for those considering a cannister filter...

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tcarswell

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Jan 7, 2009
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It does appear to be a eheim knock off..but cory keeper may be right it may actually be eheim.. not sure
I purchased it to test it.

the construction is ok. the pump is quiet..I mean quiet.. there is no noise coming from the unit housing.. I actually lifted the output to see if it was running..it is.
but the point I was trying to bring is.. $49.99 plus $10 shipping. $59.99

there are a lot of folks looking to DIY and this is available as an option.

time will tell.. but so far it has been running with no issues..I like it because the trays give you quite an option for media..with a 320 gph it should make a good filter for my 29..nothing fancy but it is an alternative for homemade.
Ill bet if you actually measured the flow it would be about 1/2 that maybe. Is this thing with certified electrical ??
 

Star_Rider

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Dec 21, 2005
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most filters flow rates are over rated.. they are measured with no media.. nothing new there.




Like I said this unit is a test unit.. the idea is to test and find inexpensive alternatives.
this unit would never be used alone in a large tank.. but it may work for a smaller tank like a 30 or so.
 
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Kuthoht

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Jan 1, 2008
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Considering I have the actual Eheim filter its a knock off of I can tell you its not an Eheim with different badging. One big difference is it doesn't have the eheim quick release double tap built into the motor housing. The baskets are also somewhat different in design. I imagine the plastic is thinner and not as heavy duty as the eheim either. Eheim filters are built like tanks lol.
 

Riiz

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Apr 16, 2008
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most filters flow rates are over rated.. they are measured with no media.. nothing new there.




Like I said this unit is a test unit.. the idea is to test and find inexpensive alternatives.
this unit would never be used alone in a large tank.. but it may work for a smaller tank like a 30 or so.
I've seen them in person and in use, and the only complaint that ever been said about them, is that they're loud or get louder over time.
 

chiphead

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Oct 3, 2007
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Thank you for testing this out and keeping us abreast of the results.
One thing that caught my eye was the non square shape of the media baskets. I had a Cascade 1200. I tried to buy generic filter material to fit and it was a real PITA to get media cut just right to fit. I've since bought a couple of Rena XP4s and above and beyond doing a stellar job on my tank, if I want to buy after market filter material it is a square clean cut. Please keep us posted.
 

Star_Rider

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Dec 21, 2005
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I have a sump on my 75 so cutting filter material is no big deal.
this one is quiet so far and for the price is worth the price to test if it works out.

Catalina has been responsive to my concern as it arrived damaged and they are sending out a new housing .
 

Star_Rider

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I've seen them in person and in use, and the only complaint that ever been said about them, is that they're loud or get louder over time.
3 media tray with media. no noise

after week i will remove one of the HOB filters.e of my 29's ..it seems it may be a bit too much.. I will need to adjust the spray bar and run the water out more.
 

Star_Rider

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Dec 21, 2005
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I wanted to let you know Catalina was quick to send me the replacement body for my filter.
i notified Catalina 03/01/2009 the replacement arrived 03/04/2009..pretty impressive .
the filter is running fine on my 29 albeit it has a pretty good flow and the spray bar needs adjusting.. 3 media trays have media 2 are filter pads 1 is bio balls.

this is looking like a good , inexpensive alternative for those considering DIY.
I'll be working on the review next week.
 
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