Has Anyone Used The Hot Magnum Canister Filter?

[sistermoon]

Hi there,

I have a 20g tall tank with a sand substrate. I was using a AquaTech 20-40 HOB filter and, quite honestly, just went through my third one (I think the first one was a power issue). I pretty much blame it on the sand.

So I've been searching for an alternative that is both effective and affordable (getting rid of the sand isn't an option...my cories are thrilled). I had pretty much decided to do a sponge filter (I've never had one before, but it looked to be a great way to have added filtration as well as something loaded with bacteria in case I need to set up the hospital tank), but I wanted something for better mechanical filtration.

I began to consider canister filters but 1) they are for much larger tanks and 2) they are bloody expensive. And then I came across the Magnum. Has anyone used these for general filtration? Any other recommendations?
http/www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...97&pcatid=3597


Thanks much!

 

[redbug]

I have used the hot Magnum filter it kept my tank clear. be sure to use the carbon container with the foam cover. if you look at the next model up the line I think it comes with a BIO wheel this would be my choice.
With the sand substrate be sure your pick up isn't too close to the bottom

 

[TwoTankAmin]

You can probably use a H.O.T. Magnum on your tank. The Pro version has a Bio-wheel.

I run two of these full time and use a third as a vacuum and spot polisher on many tanks. Imo opinion their best and only use should be w/o the wheels and using the Micron cartridge with the blue sleeve on. In this configuration it offers some of the best bang for the buck mech filtration for non-huge tanks that one can buy. It can be made to filter even better if one adds a couple of tablespoon of diatomacious earth to it. I also run intake sponges on the two perm ones which helps a bit with bio.

You should have at least one spare cart since they clean by a 24 hour soak on a 25-24% bleach solution and then need to dry out 100% before being reused. I simply rotate through a pile I have so its never an issue.

 

[OldMan47]

A H.O.T magnum makes a fine polishing filter to carry from tank to tank. I have a 250 HOT and do not consider it a suitable filter for permanent use on any tank. It is not really designed to hold any useful media but does a fine job of clearing suspended solids quickly from a tank. The main use I have for a filter in any of my tanks is as a biological filter, that is an area where I consider the Magnum entirely lacking.