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fluval plus

I have the same problem with this filter, it clogs with only half the sponges used and i did know about the water intake through the sides.
Waste of money.

Try emailing them with the problem?
You never know waht might happen.
It's got to be worth a shot!

You could start here.

EDIT: Added link.

To be honest I have not been overly impressed with any of their products. Eheim are far superior at comparable prices. They supplied one with my Fluval Duo 1200 4ft tank, yet it is no where near enough, so I have fitted a second, and now it seems to do the job alot better.

Ben