You guys/gals have checked out threads in Gen. right? With all seriousness, I've seen and checked out Eheims (pro II series)and they are really nice, but Filstars have less parts and are easier to open and clean! The baskets are square and align either way you put them into the body of the filter. Water flows around the outsides of the baskets so there are no holes and gaskets to align between baskets (or clean!). The handles on the baskets are on two sides, not in the way across the top of the basket! To open, unplug the filter, lift the shut-off/seal lever and pull the hoses out. Very quick disconnect! It does not leak. Of course, any residual water on the very tip of the quick disconnect unit may drip a drop or two, just shake it before pulling it away from the canister. After flipping the four clips that hold the motor (head) on, the impeller is under a "cover" that takes a half-turn to remove and the impeller pulls out. I was concerned about all the talk of how difficult it was to clean canisters and have been pleasantly surprised how easy it is! Feel free to email me or pm me if you have any specific questions.
BTW-just make sure not to cut the hoses too short!!
