What makes the Magnum filters good?

Might mention the 99% problem with noise to'em.
-Somebody got a lil peice of carbon in the impeller area, while cleaning.

There are probably 5k "my noisey magnum" (or AC's) conversations going on in the world right now.

Why people seem to require complete silence from their aquariums IDK?

Make some Noise with'em. I like hearing trickleing water, splashing HOBs and sitting in sand a whole lot better than long walks in it.

Or
Turn on a fan, music, TV, baby sit some kids, something!? Besides worrying about a little hum from a filter. :huh: :headshake2:
 
Once in a while I hear this unfounded claim that some how the magnum filters are less capable at bio filtration which is a completely and utterly unfounded claim. the very same circumference design that gives it its massive surface area for mechanical filtration is the same reason why its far more superior at bio filtration then stackable filters twice its size. Besides that the carbon basket which can hold the most effective media (carbon) at supporting more bacteria then any other media available by a factor of 100 times makes the whole issue moot. Unlike us the bacteria dose not care about our fashionable choices in filter media or how it is arranged. bacteria is looking for habitable surface area on a micro, macro, and large scale. The bacteria don't debate the issue with one another i.e
"(Bacteria 1:popcorn:) Hay man are you going to make this huge circular bio blanket your home? (bacteria 2:headshake2:) Heck no that is so last year man, Im holdin out for some porus ceramic rings in one of those new stakable filter, no way Id be caught dead in one of those round retro filters, those are my old-man's filters."

With the exception of using polishing miro filter insert, a magnum 250 or 350 by design with its standard yet comparatively huge surface area blue bio stocking and carbon filter center baskit, pound for pound out performs any stackable filter almost twice its size in both bio and mechanical filtration.
The illustration is intended here to add a little spice to my point and in no way is intended to be disrespectful.
:)
 
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SMinNC said:
Mags Rule! :headbang2:
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Agreed! I run one on a 55 gallon as a standalone filter. There is no other filter on this tank. I use poly-fill to fill the media basket, no cover sponge, no noise, no fuss, and the floss gets changed once every 3-4 weeks.(Sometimes longer). If it wasn't for the water circulation I would never know it is on it's so quiet. Quality of filter makes it well worth the price.
 
CWO4GUNNER said:
the very same circumference design that gives it its massive surface area for mechanical filtration is the same reason why its far more superior at bio filtration then stackable filters twice its size. Besides that the carbon basket which can hold the most effective media (carbon) at supporting more bacteria then any other media available by a factor of 100 times makes the whole issue moot.
:)
Click to expand...
I respect your opinion but I have to disagree with this statement.

How can you claim the surface area for bio activity is larger on the 250/350 than a stack filter twice the size?

You could fit many times more media weather it be blue filter pads, ceramic rings, carbon, scrubbies or whatever you use in a stack filter ie 2217 -c 220- 404/405 than a 350 could ever hold.
I just don't understand where you come up with this theory.

I don't use carbon in my planted tanks so for me the carbon point is moot.

I don't hate these filters I just think there are much better out there.
In fact I will probably pick up a 250 for quick portable polishing in the future
Portable unlike the 350 Sminc:)
Like I said just another point of view from a former 350 owner.
 
Slappy*McFish said:
The micron cartridge is what polishes the water so well. It is used separately from the blue filter sleeve/media cartridge.

I filled my media cartridge with biomedia (Seachem Matrix, etc)..just poured it right into the chamber. I've never had to use media/filter bags and I'm not sure why you would have to.
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The reason for a filter bag is because I would like to use Seachem Matrix and Renew. The Renew would have to get replaced from time to time. I really don't feel like separating it from the Matrix with a pair of tweezers, so that is where the filter bag comes in.

Right now the Magnum is being used as the primary filter because the backup filter (a Rena SmartFilter) is being used on the quarantine tank. I have been thinking of replacing its filter cartridges with some coiled up pads. But maybe I will keep with the cartridges since they will give the chemical filteration for the main tank.

Either way, this is some awesome feed back from everyone! I am gear head engineer working in the quality field, so it seriously bugs me if I don't understand something.:grinno:
 
i always hear this "noise" issue being brought up i dont get it i never have "noise" from any of my filters. i am not deaf i can hear a pin drop but i have never had issues with filters making noise. i use fluvals 404's fx5's mag 220's mag 350's hot mags wet/dry's and they are quiet, no one visiting me has ever mentioned they make noise so i guess i am lucky. the only filter i ever hear a noise from is 1 of my wet/dry's set up in my bedroom but i like the sound of trickling water it makes, it puts me to sleep quick. i have 17 tanks running maybe i clean my filters well on a constant schedule and keep my water levels where they should be is the reason i dont have noises?
 
mott said:
I respect your opinion but I have to disagree with this statement.

How can you claim the surface area for bio activity is larger on the 250/350 than a stack filter twice the size?

You could fit many times more media weather it be blue filter pads, ceramic rings, carbon, scrubbies or whatever you use in a stack filter ie 2217 -c 220- 404/405 than a 350 could ever hold.
I just don't understand where you come up with this theory.

I don't use carbon in my planted tanks so for me the carbon point is moot.

I don't hate these filters I just think there are much better out there.
In fact I will probably pick up a 250 for quick portable polishing in the future
Portable unlike the 350 Sminc:)
Like I said just another point of view from a former 350 owner.
Click to expand...

The Magnums are not creature comfort filters that is for sure, unless of course like RodInCali your just popping in polishing filters. (Incidentally Rod I like that idea of the bio blanket over the polisher, does it keep it from clogging?) Anyway as I was saying, the magnum is the stick shift of canisters and a mini version of a commercial filter and complaints if not driven right. If it doesn't work for you I wouldn't care for it either as we are here just debating some specific aspects of 2 popular filter types that's all. The bigger more important issue at least in my book and probubly Rod's is value and cost, like a craiglist aquarium steal-deal if you can get your hands on a good name brand filter with a long respected reputation for parts and service for quarters on the dollar, in my book that is something to brag about and way more important because the filter is essentially free. A filter like the Magnum 350 or the Fluval 404 (same as 405) in good condition on ebay for $35 can be used taken care of and resold for the same amount you paid for it 2-5 years down the road, essentially 0 cost! In that respect all these good reputation filters are on equal footing in my book.:D
 
the blue foam filter sleeve does help extend the changing of the polishing cart for sure. the foam sleeves i just rinse out and slide over a "new" cart and drop in the filter and your good to go in about 2 minutes easy fast i like that. the blue foam sleeves are like 10.00 for 6 of them on ebay and they almost last forever. make sure you get the "foam" hot mag sleeves they are different then the mag 350 sleeves but they will also work in the 350 i use them for both. yes i am a "value & cost" kind of guy why do you think i buy everything on ebay i refuse to pay retail prices on equiptment when there is no reason to do so. i have a 525 rating 100% positive ebay feedback rating and only 1 time did i have to file for a refund thru paypal which went in my favor and my money was refunded. you have to read sellers feedbacks check the score and do a little work but it pays off when you score auctions like a mag 350 and 2 hot mags in 1 auction and you get all 3 filters for 50.00 shipped. and all work perfect so yeah i am a ebay junkie for sure i check it 4 times a day for new items AND CW stop buying all the good deals they are mine!! LOL :) I buy the great deals even if I cant use it because I have friends who can and I resell it to them for what I paid so it helps everyone who cant afford retail prices still be able to enjoy the hobby and I think thats a good thing.
 
No offense, but defending a filter by complaining that people shouldnt complain about the noise is just..wow.

I prefer my Fluval 405. It's dead silent, my tank looks great, and I've pumped the priming lever 5 times at most to start it. I'll take 5 pumps over grinding and humming.
 
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