Ocean Clear versus Nu-Clear Canisters?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Dan F

Dan F

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 10, 2007
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Oregon
I'm currently trying to decide between two mechanical filters:

Ocean Clear model 317
or
Nu-Clear model 522

I have read some reviews that said the Ocean Clear filters have a tendency to leak - has anyone had trouble with them?

Any input as to your experience with either would be great/ :popcorn:
 
I recently bought a pair of Nu-clears and did a bunch of research or the same question prior to the purchase. I'm sorting out my plumbing so I haven't set them up yet but they look like fantastic filters. While I don't have any personal experience with the Ocean Clears, from everything I've read the Nu-clears offer several advantages:

1. Better lid design - the Ocean Clears have a screw on lid that has a tendency to leak unless you get it on really tight (may require hitting with a rubber mallet). The Nu-clears have a steel band clamp that does a better job of securing the lid.

2. 1" ports on the Nu-clear (vs 3/4" on the OC) make it easier to run larger plumbing for higher flow rates

3. I've read a few accounts that suggest the polystrand micron filter on the Nu-clear is firmer and a little easier to clean than on the OC.
 
Kinda hard to make a direct comparison.
Nu-Clear model 522 is a pleated cartridge.
Ocean Clear model 317 is a stacked pad arrangement.
Perhaps a better comparison could be had with an Ocean Clear 325 (also a pleated filter).
I like the Nu Clear clamp but understand the need to care for an O ring.
I only have experience with the 325 but like the look of the 522.
Not much help, just an opinion.
 
CA-Delta;4489716; said:
Kinda hard to make a direct comparison.
Nu-Clear model 522 is a pleated cartridge.
Ocean Clear model 317 is a stacked pad arrangement.
Perhaps a better comparison could be had with an Ocean Clear 325 (also a pleated filter).
I like the Nu Clear clamp but understand the need to care for an O ring.
I only have experience with the 325 but like the look of the 522.
Not much help, just an opinion.
Click to expand...

The thing I like about the 522 is that the pleated cartridge is not a fiber-type, they claim it can be easily rinsed clean. All the pads in the 317 look like a bit of a pain.

How many uses do you get out of the cartridge in the 325? Can you just keep rinsing it out over and over or does it clog up eventually?

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
the_deeb;4489706; said:
I recently bought a pair of Nu-clears and did a bunch of research or the same question prior to the purchase. I'm sorting out my plumbing so I haven't set them up yet but they look like fantastic filters. While I don't have any personal experience with the Ocean Clears, from everything I've read the Nu-clears offer several advantages:

1. Better lid design - the Ocean Clears have a screw on lid that has a tendency to leak unless you get it on really tight (may require hitting with a rubber mallet). The Nu-clears have a steel band clamp that does a better job of securing the lid.

2. 1" ports on the Nu-clear (vs 3/4" on the OC) make it easier to run larger plumbing for higher flow rates

3. I've read a few accounts that suggest the polystrand micron filter on the Nu-clear is firmer and a little easier to clean than on the OC.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

It sounds like the Nu-Clear may be the better choice. It costs about $60 more, but if it is a better design it would be worth the extra money.
 
I have both and I've got to agree that the Nu-Clears are easier to open and maintain, a major plus since I have to clean the cartridges once a month. I'd look into getting them used, I got both canisters, a pump, and cartridges for around 150 total.
 
Dan Feller;4490435;4490435 said:
How many uses do you get out of the cartridge in the 325? Can you just keep rinsing it out over and over or does it clog up eventually?
Click to expand...
I bought three used 325's with three extra used cartridges from a fellow MFK'er and have so far only installed one of them. So far I have cleaned and reused two alternating cartridges repreatedly.I give them a soak in bleach and water for 24 hours, rinse and let dry for the rest of the week till it's time to swap again. The other two are awaiting an overhaul of my 240.
 
I have both. Nu-clear is easier to maintain (lid) and has larger plumbing which is nice. It's a good idea to have at least one extra cartridge for a quick swap out when cleaning.

Cartridge cleaning is easy. I rinse with a hose outside in my yard then soak the cartridge in a 5 gallon bucket with some bleach water for a day then rinse again. My cartridges last a couple years but eventually clog and have to be replaced.
 
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