
I bought this filter because I originally had my eyes on the Cascade 1000. This filter has about the same GPH (265 vs. 264) for half the price. When I first removed it from the package I was greeted with a product that appeared to be used. There were some light scrapes, and moisture. Enough moisture that I actually found mold inside the canister. All the tubing, intake, outtake, etc. appeared to still be sealed though. Not sure if this is the distributor's (TruAqua), or the manufacturer's fault.
After cleaning it up it is working great though. I've had it running for about 5 hours now on a 55 gallon, with a sand substrate, and my water has cleared up a lot. It came with plenty of filter media to fill up the three trays as well. Plastic Bio-balls, Activated Carbon, Filter Cotton, and what I'm assuming is Ceramic for more beneficial bacteria to grow on. The pump for priming it was also nice, made it super easy to set up.
I highly recommend this if you don't mind receiving something that appears to have been used. Maybe I was just unlucky, but it is still a great bargain despite this.
:::UPDATE:::
It seems that the filter media isn't included with this system anymore. They updated pictures to show notes on the media saying that it's not included instead of updating the description.
:::UPDATE AGAIN:::
For media I've been using Marineland Rite-Size filter pads that one has to cut to the proper size. As well as activated carbon, and ceramic, but I just get whatever is on sale when I need more.
At the current price of $80 with no media included I can no longer call this thing a bargain. I personally purchased this for $50 with media included. When I wrote half the price of the Cascade 1000, I literally meant half the price.

Starting a new 55 gallon aquarium can be quite expensive. I wanted to do things right and not get 'soaked' in the process (sorry, bad pun!) After doing a great deal of research on filter types, I knew I wanted a canister. I had a bit of sticker shock while shopping around. Then I found this product!
My order was processed quickly, even delivered sooner than I anticipated. I had the unit put together and running in no more than 15 minutes. Getting it assembled was effortless. I was completely shocked at how silently it operates!
As I write this review, I am looking at my new little fishy family, swimming happily in their new home.
I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for great value, prompt delivery and a very effective filter.
My fishies thank you, and so do I!
Buy Aquatop CF300 3-Stage Canister Filter, 264 gph Now
The manufacturer's name who makes these canisters escapes me, but they label themselves as Sun Sun or Aquatop. Think of it as the generic version of EHEIM cause oddly enough all their media will work just fine with this. With that said, this has been a very affordable and helpful little canister. I bought mine on eBay (box said Sun Sun) and this one here (box says Aquatop) on Amazon. Honestly I wish Amazon had sold this before, cause it's cheaper here (on Amazon).
Works fine after 1 year and bought my 2nd one to replace my EHEIM.
4 stars because I forget which model from EHEIM will the media pads fit from. And because as explained the handles for the trays like to pop off (I find inching it from one side to the other works best).
Only other issue you may run into is if you hear a rattle or hum sound, it's the little propeller (I forget the name of it) that spins did "ware out" on one of these, but I replaced it for about $5 ... No big deal.
Read Best Reviews of Aquatop CF300 3-Stage Canister Filter, 264 gph Here
I setup the canister last night without too many issues. Initially it ran whisper quite but has since developed a vibration noise that I will have to figure out tonight. The media trays are a good size but they are made quite cheaply. The media trays are very securely seated in the canister and almost impossible to remove without damaging the popup handle on them. In fact both lower trays already had the handle pop off. I have to figure out a way to remove the trays without relying on the handle. I may need to grease the outside of the tray to see if that helps.
The media included is ample but I wish it came with a better mechanical sponge filter or foam batting for the lowest tray. Also it would be nice if the input bar and spray bar came with some external bracing as I am having a hard time getting it to rest nicely on the back of the tank.
But so far I am happy with the performance per price ratio
Want Aquatop CF300 3-Stage Canister Filter, 264 gph Discount?
264 GPH?????? I'm replacing a Penn Plax Cascade 1000 on my 46g bowfront with this. Not for any reason, because the Cascade 1000 still works well after 6-7 years (gaskets are a little worn and tubes are filled with gook). To compare, the Cascade 1000 spray bar is longer and has more pressure coming out of it (Penn Plax is rated at 265GPH). The Cascade 1000 is larger, has a handle, and comes with all the filter media. This external filter is much smaller, has about 80% the spray output, and comes with white floss on the 3 provided trays, and a bio sponge on the bottom tray.
Next, the priming pump. Doesn't work unless you fill the filter up with water. After you fill the filter up with water, it works fine. The Penn Plax primes an empty canister.
Noise? Quiet as can be. I can't hear it at all. Penn Plax is just as quiet.
Hoses? comes with nice green (Eheim type) hoses, and not the cheap hoses that comes with the Fluval 306.
Is it worth sixty dollars? YES
Will you be happier with a Penn Plax 1000 for a little more? Yes, also considering the Penn Plax comes with the filter media.
Overall, it's cute, does a fair job, and is not too heavy to carry to the kitchen sink.
Do I feel safe with this unit? Yes. the connections are tight, and everything fits perfectly together.
Overall well made, but if you're looking for a lot more power, I'd choose the Penn Plax 1000.
Edit: to add, I think a lot of people are complaining about water in the filter when they received the filter. I found drops of clean water in the filter, and chalked it up as the company was testing to make sure the filter is in working order. Hopefully, someone from the company will respond.
edit: to add again-after changing the filter I noticed the canister can be assembled wrong. I know that sounds weird, but I couldn't figure out how to fix it until I turned the trays 90 degrees. if your canister makes noise, consider this because there is nothing to stop you from putting together the canister wrong.
edit: March 18, 2012the canister filter output isn't working. in other words, the canister is taking water in and not extracting the water. I do have the inline UV filter on the outtake, and this may be the problem. Today, I purchased the Cascade that I've been comparing it to, and am taking this as a loss.
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