Any experience on the "Sandman" hob filter?

[MotionInSilver]

Am thinking about ditching my Rena smartfilter, which seems to be on its last leg and go for those "sandmans" as this is the 3rd time I have had to replace the filter unit and not to mention the price tag of those "filter boxes" that they need to be replaced with.

I have 2 working AC110s and wouldn't trade them however with the price tag that comes attached with those- I'm just going to try other filters as its the sandman's motor that appeals to me as it takes alot beating and keeps on going from what I have been reading online.


Any thoughts/opinions?

[Eupterus]

I have a sandman filter. It's in storage now. I had it running for a while on a tank, it would do nothing and after a couple of hours got hot and I'd unplug it again. I thought it was a waste of $20.

I'm not sure if I have "hob" model or not. I just got whatever model they had out.

[MotionInSilver]

ugh, if the next 2 more people say the same thing then I'm ditching the sandman idea-

guess its time for me to go back to my old HOB pile and see what I can salvage.

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

they sell cheap on ebay try it u might like it

[CWO4GUNNER]

Only problem is those used deals on Ebay are getting far and few between. Most of the stuff people bid on is actually cheaper new after you consider the shipping cost which IMO is part of the price. Example I saw 8 folks today bidding on an old Magnum 250 for $35 plus $15 shipping when they have them new at Big Als for $47 free shipping.

The only time I buy on Ebay now is after I have made comparisons to retailer for the entire price including shipping and take into consideration the better customer service most on line stores offer.

Nevertheless there are still deals on expensive high end equipment on Ebay that online stores don't offer, example the FX5 now bidding at $189 plus $19 shipping and since hardly anyone bids on these becasue there affordability zone is $50, those high end deals are definitely worth the price saving up to $100 over online stores.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Just so I can say I tried to stay on topic LOL.
http://www.theaquarians.net/ArticlesandWallpapers/wardley_sandman_filter.htm

[DavidZ]

I think I saw them in the Dollar stores for under $10.
Waste of money~!
Wait for some deals on AC filters

[Eupterus]

A filter I'd consider if you like power filters is the power canister filter on that hangs on the side of a tank. If I were getting another filter, I'd probably consider this type.

[vampie]

You could find more reviews if you time-traveled back to 1995.

From what I've seen, the prices on these filters aren't any better than the more popular filters on the market. Even if you were on a budget, buying a proven filter like a Whisper, Penguin, etc would be a better idea.

[CWO4GUNNER]

A filter I'd consider if you like power filters is the power canister filter on that hangs on the side of a tank. If I were getting another filter, I'd probably consider this type.
Concur totally and now only $46 and free shipping if you squeeze in $14 more in items or the Biowheel model for $69 and free shipping. When you consider this HOB filter is like a ninja in both power and versatility (mech/polish/carbon/portable) compared to a standard HOB its a great deal. I admit at this price I just ordered 3 for $137 shipped last night to cover all my tanks for fast interchanging between medical dosing and carbon management, and fast water polishing for holiday guest visits.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp17290/si1382180/cl1/marineland_hot_magnum__250_gph?&query=magnum+250&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=
http://akamai.edeal.com//images/catalog3684/folder24579/img2815228.jpg

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

i have 18 of them hot magnums great filter for polishing water :) i paid about 20.00 for each one when bargains were easier to find on ebay but i still find some great steal deals on ebay if i take the time and search.

[CWO4GUNNER]

I know I missed out on a deal of 3 badly used ones on Ebay all for $50-$60 or I should say $80 with shipping. But I would have had to wake up at 2am to try and sniper all the other bidders. Long ago I decided that if I cant get it on "Buy Now" Im not getting it by playing the count down game. At least not until unemployment hits 35% and gas prices are $12 per with free health care.

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

i love the sniper game Gunner :) there is automatic sniper bidding software you can use and not have to be up at 2am to slam a snipe bid in the last 5 seconds of a auction. and when you wake up you check it and see if you won or not i guess your not a hardcore ebayer like i am LOL Ooooo the thrill of a deal

[CWO4GUNNER]

i love the sniper game Gunner :) there is automatic sniper bidding software you can use and not have to be up at 2am to slam a snipe bid in the last 5 seconds of a auction. and when you wake up you check it and see if you won or not i guess your not a hardcore ebayer like i am LOL Ooooo the thrill of a deal

How do you do that? Is there built in account instructions? Is there a danger of discovering your auto bid outbid all the other auto bidders and you are now the proud owner of a $600 used Hot Mag LOL.

[coach_z]

it just simply places your maximum bid (lets say $40) at the very last second.
Option 1) you sit there refreshing the ebay auction every second until you decide there is less than 5 seconds left in the auction and then you bid 40 dollars for something hoping to be the last person to bid. and then hopefully you win it for an amount between its current price and 40
or,
Option 2) you download a program that will place a bid of 40 dollars for you at the very last second while you sleep soundly in your bed, or are at work. and then hopefully you win it for an amount between its current price and 40