Just checked my spam filter and found an interesting email, Catalina aquariums August specials........ seems they have a , what I think, heckuva deal going....... a 4000 gallon rated pond canister filter, self contained with a 1600 gph pump, and an 11 watt UV light all for 168 bux? man this thing moves about 150 % of the water that an FX-5 does, and adds in a UV unit....... sounds kinda large, 24 inches tall, 15 inches diameter but dang if it doesn't seem like a great deal to try and use on a tank ! who wants to give it a shot? I have size issues, it will not fit under my stand with the sump tank , but maybe someone else has room? Lets here some chatter on this, why or why it isn't a good deal, or a better one if you can find it.


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. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_in...roducts_id=1477

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Now this should be good!

It sounds like a good buy. I bet it would take care of a tank full of big Malawan haps with ease. I would try one if I had the funds. Thanx for the link...they have some other good offers also.

thanks mongo for taking the time to reply, I sent the company an inquiry this morning, asking if they offer this as a non UV unit, I already have a 36 watt unit running in my system, and figure with no UV it would bring the price down on the canister even more. I asked if they had pics of the media layout, or a diagram available showing the internals. I also baited them with the fact that I am on a few forums with many people watching it interest, so we will see what kind of response I get , and I will let all know.

Interesting thread -- thanks for sharing this!

M&M, bait away...I would be interested to see the media layout myself. Also, I am not all that interested in a UV unit...if its an algea problem I just move a couple more BN plecos in and increase the amount of water changed. The only place I might be interested in a UV unit would be on my hospital/quarantine tank. It will be interesting to see how and if they respond to you.

hey guys, I got a reply from the manufacturer, they say the 11 watt unit is built into the unit in such a way that it does not come without, oh well, so much for saving more money... they did tell me that on their main site that the insides are shown, I got a link and include it below. Does not look like a lot of mechanical surface area, a max of 175 sq inches doing the math, but it does seem to offer a large volume for bio media, filling that with floss sure would polish water. the lid seems to come off with a real nice lever ring setup. well all I can tell for now without having one.
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_in...roducts_id=1384

Is the UV built in the canister? I think i read something on the net a while back that mentioned that External Filters with the UV built in is not good...but i'm not sure about it idunno