Marineland recently released the Pro version of the Penguin Power Filter. So, how does the new hang-on back filter compare against the regular version?
You can find out in this versus guide at Aquarium Blueprints.
Quick Summary
The Penguin Pro is superior to the Penguin in just about every way possible. The newer Pro models have a faster flow rate, which can also be adjusted via a dial (a feature not in the regular models). The Pro filters also come with an extra media basket, hinged top (for easier access), more customizable intake extension and submerged pump (for quieter operation).
Comparison Charts
Penguin 100 vs. Penguin Pro 125
| Marineland Penguin 100 Power Filter | Marineland Penguin Pro 125 Power Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 5.5" x 8" | 8" x 6" x 7.75" |
| Aquarium Type | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater |
| Supported Aquarium Size | Up to 20 gallons | Up to 20 gallons |
| Rite-Size Filter Cartridge | A | B |
| Water Flow | 100 gallons per hour | 125 gallons per hour |
| Included Filtration Types | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel |
| Optional Filter Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media Penguin Micron Filter |
| Hinged Lid Top? | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Flow Dial? | No | Yes |
| Intake Extender? | Non-adjustable extension tube | Adjustable, telescopic extension tube |
| Mid-Level Intake Strainer? | Yes | Yes |
| Submerged Pump? | No | Yes |
| Extra Media Basket? | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
Penguin 150 vs. Penguin Pro 175
| Marineland Penguin 150 Power Filter | Marineland Penguin Pro 175 Power Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.2" x 6" x 7.4" | 8" x 6" x 8" |
| Aquarium Type | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater |
| Supported Aquarium Size | Up to 30 gallons | Up to 30 gallons |
| Rite-Size Filter Cartridge | B | B |
| Water Flow | 150 gallons per hour | 175 gallons per hour |
| Included Filtration Types | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel |
| Optional Filter Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media Penguin Micron Filter |
| Hinged Lid Top? | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Flow Dial? | No | Yes |
| Intake Extender? | Non-adjustable extension tube | Adjustable, telescopic extension tube |
| Mid-Level Intake Strainer? | Yes | Yes |
| Submerged Pump? | No | Yes |
| Extra Media Basket? | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
Penguin 200 vs. Penguin Pro 275
| Marineland Penguin 200 Power Filter | Marineland Penguin Pro 275 Power Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5" x 6.2" x 8" | 9.75" x 6.125" x 8.375" |
| Aquarium Type | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater |
| Supported Aquarium Size | Up to 50 gallons | Up to 50 gallons |
| Rite-Size Filter Cartridge | C | C |
| Water Flow | 200 gallons per hour | 275 gallons per hour |
| Included Filtration Types | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel |
| Optional Filter Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media Penguin Micron Filter |
| Hinged Lid Top? | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Flow Dial? | No | Yes |
| Intake Extender? | Non-adjustable extension tube | Adjustable, telescopic extension tube |
| Mid-Level Intake Strainer? | Yes | Yes |
| Submerged Pump? | No | Yes |
| Extra Media Basket? | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
Penguin 350 vs. Penguin Pro 375
| Marineland Penguin 350 Power Filter | Marineland Penguin Pro 375 Power Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.2" x 6.1" x 8" | 15.625" x 7.375" x 10.875" |
| Aquarium Type | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater | Brackish Water Freshwater Saltwater |
| Supported Aquarium Size | Up to 75 gallons | Up to 75 gallons |
| Rite-Size Filter Cartridge | C | C |
| Water Flow | 350 gallons per hour | 375 gallons per hour |
| Included Filtration Types | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel | Penguin Power Filter Cartridge BIO-Wheel |
| Optional Filter Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media | 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Ammonia Reducing Resin Black Diamond Carbon Ceramic Rings K2 Biological Media Penguin Micron Filter |
| Hinged Lid Top? | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Flow Dial? | No | Yes |
| Intake Extender? | Non-adjustable extension tube | Adjustable, telescopic extension tube |
| Mid-Level Intake Strainer? | Yes | Yes |
| Submerged Pump? | No | Yes |
| Extra Media Basket? | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
Models
The Marineland Penguin Power Filter comes in five different models while the Marineland Penguin Power Filter comes in four different models. You can find a list of the models for both versions below.
- Marineland Penguin 75 Power Filter (PF0075B)
- Marineland Penguin 100 Power Filter (PF0100B)
- Marineland Penguin 150 Power Filter (PF0150B)
- Marineland Penguin 200 Power Filter (PF0200B)
- Marineland Penguin 350 Power Filter (PF0350B)
- Marineland Penguin Pro 125 Power Filter (AQ-78178)
- Marineland Penguin Pro 175 Power Filter (AQ-78179)
- Marineland Penguin Pro 275 Power Filter (AQ-78180)
- Marineland Penguin Pro 375 Power Filter (AQ-78181)
Dimensions
The Penguin Pro is slightly bigger than the Penguin when you compare the equivalent models (Penguin 100 versus Penguin Pro 125, Penguin 150 versus Penguin Pro 175, Penguin 200 versus Penguin Pro 275 and Penguin 350 versus Penguin Pro 375). You can find the exact measurements below:
- Penguin 75: 5.3″ x 5″ x 7.6″
- Penguin 100: 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 8″
- Penguin 150: 8.2″ x 6″ x 7.4″
- Penguin 200: 9.5″ x 6.2″ x 8″
- Penguin 350: 15.2″ x 6.1″ x 8″
- Penguin Pro 125: 8″ x 6″ x 7.75″
- Penguin Pro 175: 8″ x 6″ x 8″
- Penguin Pro 275: 9.75″ x 6.125″ x 8.375″
- Penguin Pro 375: 15.625″ x 7.375″ x 10.875″
Aquarium Type
Both the older and newer versions of the Marineland hang on back filters can be used in freshwater, saltwater as well as brackish water fish tanks.
Supported Aquarium Size
The Pro version does not have the equivalent of the Penguin 75. With that said, the Penguin Pro 125 should work well with fish tanks at 10 gallons or under since you can adjust the water flow. You can take a look at the supported aquarium size for each model below.
- Penguin 75: Up to 10 gallons
- Penguin 100: Up to 20 gallons
- Penguin 150: Up to 30 gallons
- Penguin 200: Up to 50 gallons
- Penguin 350: Up to 75 gallons
- Penguin Pro 125: Up to 20 gallons
- Penguin Pro 175: Up to 30 gallons
- Penguin Pro 275: Up to 50 gallons
- Penguin Pro 375: Up to 75 gallons
Rite-Size Filter Cartridge
The only difference, when it comes to cartridge size, is that the Penguin 100 uses the Rite-Size A Filter Cartridge, which is smaller than the Rite-Size B Filter Cartridge used by the Penguin Pro 125. You can check out what the cartridge size used by each model below:
- Penguin 75: A
- Penguin 100: A
- Penguin 150: B
- Penguin 200: C
- Penguin 350: C
- Penguin Pro 125: B
- Penguin Pro 175: B
- Penguin Pro 275: C
- Penguin Pro 325: C
For reference, you can also take a look at the measurements of the Marineland Rite-Size Cartridge A, B and C below:
- A: 4.6″ x 4.7″
- B: 5.8″ x 4.4″
- C: 6.5″ x 5.8″
Water Flow
When it comes to water flow, the Pro version has the major advantage over the regular version.
The Penguin Pro 125 can move water 25% faster than the Penguin 100.
The Penguin Pro 175 can move water 16.67% faster than the Penguin 150.
The Penguin Pro 275 can move water 37.5% faster than the Penguin 200.
The Penguin Pro 375 can move water 7.14% faster than the Penguin 350.
You can check out the water flow specs below:
- Penguin 75 (PF0075B): 75 gallons per hour
- Penguin 100 (PF0100B): 100 gallons per hour
- Penguin 150 (PF0150B): 150 gallons per hour
- Penguin 200 (PF0200B): 200 gallons per hour
- Penguin 350 (PF0350B): 350 gallons per hour
- Penguin Pro 125 (AQ-78178): 125 gallons per hour
- Penguin Pro 175 (AQ-78179): 175 gallons per hour
- Penguin Pro 275 (AQ-78180): 270 gallons per hour
- Penguin Pro 375 (AQ-78181): 375 gallons per hour
Included Filtration Types
Both HOB filters come with all you need to get started when it comes to biological, chemical and mechanical filtrations.
Each model comes with the Penguin Power Filter Cartridge, which has poly-fiber on one side and activated carbon on the other. The fiber is designed to capture fish wastes and other particles from the water in your fish tank. The carbon is made of microscopic pores that will help get rid of odors, discolorations, heavy metals and medicine from the water.
Also included in both the Penguin and Penguin Pro power filters is the BIO-Wheel. This filter type is designed to grow beneficial bacteria that will consume ammonia and nitrites, both of which are compounds that are very toxic to your pet fish. The bio wheel setup will provide plenty of oxygen needed for the bacteria to thrive.
Optional Filter Media
The Penguin and Penguin Pro also support the most of the same optional filter media types. You can find the list of compatible products below:
- Marineland 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter
- Marineland Ammonia Reducing Resin
- Marineland Black Diamond Carbon
- Marineland Ceramic Rings
- Marineland K2 Biological Media
The Penguin Pro also supports the Marineland Micron Filter.
Hinged Lid Top
Marineland added a hinged lid top for the Penguin Pro HOB. This addition makes it easier and more convenient to clean and service the power filter as you don’t have to worry about where you have to put the top cover like you would have if you have a regular Penguin HOB.
Adjustable Flow Dial
Also exclusive to the Penguin Pro is the adjustable flow dial. This control will allow you to adjust the water flow, which is helpful if you have fish that prefer a slower current. With the regular Penguin, the flow will be at max speed at all times.
Intake Extender
Both of the Penguin power filters come with an intake extender, which will allow you to extend the intake strainer at a lower level in your fish tank. The Penguin uses an extension tube that can’t be adjusted. The Penguin uses a telescopic extension tube where you can further extend the length.
Mid-Level Intake Strainer
Both filters come with a mid-level intake strainer. This optional piece will allow your filter to suck in water at a higher water level in your fish tank.
Submerged Pump
For the Pro version, Marineland decided to relocate the pump so that it will be completely submerged below the water line during operation. As a result, the Penguin Pro is a lot quieter (as it produces less than 40 decibel in noise level) when compared to the regular Penguin.
Extra Media Basket
The Penguin Pro also comes with an extra media basket, which will hold additional filter media. This basket can also be removed and replaced with the Marineland K2 Biological Media.
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