Tell us about what equipment you use. Filters,heaters,power heads,etc. Give the pros and cons and how long you have had the equipment up and running. Recommendations are welcome.

I'll start with a couple of filters I use. I have Penguin marineland filters on two of my tanks, I also have Whispers (which are my oldest models) as well as Aquaclears.

I like my penguin filters because of the low maintnance they provide. I keep some sponges and floss in thre but with the bio wheel I dont have to clean a lot of media. The only thing I don't like about them is the impellers are touchy and getting them to start back up is a pain sometimes. Overall a good filter.

My Aquaclears are great I like these the most and they can hold a crap load of media which is great for my overstocked community and my Cichlid tanks. I would recommend this filter to anyone.

My whispers have been up and running for over 6 years with no problems what so ever. They dont have a lot of room for media choice but are very durable and reliable.

I also like canisters I have only ever used Renas I have an xp2 and xp3 they haven't given me any problems and are very easy to use and clean with excellent media capacity.

With all the new technology coming out it is hard to keep up. I wanted to add Visitherm Stealth heaters to the list of excellent products!

I agree that the Whisper is very reliable as I've had mine for ages.I have a large Cascade, underwater filter in my bigger tank,only complaint is I have a hard time taking it apart, but I think it's due to my small hands. And I also have a smaller Cascade in my 10 gallon, and it keeps it crystal clear.

Filters:

I like to use the Emperor series HOB filters on my tanks. They are very reliable IME. I run a 400 & a 280 on my 75 gal and just got another 280 for my 29gal. I also have a Penguin Mini on my 10gal which has been running a little over 3yrs no problems.

I have a sponge filter running on my fry tank with an azoo air pump. This filter I could do without. The sponge filter is fine but the air pump is a little loud. I may switch out the air pump for a powerhead somewhere down the road. Not top priority because the pump is in the basement.

Heaters:

The only 2 types I have used are the Jager and Marineland Visitherm Stealth. Both are equally good IMO at maintaining temps. I have been buying the stealths lately because there is no glass and I like the black.