Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was trying to decide whether to get the Fluval C2 or this Marina slim line model. I chose this model, because it is slim and unobtrusive and I like the clear color compared to the Fluval C2, which has that weird gaudy red basket inside. Also, the reviews are more positive for the durability of this unit compared to the Fluval C2, which has propeller noise and failure issues. The motor on this unit sits inside of the tank, which helps with noise dampening and cooling, so it won't overheat and fail. I also like that when the electric cuts out, due to storms or whatever, that the unit self primes and re-starts; in case I'm not at home to refill the reservoir back with water. I dose liquid fertilizers in my tank (because I have live plants), so I didn't use the included carbon filter or the floss filter in the box. The carbon filter will remove the plant chemicals I'm trying to introduce into the tank, which defeats the purpose of dosing and the floss filter is an added expense I don't need, since I make my own floss filters. The right side of the intake filter is filled with the yellow Aquaclear foam to remove large debris, the center has Poly-fil sheets that are folded to increase the surface area for water cleaning, and the left side has the 20 gallon Aquaclear ceramic rings. You can get the Poly-fil sheets for making blankets and cut them to size from Wal-Mart. I don't buy the pet store brands (due to cost) and the Wal-Mart Poly-Fil white sheets are cheaper with no deleterious effects to my fish and shrimps in the tank. Although, this filter is fairly quiet the splashing sounds of water exiting the discharge chute are a bit loud and keeps me awake. Also, I have the Aqueon Ascent 10 gallon rimless tank where the back of the tank is higher than the front. Therefore, I cannot add more water to make up the difference between the distance of the discharge chute and the water line level. These are 1st world problems people!! Solution: Use the fake clear American Express plastic cards they are always sending in the mail to add length to the discharge chute. I cut the card to size, so that it fits snugly in the discharge chute. Then use super glue gel to adhere the card to the flat bottom part of the chute and wait 30 minutes for dry and set time. Then apply GE clear silicone gel to seal the card in place, so that it won't fall into the aquarium from the force of the water pressing down on the card. The GE clear silicone has a set time of 30 minutes also, so I'm up and running within an hour. Make sure you only use 100% clear silicone, because other sealants have additives that will leach in to your tank and kill all your fish and shrimps. Also, if you notice that your outflow is not as strong; it helps to take apart the plastic housing surrounding the impeller and clean the funk gunk (with q-tips) that will accumulate in there over time. I also like to get a q-tip and apply a thin coat of white petrolatum jelly to the outside of the impeller body and the silver shaft to minimize noise and prolong life. Some peeps have complained about noise hum. It has to do with the black plastic round piece you rotate to adjust the level of the filter. It touches the glass and therefore the motor transfers the vibration to that plastic piece, which resonates off of the glass. I cut a little square piece off of the felt furniture pad they use for furniture feet. Then peeled off the adhesive backing and stuck it to the back glass. The black plastic leveler rests on the furniture pad and the noise is not transferred to the glass. You can also use the rubber peel & stick rubber bumpers. Easy fix folks. March 2020 Update: I got rid of my terrible Aqueon Ascent aquarium and purchased a different 10 gallon aquarium with all the sides even at the top. Now, I have a Tidal 35 filter I bought off Amazon and I hate to say it, but I like the Tidal 35 better than the Marina filter. The new filter has an adjustable water flow that provides really nice surface water agitation and the box is large enough for me to customize with sponge filters, filter floss, and bio-media rocks. The Tidal 35 also self-primes after a power failure. Click on that helpful tab if this info was awesome 4U-Thanks.