i have used all jebos canisters and they do what there supposed to do. multiple stages of filtration.... 3,4,5, baskets depending on the model. i will say they deff lack in the gph. if your going to shoot for an inexpensive filter that does a good job, id give the cfs 500, 700 a try. theres a few vids on youtube you can look up and see what the 500 flows. from the looks it flows triple what the biggest jebo does and there cheaper. look for threads on mfk. a few people have modded and changed a few parts for opt performance. you should be happy with the flow of the powerhead you ordered. i wouldnt change out the sponge id just leave it. the small plastic cage it comes with is made for it and wouldnt hold anything better.