Some know of my review of the CFS500 canister filter and modifications which make it a new low cost powerhouse canister. But some have asked questions about the CFS700 which is supposed to be the next larger model, so the following is my comparative opinion with what info is available.
One thing to consider is that for the price increase of $30 or 50%, the CFs700 appears to have only have 1/3 or 30% more potential surface area if modified but 0% increase in surface area if not modified. You will also notice that the CFS700 has 2 inch of lost volume becasue it site on 2 inch feet giving the appearance of being taller then it is compared to the CFS500 which sits flat on the bottom along with its media. You will also notice that the CFS is a composite body with top and bottom made of one type material and the center made of an acrylic which is probubly much thinner and probably more prone to leaking or even cracking, and which also means that there is probubly NO large bulkhead fitting to allow scale up to a larger pump later like on the CFS500. In addition becasue it is much taller (24 inches with valves) there is the issue of fitting inside or under any cabinet. Lastly I would not be surprised if the differences in the CFS 700 mentioned were one only differences, and the motor and all hardware were identical to the CFS 500.
The only real improvement I see is that you can see the dirt collecting in the filter media which may or may-not be a desired feature depending upon your perspective.. Sort of reminds me the of differences between the Sunsun 302 and 304 where the increased cost don't support the performance. Of course this is just a two dimensional observation and cannot say for sure until someone buys and physically test the CFS700 in comparison to the CFS500, something I wont do becasue I believe Im right, so please prove me wrong.
An aside, a member pointed out to me that AquaTraders has the CFS500 on sale for $58 shipped. A $15 savings over eBay for those considering buying one soon. http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=42044
One thing to consider is that for the price increase of $30 or 50%, the CFs700 appears to have only have 1/3 or 30% more potential surface area if modified but 0% increase in surface area if not modified. You will also notice that the CFS700 has 2 inch of lost volume becasue it site on 2 inch feet giving the appearance of being taller then it is compared to the CFS500 which sits flat on the bottom along with its media. You will also notice that the CFS is a composite body with top and bottom made of one type material and the center made of an acrylic which is probubly much thinner and probably more prone to leaking or even cracking, and which also means that there is probubly NO large bulkhead fitting to allow scale up to a larger pump later like on the CFS500. In addition becasue it is much taller (24 inches with valves) there is the issue of fitting inside or under any cabinet. Lastly I would not be surprised if the differences in the CFS 700 mentioned were one only differences, and the motor and all hardware were identical to the CFS 500.
The only real improvement I see is that you can see the dirt collecting in the filter media which may or may-not be a desired feature depending upon your perspective.. Sort of reminds me the of differences between the Sunsun 302 and 304 where the increased cost don't support the performance. Of course this is just a two dimensional observation and cannot say for sure until someone buys and physically test the CFS700 in comparison to the CFS500, something I wont do becasue I believe Im right, so please prove me wrong.
An aside, a member pointed out to me that AquaTraders has the CFS500 on sale for $58 shipped. A $15 savings over eBay for those considering buying one soon. http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=42044
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