After researching a number of different filters for my 20-gallon gourami tank, I decided to give this one a try. It is designed with function in mind, including an adequate system of bio-filtration and flow control. Flow control, though simple in design, is a nice feature to have that is sadly lacking on many HOB filters. This feature was important to me as gouramis are labyrinth fish who prefer slow-moving water, and I wanted the ability to adjust the flow, if necessary.
One reason I hesitated to invest in this filter is that, although the filter itself is very reasonably priced, the replacement filter cartridges are somewhat expensive. Fortunately, the size of the intake tube is just right to use one of these pre-filters: Pre-Filter Sponge 3 Pack for Fluval Edge Aquarium This increases the biological filtration even more while filtering small particles before they ever enter the filter itself. I simply rinse the pre-filter in aquarium water ever two weeks or so and replace the filter cartridge once a month, since activated carbon expires monthly. Rinsing the pre-filter is an easy step, since this has an extendable intake tube, making it easy to detach the endpiece from the filter itself without having to actually pull the sponge off the intake every time. The filter even continues to run while I do this, as long as the end of the intake is submersed. As an added bonus, my flower shrimp loves to eat the particles of food that collect on the sponge, and as a filter feeder, she enjoys the luxury of hanging on the intake to make use of the flow without the danger of being harmed by the filter intake. Meanwhile, between some tinkering with the flow control and the addition of the sponge, the flow itself is weak enough to not upset my male/female pair of gouramis, who are able to blow bubble nests and engage in spawning behavior. Even though this is only a 20-gallon tank, the flower shrimp, clown pleco and mystery snails have their own space, and the gouramis have theirs. Having a sponge pre-filter and flow control also benefits the live plants in my tank, especially the java fern, which proliferates easily and abundantly, but often can be damaged by filter intakes when the young ferns float about the tank before finding a piece of driftwood or other material where they can grow.
In terms of reliability, I have run this filter steadily for four months as of the writing of this review, and, used in conjunction with some additional sponge filters, this has proven itself to be reliable. It is self-priming and consistently restarts automatically following a power outage. It even runs steadily during a partial water change, and the 'Bio-Falls' system seems to provide additional aeration for the water, which is important not only for providing oxygen for my water-breathing creatures, but helps remove toxic substances, which benefits all of the creatures in my tank, including the air-breathing gouramis.
To conclude, I will provide a brief list of pros and cons:
PROS:
1. It is inexpensive
2. It is effective in terms of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration
3. It is reliable and self-priming
4. It fits the inexpensive Fluval sponge pre-filters
5. It has flow control
CONS:
1. Replacement cartridges are not easily found in stores
2. Replacement cartridges are expensive (but this can be easily addressed by using an inexpensive sponge pre-filter, extending the cartridge life to at least a full month)
I purchased this filter to replace the cheap starter filter that came with my aquarium. The problem with my original filter was the lack of a bio sponge, so that every time I replaced the filter medium, ammonia levels would rise while the new filter grew bacteria, resulting in the nitrite spike when the bacteria finally caught up. I don't know whether this filter would actually handle a 50 gallon aquarium, but on a 20 gallon aquarium, cloudy water and detectable levels of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite have become a thing of the past.
When I initially set up the filter it was a bit noisy, but after removing and reinstalling the impeller it ran with an almost indiscernible hum. The bio falls booster has the additional side effect of slowing the water on the way out of filter so that it reenters the aquarium less violently than my previous filter despite pumping twice as much water. This helps the filter run quietly with no splashing if your water level is adjusted properly.
The activated carbon filter is unique in that it is broken into a number of cells that each contain activated carbon. As a result, more of water flowing through the filter is exposed to the carbon without sacrificing ease of a slide-in cartridge.
I have only two criticisms of this filter. First, the flow of the carbon cartridge should have been made higher, as there is a small amount of overflow even when this cartridge is new if the filter flow is adjusted to the maximum setting. Second, most of the noticeable noise from the filter comes from the vibration of the lid. This can be overcome by running without the lid, or by using a small piece of tape. This vibration made me question the build quality of an otherwise excellent filter.
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The cascade 100 hang on aquarium filter is an excellent choice for your filtration system. It has the bio-sponge for beneficial bacteria and the waterfall release also grows benefical bac. for your fish. Very quiet and hangs perfectly on my tall hex-aquarium. Overall I love this filter. Just make sure you do your water changes and filter changes on opposite weeks. You will kill some benefical bacterica when you do either. But the other will suffice till new bacteria grows.
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I have had 2 marineland power filters emperor(very loud) and penguin (somewhat loud). I didn't mind the water sound but the motors sound like a blender. I then got a Fluval Aquaclear that is really nice and quiet with a tiny hum that you can only hear up close. I have a 75 gallon tank so I wanted to add an additional filter to the aquaclear. After reading the reviews for the Cascade model I decided to give it a try especially at 27$. Plugged it in and was amazed that it was near silent. I would recommend this filter to anybody that is annoyed by droning sounds. Also works really well at keeping the water clean. Cant go wrong with this one for sure, my new favorite.
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Got is for my son and he loves it! It keeps the tank clean and does not give of big waves.
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I have a small koi garden pond, 500 gallons or so near the Cleveland, OH area. This past winter (12/13) I had enormous amounts of string algae form in the pond over the winter. I do have a UV filter on my canister filter that helps keep the algae under control, but I do not use that in the winter due to freezing. As the weather begins to warm and I prepare the pond for readiness I needed to find something (beneficial bacteria) to help me clear the sludge that was forming as I killed off the algae and also the other leaves and matter that had collected over the winter. I scooped out as much of the debris as possible, but there was still a lot of residual matter on the rocks, sides and bottom. I did not want to drain the pond. I purchased these blocks in hopes of helping me get the pond cleaner faster. After treating the pond with an algae treatment a few days earlier I added one block to the pond. Within a matter of days the matter began to be removed. I did have to clean my filter at least once a day sometimes two. The water now is crystal clear and I can see right down to the bottom of the 3 foot pond. The fish are happy and thriving, I leave them out all winter with the pump on low everyone is happy, me the fish, the other wildlife. Great product and worked for me with the combination of other things I was doing to clear the pond after winter.
