Ok, after reading a few reviews, including this one, I ordered the 3 stage version w/o UV, for my 40 long last night.
A close examination of all the pictures I have seen, lead me to believe that these are manufactured from the molds used on the Penn Plax Cascade filters.
I used to own a cascade 700( a few months ago) and the similarities bare a striking resemblance.
I could agree that the molds were retooled/re-cut with a few variations, but overall, these are the same filter. Obviously, I cant say whether the motor or impeller are the same, but I would assume that PP would look for inexpensive/ foreign motor manufacturers. This could easily mean that the same motors are used for both brands, especially since my PP was assembled in china!
The body and motor housing are held together by the same style 4 clip setup.
Compared to
Obviously, SunSun had to change the look slightly, but overall, I would consider the SunSun filter a knockoff of the PP Cascade series external canister filters.
This is not a bad thing.
1. I never had a problem with my Cascade in two years before I sold it...
2. The design of the Cascade is well thought out and a good build!
3. If the SunSun version is anything like the PP, I cant wait for it to come in the mail!
4. The SS filter offers better intake/return plumbing. Im excited!
5. Worth the chance at 57.00 USD
I currently have great expectations for the SunSun, and Chinese made products are usually as good as American made(German/Swiss much better IME). I will say that some of the real cheap Chinese toys can be chintzy and poorly designed, but again, if this is anything like the PP, it will be a great filter!
I have yet to read a poor review, and/or update about these filters.
-Aaron