Ocean Clear 354 Poly Bead Filter?

[Conner]

Does anyone have any experience with this filter? I am going to be moving into a new house sometime in the next few weeks, and will be setting up a new 90g tank. The tank is drilled in the bottom with two holes, one a drain and one a return. I have been debating about what kind of filter to use, since I don't want to run a sump on this tank (I do have a spare sump built, but the sump is almost 50g, which would be buku overkill on a 90g tank).

I have been trying to find a canister filter that would work well, and I stumbled across the OC 354 Poly Bead filter (http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquarium-Canister-Filters/I/Ocean-Clear-Canister-Filters.aspx).

The price is right, and I have several spare pumps just lying around waiting to be used. I also really like that this filter has the backflush capability.

I've never used an Ocean Clear canister before, so I was hoping someone here could give me some information on how well they work, if this particular filter is worth buying, etc. I've searched Google, and can't seem to find any actual customer reviews of the filter, which is why I'm asking here.

Thanks in advance,
Conner

 

[Oughtsix]

I have had nothing but sealing problems with my Ocen Clear cartridge filter. I would not buy any of their filters ever again. The Nuclear filters cost more but are supposed to seal better,

I would go with a sump over any over of the canister filters.

 

[Conner]

Eh, I've used several sumps for larger systems over the years, and I have to say when I bought my first FX5, I considered never using a sump again. The maintenance is drastically less with a canister vs. a sump (IMO), less evaporation, less noise, less chance of flooding in case of power outage.

I know that those are all things that can be adjusted to your preference with sumps, but after dealing with them for years, I think I just want the no-hassle ease of use of a canister.

And I considered Nu-Clear's, but they don't seem to have one equivalent to the OC 354 polybead with a backflush option.

 

[Conner]

That being said, I do still have one sump running right now, and have another waiting to be used, which will probably be set up and used not long after we move.

I'm just thinking that this 90g is likely to be in our living room as a show tank, and I want it to be as quiet and maintenance free as possible. An FX5 would be overkill on a lightly stocked 90g geophagus tank, so I thought an Ocean Clear might do the trick, if I can find anyone that has anything positive to say about them.

 

[isde02]

I'm using one, along with a 317, and a 340 on my 180. The only issue that I have with it is I don't like how it back flushes. It doesn't backflush well enough to me. Other than that it works well in my opinion.

 

[isde02]

A lot of people complain about ocean clear sealing problems, I screwed mine down, used thread paste, and a rubber mallet, no leaks, no problems.

 

[Conner]

Anything more specific about the backflushing? That's really the reason why I wanted to get it, so I wouldn't have to open up the canister every time I wanted to clean it.

Is it a pain to service in your opinion, or is it just kind of a minor annoyance?

 

[isde02]

You don't have to open it at all, you have to close some valves and open some valves. It's not an annoyance because you can backflush the filter and drain the water for a water change at the same time.

 

[Conner]

I think I'll go ahead and pick one up, just to see how I like it. Worst case is I don't like it and end up buying another filter...