried cleaning the filter? What I mean is removing the filter and scrubbing it down. Sometimes algea and other things get stuck in the filter. If you haven't cleaned it in a long while see if that helps. If it doesn't I personally like canister filters but Marineland makes some awesome HOB filters.

AbbeysDad

For HOB's, I think Fluval Aquaclear is the hands down winner as it lets us decide the type and volume of media (unlike cartridge filters). It comes with sponge, carbon and Bio-max bio media. The sponge lasts nearly forever, carbon optional - a wad of polyester fiber last polishes the water. An AC50 throttled down would work fine on your 37g.

Now I prolly wouldn't put a canister on a 37g (don't have one on my 60g), but Eheim, Rena and Fluval are top contenders.

fish monger

It could be the impeller. If a good cleaning doesn't help, you can normally get replacements. I have had great luck with HOBs over the years. They're easy to maintain and even the cartridge types give you a little wiggle room to adjust media.

RedRaider15

I will try to clean out the filter sometime this week and see if that helps. If it doesn't, I am going to a pet store in a few weeks to get a new one. A few weeks is ASAP for me, because the nearest pet store to me is a few hours away! :/

lorax84

I have a couple of the penguin filters and I never really liked them. I ran into issues with the impeller getting easily clogged and flow reducing to the point the biowheels didn't spin. I got sick of having to take everything off and clean it every few week. Now I use sponges and a few Aquaclears on my tanks. The aquaclear is so versatile and durable its pretty hard to beat.

jentralala

Can you order online? For products that would be a hassle to get 'locally', I usually just buy them online, and they can be a lot cheaper.

RedRaider15

Yes, I can order online. I will probably end up doing that.