****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I buy one or two of these every 4-6 weeks. They do not last. But for the price and size I don’t mind. They work well while they last but don’t expect more than a month. The price fluctuates from $8-$15 each so I get more when I see it for cheep.I was at amazed at how well this little thing works ! The only downside (which is a tiny downside) is since it works sooo well i feel like I'm constantly having to take it apart nd clean it. But it doesn't take long nd its definitely worth it. I will be buying another one.A filter is said to provide complete filtration if it offers mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. This modestly-priced internal filter from Zoomed attempts to do just that.This internal filter was designed primarily for turtle tanks. However, it can be used in smaller fish tanks. Flow rate is approximately 55 gph, according to the label. Mechanical and biological filtration are handled by sponge media inside the unit. Pelleted carbon handles chemical filtration.The unit will need to be installed below the water line in order to work. For tanks with low water levels, the unit can be laid flat on the tank bottom. The small size of the unit will allow you to position it in any manner that you wish, as long as the pump head is under water.This is a modest, light-duty, internal filter. It will do the job as long as your system's solid waste output is not high. It is just as easy to clean as any internal filter on the market. Which is good, because you will need to clean it often. Cleaning the filter is as simple as squeezing the two sponges in a bucket of dechlorinated water and replacing the carbon in the removable container.For mechanical and chemical filtration, it is superior to an air-driven, sponge filter. If you have a large system and your animals produce a lot of solid waste, then perhaps you should step up to a bigger filter. Bigger filter can mean something like one of Zoomed's external canisters. If you want to go bigger, but want to stick with internal filters, you can use one of the Fluval U series models. However, for a dirty tank that produces a lot of solid waste, the Fluval U series will require that you replace the poly-carbon pads frequently.If your filtration needs are modest, then I can readily recommend this unit to you. Maintenance costs should be low, considering that you can simply rinse out the sponge media to clean it. The carbon will have to be replaced. You can buy carbon in bulk and save money that way. There are better carbon out there than the pelleted type that comes with the unit, just be sure not to get a brand that has very small granules. A good brand, and one that I have used, is the Hydrocarbon brand. Seachem's Matrix is also another excellent carbon, but the particle size is too small for this filter. Carbon granules might go through the sponge media and get inside the pump's impeller well. The main advantage that this unit has over the Fluval U models is its low purchase price, and low maintenance costs.I have a 20 gallon tank and I have to clean it out every week. A white film attaches to the top. I'm going to use up what I bought and have to probably get a different filter system.Unless you clean this weekly it doesn’t last long. I even bought another filter to help but as someone else stated you can’t open to clean around little motor.Works as intended and great for nano and small bio load set ups. Ignore the first guy who gave it 1 star.. Seems like he is just regurgitating a wiki article and passing on things he googled 5 minutes ago. Obviously a canister filter with tons of bio media would work better than this EXCEPT it costs a whole lot more and takes a ton more space. I would not use this with turtles (even though it's advertised for it) or goldfish since they both are very dirty and produce lots of waste. I use this for a nano/betta/or any set up less than 5 gallons is fine. It's very quiet because it's internal and underwater so much quieter than hang on back. Plus some substrate and you'll have enough beneficial bacteria for most nano set ups.Cleaned up tank within 24 hrs. Quiet and efficient. Easy to clean. No chance of my turtles getting injured. Great product.Waited ages then it arrived needing an American plug ! sorted that then it worked for half a day then broke ,total waste of money and the company did not respond to any of my emails .Was looking for a small submersible filter and this fit the bill made by a good brand and was quite well priced!However upon receiving I realized it will not last. Cleaning the impeller requires the pump to be removed and that is held in place to filter housing by two tiny clips that immediately showed sign of stress. They need to redesign this part!!Surprisingly for how small this thing is it’s able to keep the 15 gallons of water i have in my turtle tank crystal clear but the flow is kinda weak so I think anything above 15 gallons this thing will struggle. not sure why the box states 30 gallons but i digress. in my opinion if you have a small tank this filter should be ok but i think it serves it’s purpose even better as a backup filter to run with a stronger one since its so small and can easily be tucked away anywhere in the tankFor a small Filter it sure does the job! It keeps the water from getting all cloudy by taking the fine particles out of it and I have a 20 gallon tank with a turtle in it. Defiantly would recommend this to anyone who needs a filter that does the job. It arrived on time and is just as described by the seller.Product feels cheap and is not very powerful for something that suppose to filter up to 30gals.However it isn't too loud. Suitable for 10-20 gallon MAYBE. But who's putting their turtles in that small of a tank?Waste of money for me. And missed my return window.
