Quick Odyssea CFS500 Review

[Blackwater13]

I'm interested in getting this filter, but I have a few questions first:
Is the quality of this filter worth 1/2 the price of a Eheim 2217? IE: 4x Geo's and 8 rainbow's.
How well would this filter go with a lightly stocked 75G??
Also how easy do you think it would be to make a DIY spray bar for it?
Is it wise to replace the Bio-Balls with ceramic noodles or Matrix??
Thanks,
Craig

I also am curious to see if anyone has used/or will use something other than bio-balls for bio media.

 

[fishinman]

received this filter yesterday and i gotta say it is not too shabby for $58 shipped. been running since about 6pm last night with no leaks whatsoever. as long as you take time attaching hoses to ensure that gaskets stay in place, tighten hose clamps with pliers, etc..there should be no problems. mine also came with black sponge on the bottom, but i will be replacing with ceramic rings once it is time to clean it. I also own an fx5 and it is pretty comical how much they actually ripped off the fx5 design.

 

[TStephens]

I have one of these running on a 40 breeder and it has been great so far with the exception of overtightening one of the clamps causing it to drip one time and it is a little too powerful for a 40 breeder. Ive had to cut back on the flow to keep from keeping the fish pinned in a corner. I replaced all the media with 100 micron pad on top with all ceramic media underneath.