Penguin 150B- some questions

[turtlefish]

I have some questions about the new penguin series, just set my 150B up today. I used a 150B on my 10 gallon, just for some extra filtration and my catfish love fast moving water. After I got it home i realized that the intake assembly with the mid-level adjustable thing (thought it was pretty nifty) would not fit. The tank was too shallow and the whole thing was too long. I took off the extension and mid-level adjustment, jsut put the strainer right onto the intake U tube. i wish I could have fit the mid adjust thing on but it just doesnt fit on without the long extension. Now the intake with strainer is about mid tank level, this should be fine right? It shouldn't affect performance right?
Also, about the filter cartridge. It came with one and after sliding it in its fit is not perfect. It can wiggle out easily and doesnt fit exactly in, seems to be loose room on the sides. Is this normal?
Mine actually has another slot for another cartridge, after doing alot of research before buying, i never came across this, does everyone else have this slot? Instead of filling it with another marineland one im thinking about sliding a sponge in front, for coarse mechanical then the marineland cartridge.

Thanks

 

[exhumed07]

I got the same filter as u and I have to say it works just fine in my 20 gal. the tank is long but the same height as a 10. I just pushed the 2 tubes as hard as I could into the adjusment housing but I don't know how well it works now since the tube covers half the holes. one thing u might try is to use a razor and cut about an inch or so off the end of one of the tubes. that might work. come to think of it why didn't I think of it at the time? lol

 

[turtlefish]

Hmm, very nice idea! tahnks alot.
BTW, did you find that your cartridge fit perfectly or a little wigly like mine?

 

[exhumed07]

mine did just fine.

 

[exhumed07]

u are using the B cartridge right?

 

[turtlefish]

Yep, the one it came with. I'll try to make myself more clear: it fits well, you can tell its the right size BUT its just not a PERFECT exact slide right in, it can wobble and sort of tilt. Can't be a big flaw with the filter, the plastic sides can't be shaped any differently. maybe these old Penguin cartridges just don't fit exactly tight in the new ones.
BTW, they say replace if the wheel is damaged. Damaged defined as what? After I picked it up today, since the pleats were making excessive crinkly noises I felt the paper type pleats crinkle in my grip, so I thought maybe I damaged it?
Or does damage mean a pleat smashed, smooshed, cut etc.
Its still rotating fine, so does that mean its working fine?

 

[exhumed07]

The pleats are fine as long as they have no visible damage. they don't soke up water at first. took mine bout 2 days to soke up water. I clean the whole filter system every time I change the filter. I take the bio wheel and let it sit in the water as I clean the filter. that way it don't dry out. but I checked my filter and it wobbles just a lil bit but my water is nice and clear so it seems to be working.

 

[turtlefish]

Yea, filter seems fine. At this point Im really concerned with my lighting hood, thats supposed to be brand new. I got it from petsmart, yet the bulb has lettering that looks faded (came with the hood) and has some yellowish stuff on the end??!??!
Then, the ballast makes an audible hum whenver its on, no idea if this is normal or not.