45$ Canister Filter Review

[KevJ87]

Hey guys,
 
So after reading reviews etc I decided to try the "SunSun" or "AquaTop" aquarium canister filters since they are so cheap.
If anyone is interested they are on Ebay for 45$ for 265 GPH or 55$ for UV Sterilizer version. They also have larger ones for insanely cheap prices!
 
 
The 265 GPH SunSun is on a 30 gallon customized tank and is running amazing, no leaking on the side of each media tray comes with high grade bio media and decent filter floss as well. It comes with a spray bar and decent intake and outtake hoses.
 
This unit is insanely quiet I cannot even tell if they are running really unless you put your ear right next to it.
 
I would suggest them to anyone really, I expected a terribly bad chinese knockoff with cheap parts but it really does not appear that way at all.
 
The plastic on the intake and out take however is the only weak part it does feel a little weak as plastic but you can just use a hose or whatever. The spray bar is nice though.
 
 
http/www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-3-Stage-265GPH-External-Aquarium-Canister-Filter-75-Gallon-Tank-Kit-HW-302-/231312475247?pt=Fish_Filters&hash=item35db4c446f
 
This one is from a different seller its 49.99$ with Free shipping
There are ones on amazon as well free shipping if your prime I believe.
 
So that's all guys just wanted to let you know that I was very impressed with it for the price and would buy another.

 

[KevJ87]

Was curious if anyone else is running this SunSun or plans on getting one ?

 

[AshleyNZ]

They seem really cheap, I might think of getting one depending on what I plan on my 54g tank stocking. Just not sure yet

 

[Alasse]

I have a SunSun on my 75gal goldie tank, cant fault it

 

[TwoTankAmin]

It is just my feeling, but would not get one if it cost 0. Why not? Because, in the end, you get what you pay for.
 
I have a pair of Eheim Pro II 2026 filters. One has been running for close to 13 years and used to double as my pressurized co2 diffuser for over 11 of those years. The other has been running about 12+ years. Both these filters are still as quiet as the day I got them and have required minimal replacement parts. One head gasket and one other small piece I actually broke by accident. Eheim has moved on to the Pro 3 series, but I located and purchased 3 NIB Pro IIs this past summer. Some people have run their older Eheims for 20+ years. I am also an avid user of AquaClear hang-ons, I have about 25 of these running for years now.
 
What I also know is that in the long run the least expensive solution is usually the one that cost the most up front. This applies to almost anything, not just fish keeping. When I can read reports of folks running these cheap filters for a decade and that they did not break down along the way and are still working almost as good as new, I would consider them.
 
A decent UV unit is not often effective when built into a filter since most filters have too high a flow rate for effective UV sterilization to occur. Dwell time and turnover rate must be pretty precise to achieve the desired results with UV. I use one on and off as needed and use a dedicated power head with a specifically chosen flow rate with it.
 
Caveat emptor.

 

[KevJ87]

TwoTank I agree you get what you pay for in some circumstances but when it comes to ANYTHING with plastic parts not true at all. American companies sell plastic at a marked up rate of 256%. The same plastic goes into making SunSun just as a lower rate. 
 
not to mention Eheim is meh imo and many others but like I said to each their own. The uv concern you have is null as long as the UV placement and (When) it hits the flow is correct as long as the flow is hit with the UV in the first down pool ( after entering the canister and encountering first resistance such as filter floss etc) than your fine.
 
But I just don't want people to get discouraged because of the review SunSun's have been known to hold up against Eheims and even better in certain circumstances. Salt water I would give the upper hand to Eheim however but fresh SunSun is all you will ever need. The only reason I would say Salt is that SunSun corrosive protection on some parts lacks in comparison to the Eheim higher priced models.