I'm currently using a Tetra Tec PF150 for my 20-gallon tank (2 goldfish). While it works just fine, the siphon noise is really loud (it didn't used to be as noisy as it is now--not sure why). Since Lucy and Ricky's tank is in our bedroom, I really need something quieter.

So my question is--any recommendations? And, how do I "phase in" a new filter?

Thanks, Kristi

there are several reasons why your filter could be noisey. i got a piece of rock(ammochip) stuck in the bottom of the tube. sometimes, if there are air bubbles trapped in the inverted u shape part of the tube, it could make noise. i have two whisper filters 10-20 size in my 20 gal, and its fairly quiet. as for adding new filters in, im not sure there is a way to do that without messing with the tank balance. i know much of the good bacteria lives in the filter. thats why i have two filters running, so when i have to do a change, i still have one with a seasoned filter in it.

I dont have this one but I have heard alot about this filter.....I thought you want to read this:)

http://fishinthe.net/html/reviews-4.html

I found that aquaclear power filters are pretty quite. Not much noise at all. I have the mini and the the 200 model. While in my other tank I have a biowheel, which produces a little more noise.

All,

Thanks for the help. I took the filter apart last night, and there are no obstructions. It's still making noise, and after reading the article Koko referred to, I'm more sure than ever that I need to get rid of this filter.

But...I can't just go out and buy an Aquaclear or Penguin and trash the Tetra Tec, can I? What's the process of changing?

Thanks,
Kristi

I use Proquatics Power Filter 120 in my bedroom tank. I love it. The only noise coming from it is the water flowing out, so it sounds like a nifty fountain.

My AquaClear filter on my other tank is extremely quiet. I haven't actually heard it make any noise!

I was surprised at how quiet my Millennium 3000 filter is. Considering it's made for larger tanks, I imagine the smaller filters are even more quiet.

If you buy a new filter, you should include some of the old filter media in it for a while. That's hard with the kind of filter cartridges your filter has, but not impossible.

Say you get an aquaclear, or another filter which use sponges like that. You could take your filter "bag" off of the plastic frame, roll it up, and use it as one of the layers of filter material (like instead of carbon or the ammonia removing things) or just stuff it under or between the material if there's room. In a little while (maybe a few weeks? I'm not sure) you can take that part out, and your sponge will have plenty of the good bacteria living on it. That's the method I used to switch from using the Whisper filter cartridges to using AquaClear sponges in my Whisper filter (which has worked out great so far, by the way).

If you get a whisper (I have one that's been working well for a while) your filter stuff might fit right in there. They're made by the same people, so there's a chance. Otherwise, if it's too small, I'd roll it up and shove it inside a new whisper filter cartridge. Actually, I would use AquaClear sponges, lol.

I looked up penguin filters, but I haven't ever seen the filter in real life, so I'm not sure how that cartridge goes in and what you could do. But you could do something.

Okay, gang...

Thanks so much for the great info. I bought an AquaClear 200 and set it up on the back of my tank WITH the Tetra Tec PF150. From what I've gleaned here, I'm going to keep both filters running for a couple of weeks (giving the AquaClear time to build up "good bugs"). Then I'll dump the Tetra Tec. So far, I've been pleased with the AquaClear filter--it's quiet. I have to say having two filters running keeps the tank really clear.

I've also removed two small hollow ornaments and my big hollow rock. My fish are healthy but have been losing scales a lot lately. I'm hoping that having only two artificial, soft plants in there will remedy this. B)

Here's another question: where can I find good, non-hollow ornaments for Lucy and Ricky's home online? Any good suggestions?

Thanks,
Kristi

Me I don't use ornaments. I do the natural tank. Logs, Big rocks things like this are always on the safe side