Intex pool filter as mechanical filration.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I haven't used one. I considered getting one and trying out. I saw someone change it so it draws water from the bottom I'd probably do as well.
 
Because of the mixed review (overall negative) for the cfs500, I think that I am better off staying away from them. So now my choices are either the cf400, cf-500, or a pool filter. I am leaning toward the cf-500 being around $15 more than the cf-400. However, it is way more expensive than the 1,000gph pool filter. Still Leaning toward the cf-500 based on the great reviews.
 
I tried an Intex on my tank.
Noisy as all get out, but did a great job of getting particulate out of the water.
Pulled it out because of the noise, but used it as a powered gravel vacuum for awhile.
Worked OK as a vac, but the impeller jammed way to easily.
Not sure how anyone could complain about these things not trapping the gunk in the filter pleats.
Though I couldn`t find a micron rating, they did a great job of cleaning.
Replacement filter cartridges are pretty cheap and can be cleaned easily.
Now have it sitting on the bench.
Gutted the impeller and am thinking of it as just a filter housing and using a spare inline pump to drive the thing.
If you like the idea of a cartridge based filter, the Magnum series is a good, out of the box, ready to go system.
 
Koienterprise is also selling them for $119 and no shipping charge. Just got two from him.

http://www.koienterprise.com/MFK/AQUATOP-CF-500UV-Canister-Filter-p-768.html

Its alittle more then from Ebay, but I rather deal with an actual distributor. If something is wrong, he will be alot quicker to solve it then a random seller on ebay. No to mention your helping a distributor that is part of the MFK community stay in business.;) Either way you go, these things beat out Rena's that are alot more expensive. Rena XP 3's are $179. at most LFS's ad is a 3 stage. The CF 500 is a 4 stage plus UV sterilizer that does almost double the GPH for at most $119. Its a no brainer:naughty:

As for to much filtration, the bars on this allow you to really distribute current. So it ill be just fine.;)
 
KaiserSousay, the filter that we have on our pool outside isn't loud by any means. However, it isn't nearly as quiet as my cf-300. Why did you stop using the Intex filter? Is it just because of the noise? And how well would you say that it cleared the water?
 
bobtatersaladsmith;5153896; said:
KaiserSousay, the filter that we have on our pool outside isn't loud by any means. However, it isn't nearly as quiet as my cf-300. Why did you stop using the Intex filter? Is it just because of the noise? And how well would you say that it cleared the water?
Click to expand...

Yeah, well mine didn`t sound loud in the garage during testing either.
That changed when sitting in the livingroom.
Way too noisy for my likes.
Think of a HOB with a bad impeller for an idea of the noise level.
The only plus was the way the thing filtered out particles.
 
I have used a larger version of the Intex pool filter made for the larger pools. I think it was a 2000gph pump and took cartridge B. I had it on a 75g tank. I had to use a bypass because the flow was to much. I also ran it on a timer so it was not running all the time as it seamed to get pretty warm. It was on a half hour every 2 hours and did a great job of making the water crystal clear. But the filter did clog pretty quickly. It NEEDED to be changed or cleaned every other week and was better to do every week. Mine was in a fully enclosed wood stand and was not TO loud but was still to loud to have in the living room (this was in a work room).

I do not use it anymore. I was using it for a circulation pump for awhile but now it is just a backup pump.

I would not recommend them for filtering due to the fact they clog up so quickly. I have seen people use similar pool filters with good success but they are quite a bit more costly and would be way to much flow for a 55g tank as these were used on much larger tanks.

I have used canisters and would not recommend them for several reasons but the main one is maintenance, they are a PITA to maintenance over other methods. What is your bio filter setup? There are allot of better ways to mech filter over a canister.
 
I currently only have a cf-300. I know that that is not enough but as I've constantly been saying, money is way way tight. I am using the provided bioballs. They seem too be doing a great job of keeping the ammonia at 0. The cloudiness of the water is my only concern as of now. Any suggestions on good ways to do this would be great, earthstudent.
 
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