Odyssea CFS 500 Can-filter review and circumference modification

Which is exactly what Im doing. Finally a simple easy change and powerful circumference filter that is also scalable. But the mods are crucial because without the added surface area from stock configuration of 75 SI to its moded config of 300 SI its just another inline filter. The 2nd reason why its scalable is the ability to place a more powerful pump on the canister. Lets say you want more GPH, well because of the large 300 SI surface area, all you would have to do is use the existing bulkhead plumbing on the canister and install a 1200 GPH pump which would easily be absorbed and utilized by the 300 SI without over tasking the filter which means this seemingly huge filter in its small package could filter a 200 gallon tank no problem. That is what I call scalability.
 
From following this post, it sounds as if this is the best filter you could get if you wanted to MOD one.

You removed one inch from the circumference of the sponge filter(if I read right). Next you wrapped with a poly blanket. At this point, what difference would there be in efficiency if you removed only 1/2" of sponge circumference and still used the same quantity of poly blanket?

Thanks for the lessons.
 
The reason I chose 1 to 2 inches is so that there would be choices of different or multiple blanket raps. Ideally you would want room for a blue-bond pad rap around the course sponge itself and then a layer of poly blanket over the blue-bond. This so that the media on the farthest orbit on the circumference filter is finest (poly batting) then the next inside orbit is less fine (blue bond), finally very course sponge then basket strainer, outside fine/inside course. Also when the Poly batting becomes inundated with black mud, it is much easier to remove from the blue bond. But yes as long as you have enough room for water to surround the circumference without collapse or blockage you can have a little as 1/8 inch all the way round, but that is cutting it very tight.
 
My future CFS 1200 MOD. The effective size and performance would be on par with the Ocean Clear 1200 costing $300 more.
1200GPHMOD.jpg
 
From the illustration it appears to be submersible only. One that is a dual function submersible/dry is what's he is looking for.

I take it that you own one and if so, does it come with adapters to make it dual application?
 
Well I meant a pump that is designed to operate inline or outside the water and does not have to be physically submerged to remain cool quiet. Important because by being able to remove the internal pump you gain more room, GPH and only have to cut the sponge around 1 PVC pipe and strainer. The biggest hurtle which is already completed is the fact that the canister body already comes with its own 1" watertight bullhead fitting. My drawing is just a concept, for most who do DIY sump or pond filtration the specific details as to which size PVC pipes, elbows, strainers, or added gate valves to use is elementary, the drawing is enough. However If I ever do this plan I will be posting a detailed DIY as I always have and will be using an inline pump similar to this one called "The Quiet One" specifically designed for used outside of water and still run cool and quietly at very high GPH.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9849
p_14143_FS32616-i.jpg
 
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So when people ask questions like what happens when the CFS500 pump wears out in few years then what?. I'm pointing out that both the FX5 and CFS500 have this capability to use an inline pump just like an Ocean Clear canister. So both the FX5 & CFS 500 are capable of using inline pumps and therefore both have much greater potential, but for now I don't have that need. My two modified CFS500's will be placed on my twin 80 tanks as primary filters which will free up 2 FX5's to go on my new CL 160 & 142 tanks. So you see those two CFS500's saved me the cost of 2 more FX5's ($300). So unless I get a larger tank 300+ or build a pond I wont need another large capacity filter. As for my 2 Sunsun's I have decided to give 1 to my sister for her son's Christmas 60 tank, and keep the remaining one in storage as a spare emergency canister.
 
Well, after reading and following this thread multiple times, I'm going to purchase one of these CFS500's for my 130 gallon tank, to hopefully replace the two Mag 350's that have passed to the great filter beyond.

I'll eventually repair the mag's but I think for now, i'll spend the money on one larger filter rather than many small ones.
 
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