for those considering a cannister filter...

Just found this thread while reading another one. I have had the Catalina (Jebao)canister since Oct 2008 and it's been doing well. The filter has been running quietly and does make a humming noise for a few hours after the media was changed but eventually would quiet down. I do use the large button to prime it and it does work well. You have to press down pretty hard to move the spring under that button, though. A couple pumps to move all of the air out of the filter, and it'll quiet down.

The plastic of the canister housing is decent, but the rest of the plastic is of cheaper quality with lots of flashing. Because it's so cheap, it may be better in the end just to buy several of these for backup/parts. I would like to take it apart to clean the impeller chamber, but have no idea on how to do it. Jebao's website doesn't have any instructions either. I have read on other forums that if you re-apply the silicone to the O-rings once in a while where the hose connectors are, the leaks would stop.

Catalina's website is terrible. I noticed that the filter did go up to $69 several months after I bought mine for $49 + 10 shipping, but now they're down to $55. You have to go through the "aquatic specials" link, though to get it at that price. You can also get it on ebay for $49 + 10 shipping.

I'm thinking of getting the catalina 48" solar T5 for a 75G. Does anyone have experience with them?
 
good information.
 
I've had one of these Catalina filters running on my 125 g turtle tank (1 turtle) for 18 months and am very pleased with it. Super quiet, had never leaked broke or vibrated :-) I liked it so well I just ordered 2 more for $50 each. Quite a good deal considering you can't hardly find a decent HOB for that price.
 
I have 3 now running .. I think it was $59 each with shipping.

am looking for possible parts for future.
 
Wow that's impressive especially since its almost 1/3 larger capacity, 1/3 more GPH at 1/5 the price of a Eheim Pro II. As a Mech/Tech normally I am very skeptical of a Chinese knock offs especially when it comes to machinery with tight tolerances and stress requirements. But canister filter technology other then physical design is pretty elementary when it comes to manufacturing and technology (basic). When it comes to low tech products Chinese cheap labor has a huge huge advantage here. I wont buy a China motorcycle as they don't yet have the technical manufacturing capability to make one to high standards (broken in a month), not yet anyway. But I did buy a low tech hydraulic motorcycle jack stand that was a knock off of a $270 dollar US model for only $39, and I must say I have had it for 5 years and it still works great and that $240 saving still feels good lol. Pleas keep us informed of any performance issues or decline, I might buy on myself lol. Although Im pretty partial to Magnums and considering the hot magnum for its easy access and auxiliary use for only $54
http://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=47490134
 
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Ryi said:
ul = Underwriters Laboritories tested and approved (US standard)
ce = manufacturer certification that product meets E.U. safety standards.

The EU is much more strict about certain things than the US (No red MMs or Skittles, red dye is bad for you)
The main difference is ul means the product has been tested by an independent labority, ce means the manufacturer certifies that it is safe. If true, it is held to what is probably a higher standard.
Click to expand...

Would definitely not recommend red Skittles in any tank setup - very bad for water quality.
 
*UPDATE* Catalina 918 filter

Purchased in march 09.

I added 2 more to the mix and now considering another.
1 is used solely for carbon and added flow on my marine tank.

the filters are running great. I am experimenting with mods to help support the hose connections.

filters have been cleaned. the shut offs work great no leaks, easy access to the baskets and easy prime.

the filter has not seen a drop in flow except the occasional blockage from loose moss...clean that off the pick up and the flow returns..DUH..;)

still time will tell but for $55 I still consider it a good test filter.

here's the link again

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/index.php?cPath=141&osCsid=cb3cae5beb68cfb9e1dbb4583eac034b
 
I'm not sure I posted in this thread or not (think I did) but I've got 3 of these filters and I'm super pleased with them for the price. The price is up to $69.00 now though. There's also the Jebo brand that's the same thing also.
 
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