Zoo Med Nano 501 External Canister Filter

Was looking for a small external to better filter my heavily stocked and planted 6 gallon Fuval Edge. This 501 will actually fit in the space behind where the HOB filter sits out of sight. The flow rate is perfect and not overly strong for little tanks and little fishes Perfect!

My main complaint was with the hanger that came with this. I had to modify it with extension arms for my rattan clad 7.5 gallon hex tank while it's main rival, the TOM Rapid Mini's hanger was perfect. The hoses and intake/outtake accessories that come with the 501 are far superior to that of the Rapid Mini and will accommodate a wide variety of aquariums. This canister also has a large sponge filter for final stage filtering while the TOMs has none. I did not care for the 501's non-reusable carbon/bag and replaced it with a reusable Seapora 3X5" filter bag (fits perfectly) using Seachem Renew which I prefer over carbon filtration in planted tanks. Since this filter uses 120V AC, a GFCI is mandatory. Besides the hanger issue, the instructions advise to put the ceramic filter media above the carbon bag while the picture on the box shows the opposite.

Do note that this filter costs about 50% more than the TOM but that's due to the Zoo Med being made in Italy while the TOM is made in China. BTW, I own both but after buying new hoses and supporting parts for the TOM, the final cost was about the same for both.

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Just what it said it was. Constructed well and supplied with all the needed parts for a few different setup methods. It is also very quite.

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I have had this filter for about 3 weeks now, and it works well. Set up took me about 1 hour because you have to put the filter media in and cut the plastic intake and return tubes to the correct length to fit your aquarium. I used a utility knife, and it was hard to cut. My aquarium water was a touch cloudy when I started using this filter (that's why I bought it) and after letting it run for 3 days the water stayed cloudy. I had make a full water change before it cleared-up, so this filter is no miracle worker for clear water.

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This is my first canister filter, and I'm pleased with the results. I've purchased two more for two of my other planted betta (halfmoon plakat) tanks. I'm hesitant to use it with my long-finned halfmoon betta tank (I don't think he could handle the current, unless I could figure out how to baffle it really well).

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