So, I have only been messing with aquariums for a year or so now, thus you could say that I am still a bit of a newbie. At some point in there though I needed a filter for the new 38G tank and after reading so many positive recommendations here I got the Magnum 250 HOT. A few months later and I am now trying to figure out exactly what makes it so good. Not that I am ripping on them, but hear me out.
First, it only has one layer of mechanical filtration. Is the additional surface area of the sponge filter enough to make up for that? I just don't understand how it can polish the water as well as something that has multiple filter pad of various densities.
Second, it really lacks the capability to add biological filtration. I know that you can get a biowheel for that but I am not convinced that they live up to the hype. To me biomedia in the filter's media chamber is far better. However, because of the Magnum's design I don't think that you can use filter bags if you want the media to get proper exposure. But if you want to use biomedia and another chemical media, you have no choice but to use filter bags.
Third, it uses a bottom mounted motor. To me this seems like a design that attracts sediment to accumulate and eventual eat up the impeler assembely.
Now don't get me wrong. So far the thing has worked really well for me. It doesn't get the water spotless (I know it has a seperate filter for that) but it does good. I think it would definitely be hard to find a canister of similar size and price that can do what this thing does.
So, lets discuss what I am missing!
First, it only has one layer of mechanical filtration. Is the additional surface area of the sponge filter enough to make up for that? I just don't understand how it can polish the water as well as something that has multiple filter pad of various densities.
Second, it really lacks the capability to add biological filtration. I know that you can get a biowheel for that but I am not convinced that they live up to the hype. To me biomedia in the filter's media chamber is far better. However, because of the Magnum's design I don't think that you can use filter bags if you want the media to get proper exposure. But if you want to use biomedia and another chemical media, you have no choice but to use filter bags.
Third, it uses a bottom mounted motor. To me this seems like a design that attracts sediment to accumulate and eventual eat up the impeler assembely.
Now don't get me wrong. So far the thing has worked really well for me. It doesn't get the water spotless (I know it has a seperate filter for that) but it does good. I think it would definitely be hard to find a canister of similar size and price that can do what this thing does.
So, lets discuss what I am missing!