Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Marineland Penguin 350 Power Filter is one hell of an HOB, but out of the box it is not the filter for an aquarium in your bedroom. However, if you like a loud waterfall lulling you to sleep; in its native configuration the Penguin 350 is a five star performer. Taming this beast is real easy after recognizing the source of the filter’s loudness is its 350 GPH flow rate. The ability to regulate the flow solves the loud waterfall problem. Marineland builds this feature into the Penguin Power Filters, but doesn’t hint, or advertise, how to control the flow rate. Controlling the flow rate doesn’t require modifying the filter. The only requirement is creating a pre filter by stuffing the Strainer with Walmart’s Polyester Batting, commonly referred to as Filter Floss, or Water Polishing Media at your LPS (Local Pet Store). After stuffing the Primary Strainer, use the Mid-Level Strainer to control the water flow. Start with the ML-Strainer closed. Observing the movement of the Bio-wheels, only open enough to allow the wheels to spin. Not only is the filter’s noise volume reduced, but you have added a pre filter that will aide in keeping the cost of those expensive filter cartridges at bay . . . Best regards, Nat Ray