Penguin Bio-Wheel Replacement Filter Cartridges, Rite-Size C, 6 Count

I have been using these filters for about 2 years now and is I do like the convenience of a pre-assembled filter. They are very easy to use. Just rinse under cool water to remove fine charcoal dust and insert into the slot. I have a Top Fin 20 gallon aquarium which seems to develop algae within a couple weeks of cleaning so I'm just not sure if these keep the aquarium clean as well as the un-assembled unit which comes with activated carbon packets, filter bags and filter frame. Whereas the un-assembled cartridges have woolly texture on both sides, these have a hard plastic "floss screen" backing on one side which might allow more particles to infiltrate the inner core while providing more water to carbon contact. I'm not 100% sure as to what my issue may be in terms of algae growth (could be due to more sunlight reaching the tank). While I like the convenience of the cartridge, I used to always forget as to which side goes which way (should be blue side facing back of filter box) once I pull the darn thing out of the filter to rinse during those times when I do not change the water. I do worry about how much plastic I'm putting into the landfill with these but that's my own issue. The plastic side is pretty easy to clean so I try to keep it clean to ensure the cartridge is doing it's job as effectively as possible. I normally change the water every month and that's when I change filters. I've never has any issues with my fish dying after a water and filter change but it could be that I use a lot of Kordon AmQuel (nitrate, ammonia, chlorine and chloramine remover) and NovAqua water conditioner to detoxify the water while providing anti-virus protection for my fish every time I change water (I bought a gallon of each from here as well). If you want to save money, you can probably clean these filters regularly by running them under clean water to remove debris, etc. and use them for a couple months instead of the recommended one month but use your own better judgment. Overall, I'm pleased with these filters and I do like them for the convenience of being already pre-assembled. I only wish they were a little cheaper because you can get a 12-pack un-assembed for the same price of a 6-pack pre-assembled unit, but I guess we are paying for the convenience. Anyway, they seem to keep the tank clean and my fishes happy as far as I can tell despite the algae issue I'm having. I'll give these 4.7/5.0! - 10/05/2014

Very important to the fish tank. They work very well. I only buy this brand from Amazon

The Marineland Rite-Size Cartridge C is a must-have for anyone with an aquarium that uses a filter system compatible with this cartridge size. I’ve had a hard time finding these in stores, and when I do, they are often priced way higher than I’d like to pay. That's why I love getting them on Amazon – they’re so much more affordable and I don’t have to deal with store shortages. These cartridges are easy to install, and they do a great job of keeping my tank clean and clear. They’re designed to remove impurities, odors, and debris from the water, which keeps my fish healthy and my tank looking great. The quality is consistent, and I can rely on them to do their job without fail. For the price and the convenience of getting them delivered, I highly recommend these cartridges for anyone with a Marineland filter. It’s a great deal compared to buying them in person at the store, and you’ll save both time and money!

I TRIED OTHER BRANDS TO SAVE MONEY, AND FOR FITTING PROBLEM BUT HONESTLY WHEN I WENT BACK TO THIS BRAND MY WATER DID CLEAR UP TO MY SUPRISE! SO GUESS I JUST BUY FEWER AT A TIME. THE DIFFERENCE IMO IS THE MATERIAL TEXTURE AND AMOUT OF COAL. THE OTHERS MATERIALS WERE TOO FINE OR TIGHT KNITTED. ONE THING I DID LIKE ABOUT OTHERS, THE MATERIAL IS CUT AT THE EDGES MAKING THEM SLIDE INTO PLACE EASILY WHERE THIS BRAND WASTES 1-2 INCHES OVERLAPPING OF MATERIAL MAKING IT A STRUGGLE TO SLIDE INTO GROVES IN PLACE. I WILL OFTEN TRIM OFF EXTRA. ANOTHER AGGRAVATING ISSUE AND WASTE OF MY MONEY. THIS BRAND OFTEN LEAKS CHARCOAL ON ALL OTHER ITEMS SHIPPED IN SAME BOX AND WON'T WIPE OFF COMPLETLY, SO EVERYTHING IS BLACKISH AND NASTY TO HANDLE, THE OTHER BRANDS EITHER HAVE THE FILTERS INDIVIDUALLY WRAP OR BOX WRAPPED.

They fit the filter that they were designed to work with. Small wonder, eh? Do yourself a favor and do NOT change your filter pads like the manufacturer specifies. If you do, you're doing it wrong! First of all, your filter contains beneficial bacteria - that helps it to better break down the sh!t in your tank. Instead of replacing it every 2-3 weeks, just rinse it off in the bucket that you use to do water changes (using a Python? run it under the output while someone else vacuums) - and you really only need to do that every other WC, unless you have really dirty fish. If it's really nasty, scrape off the gunk with a knife. Put it back in the filter box and leave it alone. Think you need to replace it because the charcoal is 'worn out'? Well, that charcoal wore out about 3 days after you put the filter in; so your line of thinking is a misconception. Charcoal does next to nothing in your tank, anyway (it'll remove medications from your water, could be good or bad depending...) - aside from creating a spot for beneficial bacterial to form on. Anyway, in short... These filters will do what they were designed to do, if you really need to change/replace them or are starting up a new tank. But, at the same time... Given 20 minutes of your spare time, a hot-glue gun, some generic filter pads (or cheese cloth, etc.), some activated charcoal [optional] (buy it by the carton from your local PS) and a little bit of imagination you can create your own filters that can do the same job as these. If you're broke or just a cheap-skate, this is probably your best option. If you already have the basic materials, you can probably strip an old filter and re-use the plastic frame to make a new one. It doesn't have to look beautiful or be perfectly built, it only has to get the job done - you're fish won't give a sh!t (well, they will, but they won't - you get the drift).

Factory replacement Solid price

Excellent filter at a premium price! To get the water crystal clear requires two filters, replaced every two weeks. Unfortunately the copycat replacement filters are junk, so if you are going to use this aquarium filter (which is sold at a very reasonable initial price) be prepared to eventually pay up for these expensive replacement cartridges.

The Penguin Bio-wheel pumps are great: quiet, effective and long-lasting. (I have a 170 filter in a 39 gallon tank.) These size C filters are widely available, but the Amazon price is much lower than at my not-so-nearby pet store. But a word of warning. The day after changing my filter three months ago I began losing fish. Next morning my 6" long Plecostomus was dead. Then three Clown Loaches, each about 5 " long. Within a week I had lost 18 of my 20 fish. Yet there was no sign of disease. A water test and much internet searching finally pointed out what I had done wrong. I had neglected my tank for a few weeks, so in a rush to catch up, I siphoned out about 30 percent of the water (more than usual), doing a "better" job of siphoning up detritus from the gravel than I usually do. Then - and this was the biggest mistake - I replaced the Penguin filter too! The result is the water chemistry changed too quickly. The Nitrates spiked to a deadly level. My tank, that had been healthy for more than two years, needed to be started over after many water changes and waiting more than two months to add new fish. I visited perhaps a dozen "fish forums" and only one had a comment saying "don't change filters when you do a water change.' The Penguin filters and the box they come in carry no warnings. What I (and you) should do is simple: space your water changes and filter changes a week or two apart. Now knowing how important the "aged" filter is (especially in a tank like mine with no under gravel filter) I've started this habit: there's just enough space to get a second filter flat against the old filter. After a couple of weeks, I remove the older filter and put the newer one - by now doing some biological filtering - in its place. That way there is never a time when the tank is depending on only a new filter. For larger tanks (say 55 gal and up), the 330 or 350 Penguin pump holds two filters side by side, so the advice here is to change only one filter at a time. Hope this helps you avoid the disaster that hit my tank. Marineland Penguin 350 BIO-Wheel Power Filter Marineland Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel Power Filter Marineland Penguin Rite-Size Ready-To-Use Filter Cartridges Marineland Penguin Cartridge B 125/150B 6 Pk

Fit perfect

Sirve para para mi filtro Marineland

It fit perfectly, and was $3 less than buying from PetSmart. Just he careful when you open the package as some of the charcoal dust could spill.

Buen precio y tiempo de entrega muy rápido

Very reasonable and easy to use.