( 3 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 11 2009
I'm using this filter in a 35 gallon show-tank with a fairly large turtle, and it is hands down the best over-the-side style filter that I have come across. My old filter Tetra Whisper EX45 Filtration System wasn't cutting it so I replaced it with this one. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! For starters, the Marineland filter is much larger and the filters cartridges are much larger as well. The uptake tube is roughly twice as large and comes with an extension that allows it to draw water from near the bottom of my tank, where all the gunk is at. The previous Tetra filter could only get about half-way down. The next improvement is the addition of a media tray which lets me put in more activated carbon or zeolite, or whatever depending on my needs. From my experience, this means that I don't need to change filters as frequently and I can have custom filtration right out of the box. With the Tetra filter, you can put in a biobag Whisper Bio-Bag Cartridge - Large - 12 pk. - Unassembled but I find the Marineland system more robust. From more quantitative testing, I've found that the ammonia levels have stayed consistently low with this filter. With my old filter, ammonia levels were all over the place and it felt like I was declaring chemical war. This unit is also pretty quiet and it hasn't had an impeller problems. I do find though, that you really need to prime it (fill it with water) before turning it on, otherwise you'll hear grinding sounds and it will take a long time for the water to start flowing, if at all. At the price point, I don't think there's a better widely available filter than this.
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Posted: Jun 18 2009
This is a well-regarded filter (as well as the 400 model) and as a new user I can see why - construction is not cheesy and it's powerful - in my case too much so, at one end of a rectangular 55-gallon tank the outflow blows across the tank, and as it hits the glass causes a downward current that my mixed group of danios, pearl gouramis, platies, and especially the neons seem to dislike. Poor little neons wouldn't even venture to that side of the tank, the others are unfazed but don't seem to care for it. Ridiculously there is no flow adjustment so I have to see if I can deliberately clog the intake to slow it down. Can't believe this is for up to a 50 gallon tank - can't imagine this in a 20-gallon. Would recommend, but only for fish big and strong enough (or from fast-flow habitats) like danios. Don't think bettas or specialty goldfish would care for it either. Definitely a strong pump though.
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Posted: Jun 12 2009
Very dependable, well constructed, great filtration system. Highly recommended. Easy to clean, efficient, powerful. Have owned 2 of these, cracked one (no fault of the equipment). FYI: Don't waste your money on the less expensive generic replacement cartridges; the quantity of carbon is minimal, filter pad leaves a LOT to be desired. Construct your own with uncut filtration pad and your choice of media in a bag. Saves a lot of $, pads are reusable and can be cleaned as often as needed.
