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.
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?
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!This is hands down the best filter I have ever used. Easy to get started, quiet as a mouse, and easy to perform maintance.
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