I have to agree with everyone else if I could afford it Ehiem all the way but since there so pricey then Filstar is the next best option. Ive used and still use the magnum and I had a Fluval 304 to but it broke cheap plastic. Of the two I would still buy the fluval simply for the choice of media. The magnum is a lot sturdier but you only have the one media chamber. I love the filstar awesome filter for the money!