Marineland's C-series Canisters: Good, bad or just dog ugly?

[sapphire384]

hi-
well, ever since i ditched that aqueon filter for my tank i have been searching the web for a nice replacement. i thought about buying a power filter, like an aquaclear, but i just cant justify shelling out 40 dollars for a aquaclear 30 at pet supplies plus!
so, i looked at marineland's offerings, and saw their information on the c-series cansiters. they look really good.
on ebay the c-160 goes for 65 with shipping, kinda high but the i think id get more with it than an aquaclear 30.

do anyone of you have these filters running? how do you liek them? were they worth the cost? any problems?

hate to ask so many questions, but i would prefer to do a little homework first before i burn some of my hard earned cash. i sorta hope this will solve my problems for years to come with this tank and possible upgrades.

thanks for the replies folks!

[Mgamer20o0]

if i had to buy a filter today it would be a c series. the only other canister i am happy with is the rena. the marineland been getting great reviews from most everyone. i am sure rb will be here soon to tell you how great they are.

[Badmoco]

How big is the tank? If you're looking for sparkling water without the hassles...I'd go with a Magnum 350 deluxe. I hooked that badboy up to my 55 which is handling 10 plus fish...and the water quality is amazing. Runs quiet...a little work to hook it up but not much....and its perfect. Even comes with a water cleaner that will clean it even better, but I've never put it to use the water is great. Previously I had a penguin 330 and it couldnt handle the tank....this one does well.

[Mgamer20o0]

the c series are the new magnums from what i seen. plus comes with neat things like easy quick release and more area for media.

[msjinkzd]

I have a c-360.I love it. It has a nice quick release and swivel heads to where the tubes tie into the top. Its a tight seat for the top and the media baskets, so you have to really pay attention when doing filter maintenance. They only complaint I have is that I had a hard time when I initially primed it, probably user error. The media baskets are nice and big and its easy to move around. The only other thing (vs. renas) is that it does not come with a spray bar, you would have to make your own or purchase one. Otherwise I have nothing but praise. It runs consistently, quietly, and well.

[Cory Keeper]

C-160 on my 29, love it, after the mods I've made..... spray bar, newer more flexible hoses, Rena Foam 30 cut to fit. I'm also considering making a new intake tube, the original is pretty dog gone flimsy. But overall, really awesome filter. Keeps my water clear (assuming I don't get into it all the time [crushed coral is in it] which tends to cloud the water pretty good) and I think even less poop buildup than my magnum allowed :confused:

[jm1212]

I have a C-360, and i can honestly say that it is the best filter i have ever owned. The flexibility of the media is great, and the flow of the filter keeps my tank super clean. granted, my C-360 is on a 37 gallon tank, but it does an awesome job. also, the filter is super quiet.

i went from two HOB filters to the C-360, and for the first week or so i would have to watch the water and movements of my plants to make sure that the filter was still running.

I also really like the quick release, but it took me a couple tries before i could get it just right so that i didn't get any water anywhere. also, IME is can take a while for some air bubbles to leave the system after a cleaning, but using the priming pump while the filter is off helps force out any air.

[BreellaBlue87]

I've got a c220 on my 40g and I love it.

[newportjon]

I've been debating Eheim vs. C-series for a while.

I don't know which to choose!

[Ozymandias]

i have a C-220 on my planted 30g. it does have some problems the main being the tubing isn't that flexible and there is no spray bar. the spray bar can be fixed easily by just making one or buying one (the rena spray bar fits on it) same with the tubing (just replace it). it's a good filter just slightly below Eheims in my opinion and aboth Rena's just for the way the filter is designed. that being said it's youre chose. personally the next filter i'm getting for a big tank will be and Ehiem so i can try them out.

[DAVIDFBT]

I like the C-series because I feel like I get more filter for the money. And I've heard nothing but great reviews from the people who use them. Plus, you can't beat getting a C-220 for under 100 dollars at the LFS! (I love employee discounts.)

[Cory Keeper]

I've heard some say the C series beats ehiem classics if that gives you any idea.

[Ozymandias]

I've heard some say the C series beats ehiem classics if that gives you any idea.

i'd be willing to debate that (there literally is no bypass in ehiems while you can get bypass in the C-series) that being said i haven't tried and ehiem yet so i reserve judgement for those who have tried both

[sapphire384]

ok, what are the eheim classics? are they good too?

[newportjon]

I've heard many good things about Eheim's classic filters.

Pretty sure that is what I'm going to upgrade to.

[Ozymandias]

these are them (http://www.aquahobby.com/products/e_eheim_classic_canister_filters.php). really simple design that allot of people consider some of the best canister filters around.

[sapphire384]

i just ran a search on eheim using yahoo. those guys amde the heater i bought. quality workmanship.

the eheim canisters are european, so im guessing they are a little pricey with those labor laws over there.

lol, i think i opened pandora's box with this. i bet there's alot of canister filters out there that are good too!
i guess i have some work to do!

[Ozymandias]

really there are alot but the most popular are these Ehiem, Marineland C-series, Rena X's, Fluvals, the Marineland Magnums.

[sapphire384]

that's good. thanks for the info ozym!

say, where are the best prices fron online retailers on filters?

i know about petco's website and they seem really expensive, at least when compared with ebay.
but ebay is somebody trying to make money out of their home, so it's kind of differrent.

[Ozymandias]

ebay i think is the cheapest really, another great site is Ken's (http://kensfish.com/) i think it may have some of the cheapest prices after ebay.

[msjinkzd]

www.kensfish.com (http://www.kensfish.com) has great prices, check around for sales, the dr's have sales sometimes that are really good.

[Cory Keeper]

i'd be willing to debate that (there literally is no bypass in ehiems while you can get bypass in the C-series) that being said i haven't tried and ehiem yet so i reserve judgement for those who have tried both

Actually I can't see bypass with the C-series, each tray has a gasket to prevent water from bypassing anything.

And don't shoot the messenger, I'm just saying what I've heard.

I do think Ehiem is stupidly overpriced, not to mention over rated.

[mott]

Actually I can't see bypass with the C-series, each tray has a gasket to prevent water from bypassing anything.

And don't shoot the messenger, I'm just saying what I've heard.

I do think Ehiem is stupidly overpriced, not to mention over rated.

The classic series is priced just right imo. Over rated? Really? Any other cans that you can say have been around since the 70's?

[Ozymandias]

Actually I can't see bypass with the C-series, each tray has a gasket to prevent water from bypassing anything.

And don't shoot the messenger, I'm just saying what I've heard.

I do think Ehiem is stupidly overpriced, not to mention over rated.

there is a chance of by pass in the C-series that does not exist in the ehiem classics. that being said i'm still using the C-series. also you can find reasonably priced ehiems online

[newportjon]

Ebay ftw!

[bazil323]

I have heard some stuff about the C series developing leaks, but then that could be user error. I'm getting a C 360 for my 75g. Actually, it's at the PO right now but I can't get it until Saturday because the guy put a signature required for delivery on it. And I can't get to the PO until Saturday! Grr.

Personally, I think that there's pros and cons to any filter and Marineland makes great products. I have an Emperor 280 on my 44g, and I absolutely love it! I also have a Mag 350 which I haven't used yet. I got it used and have to replace some parts. But, I'm thinking of running it on my 44 g in addition to the Emperor since I've got a messy puffer in there. And I'm paranoid about good filtration. And I can't stand to waste resources like Mags, lol. I've heard stuff about Fluvals and Renas and Eheims leaking too, so you can always have a bad egg or user error. Eheims look great and seem to be pretty great filters, but IMHO way overpriced. You can get similar results with Renas and Marinelands without breaking the bank. That said, if I had the money, I'd totally buy an Eheim, lol.

[Ozymandias]

i keep hearing form people that ehiems are more expensive then alot of other filters like the Rena and C-series. did a little research to see if it's true. this is what i found for prices fore the lowest rated filter thay have, i.e. the 2213 C-160 and XP1.

Kens Fish
Ehiem classic 2213 (http://kensfish.com/eheimcanisterfilters.html) = $80.95
Marineland C-160 (http://kensfish.com/marinelandcanisterfilters.html) = $89.95
Rena XP1 (http://kensfish.com/filstarcanisterfilters.html)= 91.95

Dr. Foster & Smith
Ehiem classic 2213 (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3603&pcatid=3603) = $80.99
Marineland C-160 (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+16744&pcatid=16744) = $95.99
Rena XP1 (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3602&pcatid=3602) = $109.99

Big Als
Ehiem classic 2213-plus kit (http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17898/si1319894/cl0/eheimfilter2213pluskit)= $119.99
Marineland C-160 (http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17898/si2373027/cl0/marinelandmultistagecanisterfilterc160) = $99.99
Rena XP1 (http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17898/si1316994/cl0/aquariumpharmaceuticalsrenafilstarxp1canisterfilte r)= $132.99

Ebay -- will try to find the cheapest one on there
Ehiem classic 2213 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-EHEIM-2213-Aquarium-Filter_W0QQitemZ140294122795QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140294122795&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1419%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50) = $68.95
Marineland C-160 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Marineland-Aquarium-Canister-Filter-Model-C-160-NIB_W0QQitemZ270332653053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item270332653053&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) = $49.99
Rena XP1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/RENA-Aqua-Pharmaceuticals-FilStar-XP1-Canister-Filter_W0QQitemZ380098126495QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116) = $107.49

now this was a quck serch but it show that at least right now Ehiem is by no means the most expensive. infact it seams that Renas are more expensive right now. though if you by you filter in box stores and not off the net it will be more expensive.

if peope want i can also look up the prices for fluvals but for this one i was just comparing these three filters

[Cory Keeper]

Actually a fairer comparison in prices would be C-160 vs 2215, due to the 2213 only pumping 113 GPH, whereas the C-160 pumps 160 GPH.

[bazil323]

Yes, are they comparable filters for tank sizes or just the lowest model that each company has. If for instance, one company has the lowest model being for a 100g tank, the next company's is for a 75g tank, and the last company is for a 40g tank. Then, of course, the last company with probably have the lowest price because less goes into a smaller filter. To compare price, you need to take into account that type of variable.

[Cory Keeper]

and the "ratings" a company gives their filters are usually overated, If you put a single 2213 on a 66g tank, you are just inviting trouble.

[Ozymandias]

that is varry true i didn't take into account the rating just sort of looked it up on the quick. but it should be noted if you taking it by recommendation of the company the 2213 should be able to work up to a 55 gallon (with 116 GPH), the C-160 should be good up to a 30 gallon (with 160 GPH) and the XP1 on a 45 gallon (with 250 GPH). another question to take into about is, are those flow rating with or without media because that surly makes a difrens.

that being said i have planted tank so i would much rather have two 2213 or C-160 on a 30 gallon witch for most people is over kill.

[tarquin375]

Manufacturer stated flow ratings are without any media.

[Rbishop]

C-series..all the way...and they do not have any by-pass...

[Ozymandias]

actually i think that one company i mentioned does test flow with media in it i just cant remember which one.

[mott]

C-series..all the way...and they do not have any by-pass...

Can you prove this?
see the classic is designed in a way that absolutely all of the water will flow through the media if packed correctly, when your talking baskets there will always be some kind of bypass happening, I know I have 3 Eheims that have baskets...

[Rbishop]

can you prove the eheims have no bypass...?

[mott]

can you prove the eheims have no bypass...?

Yup, go look at one:)

[Rbishop]

I have 6 of them...

[Ozymandias]

can you prove the eheims have no bypass...?

no i don't actually have one just this is just based on what i've seen of pictures of the deign and from other peoples tank. but it seam to be that its basically a tube stuffed with media with water entering one end and going out the other end. not much chance for the water to by bass any thing. no media baskets (at least with the high models like the 2217 and i think the 2215, the 2213 does come with one i believe) for it flow around so it would stand to assume that there is no bypass.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z209/dogska/alt_909708_FS12703.jpg


i'm not saying though that i would use the 2213 on anything larger than a 30 gallon (hell i would want two for a 30).Also it should be noted i use a C-220 and like it but for planted tanks (wich is what i have) i am often wondering if i would have been better off with two 2213 insted of one C-220.I'm just playing the devils advocate in this case because people asumed that it was more expensive which it's not necessaries.

wow realised that was not pointed to my comments owell

[Rbishop]

the fact that the water can flow around the media in the laminar flow area..

[Weezer]

:popcorn:

[Ozymandias]

:popcorn:

lol

rbishop (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/member.php?u=35953): i did not know that but u what is the laminar flow area?

[Rbishop]

It is the outer area of flow along a pipe or cylinder....the flow thru the center is called turbulent flow..

As the main path gets clogged, the flow will move to the outside to the laminar area...thus, bypassing the media...

[Ozymandias]

ok thanks did not know that really

[DeputyChiefJR]

I have heard some stuff about the C series developing leaks, but then that could be user error. I'm getting a C 360 for my 75g. Actually, it's at the PO right now but I can't get it until Saturday because the guy put a signature required for delivery on it. And I can't get to the PO until Saturday! Grr.

Personally, I think that there's pros and cons to any filter and Marineland makes great products. I have an Emperor 280 on my 44g, and I absolutely love it! I also have a Mag 350 which I haven't used yet. I got it used and have to replace some parts. But, I'm thinking of running it on my 44 g in addition to the Emperor since I've got a messy puffer in there. And I'm paranoid about good filtration. And I can't stand to waste resources like Mags, lol. I've heard stuff about Fluvals and Renas and Eheims leaking too, so you can always have a bad egg or user error. Eheims look great and seem to be pretty great filters, but IMHO way overpriced. You can get similar results with Renas and Marinelands without breaking the bank. That said, if I had the money, I'd totally buy an Eheim, lol.

I had the leak problem, it wasn't user error, but it can be identified before you start using it. Check the rubber around the main housing. If it's loose and can gather to create space at any point it may leak. I received my replacement motor and seal and it was much tighter and worked perfectly. I am still keeping mine in a rubbermaid bin, just in case, but it is one of the best filters I've ever seen. The primer button keeps you from having to suck water through in order to prevent air in the top of the filter, and the waterflow is outstanding. I'm keeping my magnum running as well, but I'm certainly pleased to be running this filter.

[sapphire384]

cool how much attention this thread has received!

as for me, given the economic situation, i think i'm going to look at power filters and maybe a water pump.

but even then, it isnt really needed because the sponge filter is doing a good job, at least that's what the tests show.

keep the info coming though all.

perhaps this thread will assist someone else who's considering a c-series filter!

[mott]

It is the outer area of flow along a pipe or cylinder....the flow thru the center is called turbulent flow..

As the main path gets clogged, the flow will move to the outside to the laminar area...thus, bypassing the media...


Even if the middle gets clogged there is no bypass at all. media is packed against the canister, the water sill flows past the media on the sides of the can does it not?

Look, I'm not knocking the C series at all...it looks like a good filter. I just see a lot of threads about them leaking.

Facts are is the classic has no bypass at all, they are the most silent canisters available and they last forever, it's been proven over and over again.

I do not own a classic but I know many who do, if my proII ever dies I will absolutely be buying a classic.