New Filter?

[Jgress]

I have a 30 gallon tank with a red devil cichlid. The water is constantly hazy and algae growth is out of control. I have a Penguin Bio-wheel 330 filter but it is about 7 years old. My question is should I get a new filter and if so, what is the best kind for the fish and tank and the problems I have?

[Russell Coight]

Definitely get a new filter!! Poor bugger's sitting there in all his own muck and can't escape!! Until the problem is solved suggest a 25% or less water change every 3 days or so and, if you have an air-pump, turn it up and give the poor bas*ard a little extra to breathe.

As for type though, I'm afraid I can't be much help, except to suggest that you go out and about to all the local and not-so-local stores you can find, ask questions, look at what's about, see what they're using and then make an educated decision based on this new knowledge. Visit at least 4 or 5 shops, ask the same (pre-prepared) questions each time and fully evaluate all the answers! Bring the answers back to these forums for advice too if needs be, but certainly check through any sites you can find to verify any queries you have.

One problem I've found though in doing this is that some staff are happy to treat you like a mushroom (keep you in the dark and feed you bul*sh*t) if they feel you're not a "real" customer who's going to spend up big or, in the case of mostly young and inexperienced staff, may simply give you wrong or bad advice, often 'coz they don't want to admit they don't know.

Hope all goes well!!

By the way... 7 years from one filter is a blo*dy long time!! You definitely got your money's worth from that one!! Hope the next one serves just as well.