Penn-plax Bubbler Bottom Filter

Basically, i started this out for guppies. they didn't survive and now i have quite a few more. Swordtails being my favorite here. the filter is simple, but is a hassle for the activated filter carbon. the small particles get throught the bottom and then, the air is pushed through, potientially pushing out the small particles into the tank. i thought it was dangerous for the fish so i got a sifter for the smaller particles. it takes me an hour and a half all together to get this done. the airtube is pretty tight on, but it gets slimy. the trapping isn't amazing, but decent so make sure you have a cleaning fish for the leftovers.

I have been keeping fish for 30+ years and have air driven filters from Penplax and Lee. Power filters and canisters have their place and I use them. But there is still room for the old school air driven filter.

Air driven filters are often under estimated. I gave them 4 stars because they work well. I did not give them 5 stars because they take a bit of time to clean. These $3 filters will filter as well as a power filter if you have similar media in both. You always have to correctly size the filter to the tank.

How well they work and what they do depends on what you pack them with. I would always use filter floss as the top media. Anything that gets loose, like bits of charcoal, would be trapped by the floss.

It is a good idea to use 2 filters and alternate cleaning/changing them. This ensures that the bio filtration is maintained.

Agreed that charcoal is not needed for everyday use.

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