Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I know its a bit premature to write a complete review, but I'd like to set the record straight with regards to set up, and address the concerns of the one-star reviewer (David).
I found the filter a breeze to set up. My only concern is the instructions, but I'll address that below.
A few notes about my situation:
-relatively new to aquarium keeping - set up first pond (small - 75 gallons) this spring.
-purchased new 33 gallon aquarium to house pond fish for winter
-2x3" goldfish, 1 dojo loach
-had previously constructed a home-made filter for the pond, which was the bees knees!
When I purchased the aquarium, I bought a 30 gallon Aqua-Clear (Hang-on type) filter to go with it. I didn't even open the box before deciding it might not be the best filter for my set-up. So, I took it back.
After a bit of research, I decided on another hang-on power filter - the Marineland Penguin BIO-Wheel 200. I was thinking that more filtration is better, and thus selected the 200 model.
I actually opened the box on this one, and discovered that my tank would have to be approx. 3.5" away from the wall in order for it to sit level. I didn't want the ugly thing on the front of my tank, nor could I put it on the side as my light bar did not allow enough space. I wasn't comfortable having my tank that far from the wall, so I packed it back up and returned it to the store.
After doing even more research (clearly I hadn't done enough of it by this point), I decided that a canister would meet my needs to a T. Generally speaking, they clean more and clean better, and would allow my tank to fit closer to the wall. With chemical, biological and mechanical filtering a canister seemed the way to go.
So, which one to choose?
We researched many, many, many canisters. We spent hours discussing the pros and cons of each brand, each review, each reviewer's setup (compared to ours), costs, tube size, filter media - in short, we dissected each contender until we'd narrowed it down to two. The Marineland C-Series 220 and the Eheim Ecco.
In the end, cost and availability of replacement media were the deciding factors. We went with the Marineland.
I purchased Marineland C-Series 220 from my LFS for $135 CAD, and set it up in a brand-new 33 gallon tank. Although the filter is rated for a 50 gallon, I'd like to over-do it with the filtration.
The instructions were simple enough to follow, although I would recommend doing your online research on the set up of this unit, just to familiarize yourself with the process (esp. if you are brand-new, like me). I was initially a little leary with the Marineland, as I had read somewhere that contrary to its box-label, it didn't actually self-fill. But, I bought it anyways. See below for additional info on this!
This canister comes with everything you need to get going - all the tubes, fittings and filter media. Please ensure that your LFS sells the replacement media you need, BEFORE you buy the canister. As Dave pointed out, what good is an excellent canister, if you can't buy more stuff when its time to replace the media?
The tubes fit snuggly with no leakage, using the compression fittings already attached to the valve block. Familiarize yourself with the way the valve block works - this will assure you that it will NOT leak when you have to remove it for maintenance.
The valve block has two tabs used to disengage it from the motor head. The first tab is actually a ball-valve, which lifts and cuts the water to/from the tubes. The second tab rotates, and is the mechanism which locks the valve block to the rest of the canister. The first tab will fold over the second to ensure that it is not accidentally unlocked.
This model has five filtering layers. They are as follows, from bottom to top (the direction the water is forced through): filter foam, carbon bags, BIO-filter balls, ceramic rings, filter floss.
Rinse your media filter, as per the directions. This model has 5 layers of media to keep your tank sparkling clean, and all the trays lift out easily for maintenance. The trays inside simply stack in order.
The one thing I'd like to point out to Marineland, is that their instructions do not indicate which port is the intake, and which is the outlet.
After getting everything situated and hooked up I thought, well... how much difference is it really going to make if I mix them up?
It makes a lot of difference, actually!
I'm not an engineer, but you need to make sure that the intake tube and strainer is on the intake tube, and the outlet tube and diffuser is on the outlet tube. Otherwise, you could press the primer button till your fingers fell off, and your canister won't fill.
It may tease you by partially filling. It may tease you by completely filling. It may tease you by dribbling a bit of water down into the canister body. Don't be fooled. It doesn't work.
The outlet is on the left, and the intake is on the right, when the canister is facing you.
Switching the strainer and diffuser, I depressed the quick-prime button two more times, and VOILA! The machine gurgled to life, started sucking back the water, and chugged happily away!
It's that easy.
I'm serious.
The motor is super quiet - I have my aquarium in the living room on a buffet-style side table. The canister is simply sitting underneath, in the cabinet. I'm currently sitting approx. 15 feet away, and I can't hear it.
Below are the intstructions, in case you want to see what I'm talking about.
Looks complicated - but don't be fooled. If you've got an iota of brains, you'll be on your way in no time.
[...]
Stay tuned for an actual performance review.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter
Product Description:
Virtually No Bypass
Certified flow rate of 220GPH
Perfect for all aquariums up to 55 gallons
Uses Rite Size "S" floss and foam
The revolutionary design of the new Marineland Multi-Stage C-Series Canister Filter forces water to pass through the filter media trays and not around them. With virtually no bypass and a three-stage filtration process, only sparkling-clean water can recirculate into you tank - regardless of size or type of aquarium.
The key to this process is our special internal design and three-stage approach that passes the water through a series of specialized filter media. Its a design that delivers the best available technology in mechanical, chemical and biological filtration and its a design that is unmatched for capturing particulates.
Want to read more honest consumer review about Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter now ?
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