GK> I FEEL THAT A SNAIL WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO MY TANK.  THANKS FOR 
HE
 GK> IDEA.  WHY THE DIFFERENT FILTER?
I've just never felt that the ones that come with the tanks are near as 
effective.  The reason I like the penguin is that it cycles the water very 
powerfully, and it comes with a Bio-Wheel.  The Bio-Wheel is a little do-dad 
that the water flows through on it's way back inot the tank.  This promotes 
the growth of friendly bacteria in yoru tank, thus adding an extra means of 
filtration.  The undergravels are nice because they work from below the tank 
floor.  It enhances the growth of friendly bacteria in the gravel, that feed 
on the waste produced by the fish.  Another helpful filtration item is live 
plants, but I wouldn't mess with those until you have a little more xperience 
with the tank.  They can be very frustrating.  And don't put snails and 
plants in the same tank!
Robby
--- Maximus 3.01
---------------