How did you stack the media? The diagram on the box shows that the water goes down through the pre filter sponges, then back up through the media to the outflow. So, to me, the placement of the biological media on the bottom of the stack seems wrong.
That's the way it comes and I guess the way they recommend it but I agree that it's backwards. A lot of people switch them around and I plan to do the same.
I don't have any sumps. I think they probably are the best filters overall however they are less efficient when it comes to space and harder to clean. I like being able to pick up a canister filter and take it to a sink and clean it. That's not impossible with a sump, especially if it has removable compartments, but just more difficult. Now if I just had one tank then I would do a huge tank with a huge sump and just change the filter sock daily. Canister, HOB, and sponge filters just work better with my setup.
I do think it does more than my fluvals. My guess is that it has to do with the prefilter. You're basically blocking the water from flowing freely through the main chamber which probably causes that extra air to get sucked in especially when it's clogged. I like the prefilter but that may be a drawback. When I hear it a lot I know it's time for me to clean out the prefilter.
How did you stack the media? The diagram on the box shows that the water goes down through the pre filter sponges, then back up through the media to the outflow. So, to me, the placement of the biological media on the bottom of the stack seems wrong.
That's the way it comes and I guess the way they recommend it but I agree that it's backwards. A lot of people switch them around and I plan to do the same.
Good review. Do you run any sumps and if you do or do not will you explain why? I've been thinking about getting a sump. Thanks for sharing
I don't have any sumps. I think they probably are the best filters overall however they are less efficient when it comes to space and harder to clean. I like being able to pick up a canister filter and take it to a sink and clean it. That's not impossible with a sump, especially if it has removable compartments, but just more difficult. Now if I just had one tank then I would do a huge tank with a huge sump and just change the filter sock daily. Canister, HOB, and sponge filters just work better with my setup.
Does it burp a lot after running it?
I do think it does more than my fluvals. My guess is that it has to do with the prefilter. You're basically blocking the water from flowing freely through the main chamber which probably causes that extra air to get sucked in especially when it's clogged. I like the prefilter but that may be a drawback. When I hear it a lot I know it's time for me to clean out the prefilter.