Switch, or no?

**Inspiire** · 01-08-2010, 05:10 PM

My 44G has an "internal power filter" which is very complicated.

It takes up quite a bit of space. The water flows in at the top, then goes around through 2 different chambers before reaching the pump. The original pump died on me. I replaced the pump, but now the system doesn't work right. Its a pretty old system, and they don't make replacement pumps anymore. I'm sure I could find another pump, like a pond pump, for a replacement, but not sure if its worth it. About a year ago, the silicon that was holding it in gave out. Now, I have to closely watch the water level of the tank. I learned the hard way why. If I let the level go down more than .5" the water level drops below the inlet. The pump continues until the filter system is out of water. Once that happens, the box forcefully floats up. Hard to explain, but the filter system has to have water in it to stay down. I didn't want to drain the tank and resilcone it in, since it is older, and I don't think very effective. Twice, I've had to push sand away and pour water into the system until it sinks back down in place.

The filter system is completely incased. Water flows in at the top, then flows through a tube that runs over the side and back into the tank.

I believe its time for some new filtration. I'm sick of this big box taking up all the space. On the other hand, it is so complicated, I feel like I may be throwing a good thing away.

I found a Cascade canister that would work nicely. Thoughts on them?

I think the canister would work just as good and wouldn't take up as much room. I have a Whisper HOB filter I could pair with it too.

**rookie** · 01-08-2010, 05:16 PM

a freind of mine has a cascade and likes it but i prefer the xp3 i love it. but yea i say that you need a new filter. im sure someone can help you out with a code to get an xp3 for like $110

**Inspiire** · 01-08-2010, 05:30 PM

I really wasn't wanting to spend that much on a filter.

Hence the $70 Cascade. lol

**Taurus** · 01-08-2010, 07:51 PM

How about an xp2 in combination with the whisper.

**Inspiire** · 01-12-2010, 02:14 AM

I purchased a canister filter...

The one I actually got is from a brand called SunSun. Pretty sure its an off-brand canister. I've heard that they also make Marineland and are connected to a couple of other brands. I believe the manufacturing plant they come from also makes other brand canisters.

The price cannot be beat. I got the HW-302, which says its good for up to 100 gallons. The ratings are always a little over, but it should be good for my 44. I'll have a Whisper hooked up too, so it should be good. The kicker: $59 SHIPPED!

I was worried about the quality, being an off-brand. I read a few reviews online, but most were questioning the quality. I found a couple of good reads. This is the best one:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...filter-hw.html

**gadget228** · 01-12-2010, 10:45 AM

Well after reading the review it sounds like it could be a decent filter with a really nice price so when you get it up and running be sure to leave your own review in the Equipment reviews section. I checked and no one has a review of it yet.