HYDRO-SPONGE FILTER V HS950 (125GAL)

Most aquarium filters now use a motor to force water through some kind of filter pad which must be replaced at intervals. However, before there were reliably sealed electric motors, most home aquariums moved water using the "airlift" principle, in which a rising column of bubbles pulled water through the filtering material. This is an elegant and just about failsafe method. Debris in the tank cannot ever jam the external air pump which feeds the filter, and if electricity is interrupted, the filter cannot lose siphon, it simply starts bubbling again when power is restored to the air pump. Many fish love to play in the rising stream of bubbles.

Hydro Sponge filters, first marketed in the 1990's, are a more recent application of the airlift. Hydro Sponge V is intended for tanks up to 120 gallons. Made of dense, strong plastic with a weighted base which holds the sponge up away from the aquarium bottom, they dismantle easily for cleaning of the sponge. The pores within the sponge provides an enormous surface area for colonization by beneficial bacteria providing very thorough biological filtration. They can be powered by an air pump with or without an airstone (using an airstone will give finer bubbles and make less noise), or with an electric powerhead for those with larger tanks or who simply feel the need for more energetic water circulation.

It is difficult to imagine such a simple device working well. Surprisingly, they are excellent, and can be used as the only filter in the tank for many applications. I've used them on tanks sized from 10 gallons up to 75 gallons, always with good results. The local fish store where I shop has an expensive trickle filter for their dozens of tanks, and every single freshwater tank also has a Hyrdo Sponge or similar sponge filter as well. Apparantly the sponge is doing something which the trickle filter doesn't?

Maintainence is as simple as the filter. When you perform your periodic aquarium water change, (20% every week) save some of the old water in a bucket. Separate the top and bottom parts of the filter and remove the sponge from the tank. Squeeze it out in the bucket. See all the stuff which the sponge removed from the water? Reinstall the sponge and refill your tank. Go have dinner with the money you saved not purchasing replacement filter cartridges.

In sum, a clever and elegantly simple device which works very well.

I use this in my 90 gal discus tank

I have 2 of these to supplement my eheim 2028

My water is clear and the readings are perfect

I assumed these would be just a backup in the biofiltration dept.

Apparently, they do a large amount of mechanical filtration, as well.

I have one in each back corner and large amounts of debris settle back there.

Perfect for the frequent Siphoning discii :) require.

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The reason these filters are so good is that they are safe for fish fry. I have never had a baby get stuck on it. But with other filters this can happen all to easy. A great filter for baby tanks for any type of fish.

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I've used power filters for almost 40 years, and last year I replaced my Ehiem with two of these filters in a 55 gallon tank. Never again do you need an expensive filter, nor do you have to buy new pads or worry about a leak (my biggest worry with the Ehiem).

These Hydro are as good, or better than any power filter, and easier. Every few months, I rinse out the filter, and that's it! Just make sure you use tank water when cleaning filter, so you do not kill the good bacteria.

It's great for fry as well.

The only problem is that they are UGLY and take up a lot of space. I could have bought the smaller size, and I'm sure it would work just as well. I wish they would make them in green. They are so cheap, I would throw away the black ones and buy the green....

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can't really tell how well it works, when i lift the tube above the water level of the tank it doesn't seem to push water out of the tube when in theory it really should. strange.

however stuff does get stuck to it, especially at the top of the sponge so there must be suction, and it should be more than enough for the bacteria to get water movement.

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Aquatic Creations Grey Green Landscape Wall Aquarium Ornament

Such a simple idea that adds some definition to a normally flat tank bottom. Decide where you want it in your aquarium and then just move some of your gravel/sand up into the back of it, thats it. I probably could have accomplished the same thing with rocks, but this makes it much easier when cleaning the tank. Worth the $14.99.

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Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit, 2.6-Gallon

I have had this tank running for about 10 days, and it's been excellent so far for my betta. The tank is mainly the same model as the Fluval Spec 2. This new version has a different LED light fixture that hangs over the lid and is not adjustable like the Spec 2 light. The small knob that tightens the clamp doesn't turn much but doesn't affect the light's performance. The 3-stage filtration is the same, and you may need something (spoon, fish net handle) to push the pump down into the compartment, but it fits fine once it's in (make sure to adjust the flow strength the way you want it before putting the pump in to avoid having to get it out again). The only other difference from the Spec 2 is obviously a bigger living space for tank inhabitants. The capacity rating is 2.6 gallons, but I found it to hold a little more, almost 3 gallons. I was interested in the Spec 2 previously, but didn't get it for either of my bettas because it's a little too small in my opinion.

As with the Spec 2, the Spec 3 filter pump's flow is adjustable, but still way too strong. Even on the lowest setting, it's much too strong for a betta. Fortunately this is easily remedied by inserting a tiny piece(s) of filter sponge into the nozzle. You will need something very tiny to jam it in with, such as a paper clip or pin of some kind. It will take some trial and error with different sized pieces of sponge, but it's worth it once you get a flow going that doesn't bother the fish.

If you have a tropical fish, you will probably need a heater. Obviously with a betta I needed one. I actually have 2 heaters in the back compartment of the tank, an 8 watt and a 10 watt, since one of them alone wasn't enough to keep the temperature at 78F or higher, especially since the weather is cooling down where I live. Also, depending on the wattage of your heater, you may have to move it from the filtration compartment to the other side of the wall into the living space of the tank (at least for a couple hours), since the pump flow might not adequately spread the heat around the tank. This will especially be true if you stuff sponge into the pump nozzle like I did to reduce strength of the water flow. Unless it's summer or you live in a very warm climate, I would recommend at least a 10 watt heater.

This is a great looking and well-functioning tank. The only negative issues for me are the excessively strong filter flow, which is fixable, and the difficulty of tightening the light fixture, which is a minor issue since a somewhat loose light still works fine and shouldn't be a problem unless you have pets or kids running around near the tank...plus the issue may only be with my unit to begin with. I strongly recommend this tank. I will update if I experience any problems.

I purchased this tank at a local pet store since I could not have it shipped to me, but I wanted to leave a review since I spent so much time on Amazon reading reviews to help me decide.

The tank is clean and modern looking, made primarily of glass with two small aluminum "columns" to cover up the corner seams. The back wall and filtration/pump compartments are made from plastic/acrylic, but they are nice quality. Plenty of room for what's included plus additional space for a submersible heater. The lid is just thin acrylic, and while nothing special, it is easy to take on and off and may even be optional if you aren't worried about your fish jumping out. It has an ample cutout in the back to allow for the cords to exit the compartments. Overall the quality of the tank is very good compared to what is usually offered for Bettas in a chain pet store, and I think if you are serious about the hobby it is worth the money and your fish will be happy. The included light is sleek and low profile, easy to install. Not adjustable, so what you see in the advertised picture is the only height the light can be placed at. I think the LED lighting is very nice, not too harsh, and I like that it doesn't heat up like incandescent lights do.

I have had this tank set up for just two days now, and my fish must think he's been upgraded to a 5-star hotel compared to his previous tank, which was an Aqueon MiniBow 1 gallon tank. (Which IMO was awful for Betta...the filtration "system" is terrible...do not recommend.) The Fluval tank is just under 3 gallons, and as long as you don't overdo the decorations, there is plenty of room for Betta to be comfy. Set up was simple enough, though many reviewers complained that the pump is hard to place. Yes, it was tricky but it was not impossible. Just takes a bit of patience and perhaps keep your fish net handy to use the handle. Don't forget to set the pump on the lowest setting using the slider before you place it down into the compartment. Once the pump is placed there is plenty of room in the pump compartment to place a reasonably sized heater. I went with the Fluval 25W preset heater just because that was what was available for this size tank in the store. It fits nicely into the compartment, though I recommend sticking it to the black divider since it would not stay suctioned to the back acrylic wall of the tank. Once setup was complete, I plugged in the pump and was happy to find that it is in fact nearly silent. I only knew it was on because I could see the current flow. If you are right next to the tank, there is a barely audible hum, but nothing obnoxious in the least.

The pump output line has an adjustable nozzle that has a fairly decent range of movement. Many reviewers commented that the current was too strong for a Betta, and in my case, I have to agree. It is not as bad as the MiniBow current, and the fact that it is adjustable is a plus. There were lots of suggestions on how to reduce the current, and in my situation, I bought a taller plastic swordtail plant from PetCo and stuffed some of the leaves into the nozzle opening as well as arranged more leaves around to break up the current flow. This worked like a charm without having to damage the air tubing or purchase any extra items. Other suggestions included stuffing some sponge into the nozzle head or installed an in-line ball valve to the air line. With my particular 'fix', there is still a touch of surface movement but not enough to disturb my Betta or sweep all of his food into the filter before he gets a chance to eat it.

Overall I am extremely satisfied with this tank. I don't plan to add any other fish or animals in with the Betta, so the size is perfect and it has a conservative footprint. If you are considering this tank, I strongly recommend it, especially over plastic or acrylic tanks. I will try to post some pictures of my setup ASAP. I hope this helps!

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I got the white version. I wanted to set up a tank with brackish water for the little red Hawaiian shrimp. I laid the tank over on its side with the filter side down and had no trouble placing the motor in. I think for most fish that are not still water species, like an angel or a betta, the flow of the motor on the low setting will be just about right. If you want to decrease the flow some more, bore a little hole in the tube between the motor and the nozzle. This will harmlessly bleed off pressure before it reaches the nozzle. I used aquarium sealant to glue a two inch thick block of pre filter foam over the slotted filter intake. This will not be needed with most fish. The slotted intake is a good design. The little shrimp though are very tiny and could easily be sucked in, never to be seen again. The thick foam block that I added covers the slots plus a wide area around them. The intake flow seems as gentle and diffuse as an air driven foam filter. The water level in the filter is almost even with that in the tank, indicating no significant resistance to the inflow. I expect that the snails and shrimp will keep this pre filter foam pretty clean, but I can squeeze it out in place if it clogs. There is a small slot 2/3 the way down on the filter wall to let water enter a special area of the supplied filter block. I plugged it with sealer to keep tiny things from getting sucked in. I am impressed with the size of the supplied filter foam block. Properly cycled it should easily handle the light bio load that I expect to have in the tank. I have the tank heavily decorated with dead coral, barnacles, rocks, and aragonite sand. The current created by the pump can only be detected by the slight movement of the water on the surface where the nozzle is. It runs as quiet as a mouse p**ing on cotton. The lid will help with evaporation and keep most things from jumping out. The light is plenty bright to display the tank. I believe that it will be adequate to grow the hair like macro algae that I have in there. As I write this the tank is cycling with the algae and snails. It is as pretty as a picture. I would have gotten the Spec V, but my space was not long enough. I would buy this one again. It seems like a great little tank.

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I'm very pleased with this aquarium (as is Oliver), except it arrived with a crack in the base that makes it need a prop under it to be stable. It isn't visible from the outside, but it is still annoying considering I payed so much for it. I really like the aquarium though both its appearance and functionality.

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Fish & Aquatic Supplies Aquarium Divider 10 Gallon

I just got this in the mail and put it in my tank it was a breeze to install, and not unattractive. There are clear directions on the back of the box. I was a little anxious because of bad reviews, but I gave it a shot and I am happy I did! Now my Bettas are happy and healthy! If you have aggressive, injured, or baby fish, I would highly suggest this product!

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R2 Fish School Complete Fish Training Kit

Got the training kit and think it is pure genius. I have been in the professional animal training world for 35 years. I specialized in elephants and exotic animals . I learned operant conditioning at an early stage in my career and was able to use this knowledge to improve my understanding of training theories and applications in training for more humane results.

I agree with the other reviews that this kit is complete and was put together with real some real indepth thought behind it. The DVD is so easy to follow and the pieces almost self explainatory in the way they snap together.

This kit is super for parents just wanting to interact with their children. The kit would be wonderful also for teachers wanting an in classroom project. A Shrine Hospital treating kids or a day care could easily have a mascot for the children and teach the fish for fun as well as entertainment.

Where I see the real value in the R2 Fish School trainig kit is teaching adults though. I know many adults would think they are beyond a fish training kit .In my years of teaching and consulting on behavioral modification in the Zoo world I could have definately used this kit to expand peoples understanding of operant conditioning and learning theory. There seems to be a new wave of people involved in what is known as clicker training . There are some trainers even holding seminars to share these techniques. One noted expert has newcomers to the field of operant conditioniong train chickens so the students can learn the theory and application hands on in a class room. The fish could replace the chicken and is easier to house, clean and care for in many enviorments than are chickens.I know you can get more reinforcements into a chicken but each of these animals has its individual benifits to training it. Training this little fish demonstrates most of all that animals can and wil learn with out physical coercion. No bridle or bit, no choke chain or leash . Just you your intelect and the use of positive reinforcements to accomplish a wide range behaviors you never thought a fish could do.

If you want a fun productive, interactive, and worthwhile training tool this is it.It is not just for kids.

You clicker trainers out their interested in this R2 fish kit may take note. This kit does not have a clicker included .Those of you who would want to use this to teach adults could use a slight single tap on the side of the glass when pressenting a food reinforcement . This taping noise association quickly would replace the clicker as a secondary reinforcer or bridging stimulus.

Do not be surprised if you see this in the Sea World gift shops soon.

"Army" Maguire

Got mine Friday....already trained my Betta to swim through the hoop....Tunnel trick next. The DVD and manual are really easy to understand. The DVD is actually very entertaining....I'm sure my Betta won't be as successful as Comet but we'll give it a shot! The parts are very well made and well engineered. I recommend this product to any fish lover...its also great for kids educational & fun. My son can't wait to participate in our nightly training sessions!

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R2 Fish School

I purchased the R2 Fish School to explore the possibility of Animal Assisted Therapy. With the advancement of microcontrollers and sensors it'll be possible to setup a tank that is interactive and gives feedback.

I've gone through a two year program that teaches you how to train your own assistance dog. Shane and I graduated four years ago and I use operant conditioning to improve upon current skills or teach new ones that we need.

I think the greatest benefit of the R2 Fish School kit is that it removes barriers of learning positive reinforcement that happens when you try to train a dog.

* Even though 90% of our dog's communication is through body language, we assume they understand full sentences, and get frustrated when they don't. We don't expect that with fish.

* We expect that dogs have the same learning curve as us, and get frustrated that it's ten times greater or that they'll chain together behaviors quicker. We don't expect that of fish.

* It's easy to get physical with the dog to put him in the right position. Can't do that with fish.

* The hardest thing for people to grasp about operant conditioning is that the animal is the operator, you are the vending machine. When the animal deposits the right change (behavior), you dispense the treat. You're forced to do that with fish.

If you want to become a better dog trainer, fish will help you get the techniques of operant conditioning faster. In my mind the cost of starting for scratch with a brand new tank, fish and R2 Fish School will save you a lot of frustration.

As other reviewers have pointed out there is a lot of value in the R2 Fish kit.

* 45 minute DVD that shows you the training techniques. Father and son Dean and Kyle Pmerleau developed the kit and Dean leads you through the process of using the kit and training the behaviors. Kyle provides comic relief to breakup the segments.

* 32 page booklet on how to use and assemble the equipment.

* Large Fish School Platform with holes to plug in the equipment

* Compact Weighted base

* Feeding Wand

* Feeding Wand extension

* Five 4.5 inch post

* One 6.5 inch post

* Two 5 inch Uprights with holes to create a goal post or limbo bar

* Cross bar for the upright post

* Expansion hoop connector & tubing so that you can create a variable size hoop for your fish to swim through

* 3 inch sheet of plastic to construct a tunnel

* 5 inch sheet of plastic to construct a tunnel

* Tunnel mount

* Two 1.5 inch tunnel straps

* Two 2.5 inch tunnel straps

* Retrieval & placement tool with a hook

* Retrieval & placement tool with a net

* Three different size soccer balls for your fish to push into the goal

* Soccer goal

* Soccer Goal Post Clips to help guide the ball into the net

* Football designed so that your fish can pick it up.

* Three different size fetch rings for your fish to retrieve

* Slalom Adapter

* Basketball that floats on the surface so that your fish can make a basket

* Basketball hoop with suction cup so that the hoop can be placed near the surface for the basket ball.

A lot of thought went into this kit. An example is the goal post clips that guide the soccer ball into the net. Without them the soccer ball could become trapped between the goal post and the training platform walls. It's important that you plan your training session so that the animal doesn't get frustrated. The goal post clips are an example of this technique.

I had known for a few years that it was possible to train fish, but had never taken the time to do it. Dean & Kyle took the time and a lot of thought and care went into the design of this kit. Operant conditioning isn't a way to control your pet, but a way of communicating.

My assistance dog Shane was considered un-adoptable by both the humane society and the Labrador rescue group. Everyone who adopted him found him to be too wild and demanding. But he passed his temperament test for the assistance dog school, he was given to me by the Labrador rescue foundation and I was told I couldn't give him back.

Operant conditioning saved his life and improved mine. I know from experience that if I had this kit back then it would have helped me get the training techniques faster.

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I just received my R2 Fish School Training Kit and I just LOVE it! These folks have thought of *everything* retrieval tools, feeding wand, various hoops and tunnels and fetch rings too! The items are all made with really nice sturdy quality. I think this is a really nice set up for those of us learning to train a fish. Thank you, R2 Fish School!

Helix Fairweather Clicker Expo Faculty, Karen Pryor Academy Faculty

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I was given a goldfish from the fair a few months ago, and decided to try out the kit. It is amazing how quickly he learned and actually being able to interact with a fish. This kit got me so impassioned about the little guy that he now has a huge well maintained pen, four tank mates, and a much more engaged and responsible fish owner. All four of the goldfish (one is a black moor) do tricks now and through teaching the tricks I have learned about each of their "personalities". I am leaving the community tank behind for college, but I may buy a cichlid or bring one of the fantails with so I can have a real college pet and because the trained fish really are a hit with my friends.

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Aussie Aquariums - Wall Mounted Plasma Fish Tank - Mini

I purchased this item as a bathroom decoration. Having had MANY aquariums I knew it was not the ideal tank. Definitely not a beginner or goldfish tank.

The quality of the aquarium is superb. It comes with a net, pump filter, great flourecent lighting canopy,Cleaning Siphon, lid, and reach pile for adding plants & decorations. My hand fits easily into the tank, so cleaning won't be a real issue. I'll remove the fish & decorations, stir the rocks at the botton & siphon out 20% of the water and debris.Replace with fresh decholrinated water, add decorations & then fish once everything has settled down. A papertowel will wipe the glass clean, or a razor blade can remove the algae (if necessary) since the tank is real glass. Just be careful not to kick the adhesive & spring a leak!

The ideal fishes for this type of aquarium would be guppies. A betta, mollies or swordtails. Perhaps a Zebra Danio or Tetra if you add a tiny heater.Place away from areas that will get direct light from the sun or heat from the heater/air from the AC. Fish don't like temp fluxuations!

Enjoy your tank. I was VERY suprised by the superb quality. I think my male betta will be more than happy in his planted tank in my spa bathroom.

This and any other aquariums with the same design fail to tell customers that for a fish to be healthy, the tank it's in has to have a wide surface area. What's wide about a 3 inch by 20 inch surface area?

The fish also have no room to turn around. Most fish will grow larger than the few inches this tank allows.

You can't fit a siphon in it, which means you can't remove the poop from the tank, which means the built-up ammonia will kill your fish in a short amount of time.

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This and any other aquariums with the same design fail to tell customers that for a fish to be healthy, the tank it's in has to have a wide surface area. What's wide about a 3 inch by 20 inch surface area?

The fish also have no room to turn around. Most fish will grow larger than the few inches this tank allows.

You can't fit a siphon in it, which means you can't remove the poop from the tank, which means the built-up ammonia will kill your fish in a short amount of time.

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Coralife 01691 Power Center Dual Day Night Timer

Purchased in January. It is now April and one of the timers does not switch anymore. Even when you try the manual override. Verdict is out though as I have just tried to contact the store where I purchased to see about an exchange. But when it is working it is the best way to control the metal halides/actnic/and moonlights.

This is a great dual timer for the aquarium if you use daylights, actinic lights and moonlights. One timer controls 3 outlets for daylights. The other timer controls 4 outlets but only 2 at a time. Two are for actinic lights and when they go off the other two (moonlight) outlets are active. The strip has one outlet that is always on.

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Does an excellent job running my lights and I don't have to remember to come back to turn on or off the lights. Takes away the need for multiple timers

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The Aqualight certainly does what I need it to do. It has saved me from using separate timers for each plug and made things much neater for me. The only issue just now becoming a problem, is one of the timers is not clicking over to turn off my Actinic lights and switching over to the moon lights. But certainly a good buy.

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Opened the box, read the directions for a change and it was up and running in no more than 15 minutes. Operating 3 different light types just like I wanted.

I'd buy another one if I needed it.

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Jardin Landscaping Resin Barrel Design Ornament for Aquarium, Brown/Green

A great new piece for any fish tank, a couple of these barrels along a pirate ship looks really sharp.

This company's products are outstanding, just what you are looking for!

Unfortunately my fish died right before I received this product, so I requested to return it, though I was devastated I could no longer use it in my fish tank. They were more than helpful in giving me the help and information I needed.

Whatever product you are looking into, I would definitely suggest this company.

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Zilla 11577 Terrarium Hygrometer Digital Thermometer

The temperature is accurate compared to other thermometers. The hygrometer, however, reports a humidity that is almost 20% less than other analog hygrometers. I've tested several different types, and all of them agree on the humidity with the exception of this product. I wouldn't recommend it.

Works really well. The only thing that I have an issue with is the stand that it has. It is very flimsy and knocks over easily.

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I love this item, it is so easy to use and seems really accurate. I especially like the suction cups given that my ball python at one point ripped the classic stick-to-the-tank meters off and got one stuck to his face really badly, which was sad and scary. My only issue with this device is that it died on me after about a month and a half. I think it takes watch batteries, I'm going to buy a pack so I can keep this working and my little Zorro happy :)

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Wow! I have one word for this product JUNK. Right out of the box the stand that came with it was broken. I still have not been able to get an accurate reading from it. It's battery operated with three watch battery's Also it jumps from F. to C. analog was the way to go for me.

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I was using a cheaper model originally. I had expanded my family so decided to get this one instead. Its way more accurate, and way easier to see. I would definitely recommend this especially for the price.

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SeaClear Deluxe Hexagon Aquarium Combo

I wanted a tank that was space efficiant and looked better than a regular square tank. This one is acrylic and has no seams i ordered the 20 gallon from Petco online since shipping was free. Beautiful view with fish in it. You will need to be mindful it doesn't have a top it's one unit so your ornaments and rocks will have to between i believe 5-6 inches wide. It comes with a hood but only downfall is no light. Petsmart has them and it was a 12" light. Overall very happy with this tank and fits nicely in the corner on an end table so i didn't have to buy special furniture for it to be on.

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Marina Sunken Galleon Ornament

The marina sunken galleon ornament fits my take perfect, I have a marineland eclipse 12 gallon aquarium. It is small so it doesn't take up to much space, It looks like a real sunken ship. The color looks like it has been in the water for years, My little neon tetra fish love hiding in it. 5 star for a great looking ornament, great fit for a small tank.

When it said the the ship was large, I was expecting it to be bigger than it really is. I know that they have a small ship so I would be curious to see what that one looks like because I swear I have it. It was a nice additon to my tank I just wish it was bigger.

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The ship is much smaller than i expcected. The picture mislead me to believe that my fish could travel through the window and perhaps explore the tiny vessel. Other than that, its a very cute and detail piece of merchandise.

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very cute just what i was looking for. fits just right in the aquarium, looks like it belongs where it is..

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although it says large, it's not. Would work for very small tank. It's not sturdy made, the mast was broken when i received it.

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Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter

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.

I have been running the Marineland C-220 for about 16 months on a 30 gallon saltwater aquarium.

In general, this filter has had good flow, and been quiet and good filtration capability. With a monthly cleaning and replacement of media, water has been consistently clear and tested within acceptable parameters. Replacement media is a bit expensive in local stores, but can be had for much less online. Some items, such as foam pads and polishing pads, are easily cleaned for reuse.

However, after one year of use, this filter began developing problems. First, the leaks developed. Leaks where the hoses attach to the valve block assembly, where the block assembly connects to the motor head, in the valve block shut off valve and even the main seal where the motor head clamps onto the canister. All the o-rings and seals appear to be fine and clean, but they will still sporadically develop leaks.

The impeller has also had sporadic problems with chattering and changes in flow, even when the unit is properly primed and all air is evacuated.

Last night, during a routine water change, all the problems converged in a single grand failure. The impeller failed and is now chattering loudly and no longer pumping. The primer seems to have lost its ability to pump. And, the canister is leaking from all four areas mentioned above at the same time.

My question today is do I spend the $50-$60 dollars for a new impeller, o-rings and valve block, or simply start over.

Buy Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Now

I purchased this filter around 6 years ago (I can't remember exactly when). The main reason was, the filter I had before that was the Magnum H.O.T. back-of-the-tank power filter. That one was good, but with the limited space behind the tank (just try and move the tank with gravel, water, etc), it scratched the wall. The first one died a little over a year later, when the impeller broke. Like others have said, since replacement parts have to be sent, I just bought a new one. That one is still in use today (around 5 years). Over the last 5 years, I found one issue everyone should be prepared for: the hoses at the pump have a tendency to separate from the nozzles. The best way to prevent it is to inspect the hoses. When it starts to pull away from the nozzle, chop about 0.5" off and reinstall. Cleaning is usual dirty work, each filter media has suggested replacement timeframes. A newest issue I am dealing with is the gasket/o-rings.

So, because most stores don't stock replacement parts, you might want to buy (1) replacement impeller and (2) replacement O-Rings/Gaskets. Another idea is to buy replacement filter media. Those may add $30 to your bill, but you're prepared!

So, I HIGHLY recommend it, as long as you buy replacement parts ahead of time. It has kept my tank clean and healthy for the last 6 years!

Read Best Reviews of Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Here

Pro's:

-Quiet

-Self priming (after the hose is initially filled)

-Good flow rate

-No leaks, no mess when removing hose block

Con's:

-Flimsy (I'm returning it before it breaks)

-Prime pump is very stiff doesn't work well (didn't need to use it though)

-To complicated/to many seals--every basket has a seal that needs to be in place

I've had the fluval 304 and the Eheim Ecco. After fixing the Eheim for the 3rd time I decided to give up on that piece of junk and get something more durable. I looked at the new fluval and didn't like the design so I bought this filter and used it for a week but will be returning it due to the cons discussed above. I looked at the Rena and this seems like the best design (more durable, simpler design, fewer parts) so I'll try that one next. It also has better reviews though I am concerned with the leakage comments.

From what I know I would rank filters in the following order

1. Rena

2. Marineland

3. Fluval

4. Eheim

Want Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Discount?

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