To prevent overflow when opening, shut intake while still plugged in, wait 10 seconds, unplug, then shut output before opening clips. It reduces the built-up pressure, and makes significantly less mess. As for primer, had to squeeze the clips to get it to pop up. Once popped up, it works wonders. Thanks for your review!
After using one of these i swapped out all my EHEIMS and an FX for ULTRAMAX 2000,have not looked back .Super quite no noise at all ,nearly half the price. some users had a leak issue, i remove ,lubricate and reseat both o rings with a small rounded tool ,( small spoon handle) when first setting up .Hope your still happy with yours 👍
I run the 1000 version, and its perfect in every way for me. No issue. The priming tab though did take quite abit of strength to pull up. My guess is the initial 1st to 2nd use, the tab has a very tight suction to it. The seal was very tight for me so I never experienced any leaks. Pretty much I think it might just be QC issue for this particular filter of yours.
That is poor workmanship with the twisted seal - someone in the factory wants a bollocking for that mistake. Good review and very fair good / bad points. If you want any media sending down for future products just let me know, no worries.
Thanks Richard that’s very kind ! I do hope the manufacturer gets in touch to see if it’s actually just a defective lid, as if the product was flawless and didn’t leak on opening it would be an exceptional filter
I've got the 2000. In terms of opening with no water spilling, ive found that if I leave the motor running, close the intake side, leave for 1 or 2 seconds, close the output side, leave for 1 or 2 seconds and then switch the motor off you don't get a flood. I think it essentially empties out a small quantity of water in the prefilter compartment. There's no problem with this as part of the marketing is that you can do this and leave the motor running with both taps shut to change the prefilter. I think the priming mechanism on yours might just be defective. Mine was stiff right at the beginning and it felt like I had to give a good pull first time 'cracking the seal' or something, but after that worked fine. Is actually really useful because you can use it while the filter is running to purge trapped air
John Smith thanks for the tip there ! Definitely going to give that a go. I’ve really tried with that lever, two hands either side pressing in the catches and just really won’t budge. My other thought with this sort of stuff is if you need brute force to make something work then how is a 80yr old grandma that’s really into fish keeping going to use it, they should go back to the design phase if that’s the case !
fully agree with You but I like this filter so much after searching other stuff ... Despite its drawbacks this is the most silent and good filtering device I used to use ever ...
The fact that the water leaks out when you open it is an operating error. You must first close the two levers of the water supply and then pull the mains plug. Then no water will run out either. But it is also written in the operating instructions!
It also says in the manual when taking the cover off to do it in a bathtub as some dirty water may spill out. I see your point, but in my opinion that part of the design could use some work.
Fully agree, OASE has same issue - you need to close valves first, then unplug, otherwise the pressure builds up and it will spill when you remove the prefilter.
Thank you for the review. You brought up very good points. I always drain my canister filters prior to opening them. Perhaps, that would solve one of your problems with it. As to the primer not working, I would contact the company and see what they suggest. They may send you a new one. Disappointing to hear that the flow rate is so much lower than listed. You have a beautiful tank and thanks again for the review.
Great review. I do have an ultramax 2000 for quite some time now and it is really as you reviewed. Filter floss provided is useless, media of poor quality but i guess they had to include something just to show how it could be used. Mine is silent as well and i really like that. About the negatives: I do get the same spillage but probably less water coming out. About the priming part, its really stuck in the first/second time you pull it. I even thought mine was faulty. But you have to really pull it hard and after a time or 2, its goes to normal and you can pull and push without any force. My lid had no issue with the seal, so that might be a manufacturer assembly issue on yours. What i do see, is that it somehow draws up air, not sure from where, but from time to time it purges air out. The other issue, that is not really a big issue, is that with the 2000 you hardly can use lily pipes for the inflow. The pressure is just too much and there are no skimmers or intakes on the market in glass for 2000 l/h, even though, as you mention, working flow might be much lower. Other than that, its a great filter and i would buy it again in a blink.
I have actually seen on reviewing the instructions again that they say to use a screw driver to open it, why they can’t do that in the warehouse I don’t know 🤷♂️ Others have said to run the filter with the inlet shut to drain it a bit which does help the mess. But overall the design could be refined! The quiet running and huge amount of media it holds though still keeps it a winner in my view
This is probably a year too late to help anyone but I have some info on the priming mechanism. Im considering buying this filter as a replacement for my 2217 so I watched a few videos. Ok so when you pull out the priming plunger for the first time and only the first time, there is a clip or tab that you need to flip or undo to make it work smoothly. I cant tell what it was because of the angle of the video I saw it in but I do know that nothing needs to be removed and its just a quick poke with a flathead screwdriver. There might be more info in the instruction booklet. Also to prime it, the filter has to be OFF, pull out the plunger and then tilt the filter sideways by about 30 degrees to the side, perpendicular to the inflow and outflow nozzles and water should start flowing in. No idea if it has to be tilted towards the inflow or outflow. Hope this helps someone. I will probably forget by the time I get mine haha !!
hello 🙂I have 2 of these models. the 1000 and the 2000 and I like them a lot. Exceptional built. I have to tell you that the problem you had with the gasket was in no way a norm for this filter. For sure was a mistake from the factory. Mine arrived in perfect condition, the gaskets were in place in the proper position, no twisting, no problems(to be honest that was the first aspect I checked when I opened up the filters, because I was curious to see what kind of gasket they used...). Now, about the problem you mentioned with the priming lever... As much as I know that lever had some kind of apendix that you need to unblock when you first using that lever... I don't know how to explain, but I had the Aquael Ultra900 model(and I sell it and bought the Ultramax 1000 because it has the built in prefilter) and I remember that I had the same problem but I managed to solve it with the aid of a flat head screwdriver... Very gently I use it to unblock the lever and after that I never had any kind of problems with it... 🙂 In fact, if you have the user manual of the filter with the drawings of the compents, read it with much attention and you'll notice that they are mentioning the posibility that the priming lever can be stuck in some situations and they advice you there how to unblock it(look for the drawings in the fig.5C)... cheers !
Mine never leaks and neither would yours if you used it correctly. Shut off the inlet valve, wait a few seconds then shut off the outlet valve and then unplug. Not a drop of water comes out if you do this. The prime is the best I’ve ever used.
Can you not open either one of the inlet or outlet parts where the hoses connect or the pre-filter lid before opening the whole body of the filter? The water inside the filter is under some pressure, I see that with my 2 Eheim Classic 600's. They have the Eheim quick release mechanisms on the inlet and outlet pipes and If I try to take the lid off the filter with the taps closed, I can't get it off due to the suction effect. Opening the outlet tap sees a snall jet of water shoot out. It's not a huge amount of water, maybe 100-150 ml, but it's enough that I put my hand over the pipe to stop it skooshing across the living room. Once the tap is open I can get the lid off the filter very easily. But I have to open the filter in a plastic tray to catch the water that comes out of the tap.
I have a feeling it could be just an isolated problem with this filter, I thought it still worth sharing my experience as it’s a total joke. I opened the canister on this video with both outlets off so theoretically the pressure should have equalised. I’ve tried using the priming pump in all orientations and it’s definitely rammed in there and stuck hard
@@FishPieTV Strange. I quite like the idea of Aquael filters. They have loads of space for media and the pre-filter can save a lot of hassle. Maybe your primer handle is suffering from a similar issue to the sealing ring in that it's not been assembled properly. 2:18 on this video, the guy has the same overflowing issue. ua-cam.com/video/E6ThyVHGOfE/v-deo.html
Captain Win thanks for the link , good find ! Can’t just be me then. I really hope aquael look at the videos and make some improvements. The silent running is so good I’ll be keeping mine though
Looks like a Rio 180 that you have there? Would you say that this is the perfect amount of flow for this tank? I too have the Rio 180 and spent a fortune on an Oase 600 - which is fantastic quality, but unfortunately has a terrible flow rate. I have dead spots everywhere. I was looking at replacing it but not sure if it's the Ultramax 1500 or 2000 that is suitable.
Yea I really should re do the video, I RTFM and there’s the mention of the screwdriver to unseal the primer 🤣. I still think it would make it just that bit better without it, or self prime like some of the canisters out there
Yea thanks for the tip! It has been mentioned here before. It does help but doesn’t stop the problem completely, also every other filter I’ve owned the manufacturer has managed to make it so you don’t have to faff around with water everywhere! It would be perfect if they sorted the niggles
I know this is 2 years to late, I have seen if you shut off the in flow. let it run for 10 seconds and then shut off the outflow. Then switch it off you should have any water spill out
@@FishPieTV did you change the lights that came with the tank? They are really bright and I struggle with algae a lot. I do wonder if they are too bright.
Yea I use the helialux light (the old one with just white and blue leds) on a smart controller. The newest helialux is so pricey!! On my lido 120 I used to have the standard led bulbs, I dimmed them out with black electrical tape. They were an algae nightmare
Hey Calvin, I 'm looking into buying the 1000. Can you please tell me the height of the canister? Different suppliers seem to advertise the height differently! Many thanks!
@@FishPieTV I wound up going with the 2000 and didn't learn until after that at the beginning of this year, they release version 3 of these filters. Unfortunately for the 2000, they upgraded (questionable on the wording there..) to 19/25mm hose. Alot of suppliers still have backstock so it's just been a crapshoot to see if you get the 16/22 or 19/25 version. I'll run 3/4 to 5/8 reducers if I have to, but here's hoping I luck out with two of the 16/22mm versions when they're delivered :( 🙏
@@RyanCamaratta i always thought the 2000 was 19/25, it’s what put me off ! I hope for you I’m wrong ! It’s a fantastic filter though mines still silent and had it for years
Anyone can tell the flow rate of the 1000 and 1500 Model? I have an Ultramax 2000 with a new Impeller cause the old was sucking air. It only does a flow rate of about 400 litres per hour. Thinking about getting a 1500 since its even more quiet and should do the same flow rate.
@@iqmaster158 I found out that the reason was a Co2 reactor. It was bad for the flow. I measured mine one more time and without the reactor it does 700 litres per hour
Yea I do actually do this now, cleaned it only this weekend, still though a pretty decent amount of water in the floor under it 😂 it’s definitely the filter I have to be most careful of, but it’s definitely one of the best for just how quiet it runs
You just dont know how to prepare to open prefilter compartment, dontya? Protip: Use water flow to your adventage. And you will never spill a single water drop when opening prefilter.
You are supposed to close intake first then few seconds later close outlet, and you will not got over flow, so don't put the filter down if you don't know how to operate it, especially if you are giving reviews. Bad review.
To prevent overflow when opening, shut intake while still plugged in, wait 10 seconds, unplug, then shut output before opening clips. It reduces the built-up pressure, and makes significantly less mess. As for primer, had to squeeze the clips to get it to pop up. Once popped up, it works wonders. Thanks for your review!
I do shut inlet, wait 3 seconds, shut outlet, then turn off. Stop run back through outlet. Never had an overflow.
After using one of these i swapped out all my EHEIMS and an FX for ULTRAMAX 2000,have not looked back .Super quite no noise at all ,nearly half the price. some users had a leak issue, i remove ,lubricate and reseat both o rings with a small rounded tool ,( small spoon handle) when first setting up .Hope your still happy with yours 👍
I run the 1000 version, and its perfect in every way for me. No issue. The priming tab though did take quite abit of strength to pull up. My guess is the initial 1st to 2nd use, the tab has a very tight suction to it. The seal was very tight for me so I never experienced any leaks. Pretty much I think it might just be QC issue for this particular filter of yours.
That is poor workmanship with the twisted seal - someone in the factory wants a bollocking for that mistake.
Good review and very fair good / bad points.
If you want any media sending down for future products just let me know, no worries.
Thanks Richard that’s very kind !
I do hope the manufacturer gets in touch to see if it’s actually just a defective lid, as if the product was flawless and didn’t leak on opening it would be an exceptional filter
@@FishPieTV I'm sure it must have been put together wrongly or be a defective part. If you've contacted them they should reply.
I've got the 2000. In terms of opening with no water spilling, ive found that if I leave the motor running, close the intake side, leave for 1 or 2 seconds, close the output side, leave for 1 or 2 seconds and then switch the motor off you don't get a flood. I think it essentially empties out a small quantity of water in the prefilter compartment. There's no problem with this as part of the marketing is that you can do this and leave the motor running with both taps shut to change the prefilter.
I think the priming mechanism on yours might just be defective. Mine was stiff right at the beginning and it felt like I had to give a good pull first time 'cracking the seal' or something, but after that worked fine. Is actually really useful because you can use it while the filter is running to purge trapped air
John Smith thanks for the tip there ! Definitely going to give that a go. I’ve really tried with that lever, two hands either side pressing in the catches and just really won’t budge.
My other thought with this sort of stuff is if you need brute force to make something work then how is a 80yr old grandma that’s really into fish keeping going to use it, they should go back to the design phase if that’s the case !
@@user-lf3gd2wk7m yep. You need to shut it off in that order. Intake then outtake then unplug. You shouldn't get the spillage then.
Thank you for a great video. I'm in the market to buy one now so this has helped me a lot. This still is on the top of my list ;)
fully agree with You but I like this filter so much after searching other stuff ... Despite its drawbacks this is the most silent and good filtering device I used to use ever ...
The fact that the water leaks out when you open it is an operating error. You must first close the two levers of the water supply and then pull the mains plug. Then no water will run out either. But it is also written in the operating instructions!
It also says in the manual when taking the cover off to do it in a bathtub as some dirty water may spill out. I see your point, but in my opinion that part of the design could use some work.
FishPie Of course ..., it isn’t perfect 😉
Fully agree, OASE has same issue - you need to close valves first, then unplug, otherwise the pressure builds up and it will spill when you remove the prefilter.
First close the 'in' valve, keep it running for about 3-5secs. Close The 'out' valve and unplug it...
Great info video on the good & the bad of this filter.
Have you tested the pump to see what wattage it draws? As that claim from the manufacturer is low. Thanks 👍
I tested mine it draws 17 watts manufacture said 16-22 so great
Thank you for the review. You brought up very good points. I always drain my canister filters prior to opening them. Perhaps, that would solve one of your problems with it. As to the primer not working, I would contact the company and see what they suggest. They may send you a new one. Disappointing to hear that the flow rate is so much lower than listed. You have a beautiful tank and thanks again for the review.
Great review. I do have an ultramax 2000 for quite some time now and it is really as you reviewed. Filter floss provided is useless, media of poor quality but i guess they had to include something just to show how it could be used. Mine is silent as well and i really like that. About the negatives: I do get the same spillage but probably less water coming out. About the priming part, its really stuck in the first/second time you pull it. I even thought mine was faulty. But you have to really pull it hard and after a time or 2, its goes to normal and you can pull and push without any force. My lid had no issue with the seal, so that might be a manufacturer assembly issue on yours. What i do see, is that it somehow draws up air, not sure from where, but from time to time it purges air out. The other issue, that is not really a big issue, is that with the 2000 you hardly can use lily pipes for the inflow. The pressure is just too much and there are no skimmers or intakes on the market in glass for 2000 l/h, even though, as you mention, working flow might be much lower. Other than that, its a great filter and i would buy it again in a blink.
ua-cam.com/video/Yz_PfOMbKTs/v-deo.html
I have actually seen on reviewing the instructions again that they say to use a screw driver to open it, why they can’t do that in the warehouse I don’t know 🤷♂️
Others have said to run the filter with the inlet shut to drain it a bit which does help the mess. But overall the design could be refined!
The quiet running and huge amount of media it holds though still keeps it a winner in my view
I've just got one and it uses 17 watts which is superb
I own the 2000 and the primer works like a charm
Is it quiet?
@philipwatts9033 quietest filter I’ve ever owned, pretty much silent
@@philipwatts9033 yes very
@@FishPieTV
Thank you
A year ago I bought the fx4 and it’s noisy . Time to move it on and look at one of these
Spero che nel frattempo lo abbiano migliorato, visto che sto per acquistare la serie 2000.
Che sia silenzioso pure quello?
This is probably a year too late to help anyone but I have some info on the priming mechanism. Im considering buying this filter as a replacement for my 2217 so I watched a few videos. Ok so when you pull out the priming plunger for the first time and only the first time, there is a clip or tab that you need to flip or undo to make it work smoothly. I cant tell what it was because of the angle of the video I saw it in but I do know that nothing needs to be removed and its just a quick poke with a flathead screwdriver. There might be more info in the instruction booklet. Also to prime it, the filter has to be OFF, pull out the plunger and then tilt the filter sideways by about 30 degrees to the side, perpendicular to the inflow and outflow nozzles and water should start flowing in. No idea if it has to be tilted towards the inflow or outflow. Hope this helps someone. I will probably forget by the time I get mine haha !!
Is this a better filter than the all pond solutions ef2 plus filter. Which on would you recommend? Thanks
Definitely this one, it’s significantly quieter and better quality
I don't get why aps filters literally use double the poer
An excellent filter for people who don't attach much importance to design.
hello 🙂I have 2 of these models. the 1000 and the 2000 and I like them a lot. Exceptional built. I have to tell you that the problem you had with the gasket was in no way a norm for this filter. For sure was a mistake from the factory. Mine arrived in perfect condition, the gaskets were in place in the proper position, no twisting, no problems(to be honest that was the first aspect I checked when I opened up the filters, because I was curious to see what kind of gasket they used...). Now, about the problem you mentioned with the priming lever... As much as I know that lever had some kind of apendix that you need to unblock when you first using that lever... I don't know how to explain, but I had the Aquael Ultra900 model(and I sell it and bought the Ultramax 1000 because it has the built in prefilter) and I remember that I had the same problem but I managed to solve it with the aid of a flat head screwdriver... Very gently I use it to unblock the lever and after that I never had any kind of problems with it... 🙂 In fact, if you have the user manual of the filter with the drawings of the compents, read it with much attention and you'll notice that they are mentioning the posibility that the priming lever can be stuck in some situations and they advice you there how to unblock it(look for the drawings in the fig.5C)... cheers !
Thanks for the comment! Turns out the actual instructions mention the screwdriver trick, makes things much easier to prime 👍
Mine never leaks and neither would yours if you used it correctly. Shut off the inlet valve, wait a few seconds then shut off the outlet valve and then unplug. Not a drop of water comes out if you do this. The prime is the best I’ve ever used.
Keep up the good work!
Hi sir, what's your cabinet please ?
It’s a Juwel roma 240
Those aquael filter floss are the best. It clear up murky water.
Have you figure out the primer? it is realy easy when you understand how to do it.
Youneed to put the valve in max flow then u pill the primer.... its damm easy to use
Can you not open either one of the inlet or outlet parts where the hoses connect or the pre-filter lid before opening the whole body of the filter? The water inside the filter is under some pressure, I see that with my 2 Eheim Classic 600's. They have the Eheim quick release mechanisms on the inlet and outlet pipes and If I try to take the lid off the filter with the taps closed, I can't get it off due to the suction effect. Opening the outlet tap sees a snall jet of water shoot out. It's not a huge amount of water, maybe 100-150 ml, but it's enough that I put my hand over the pipe to stop it skooshing across the living room.
Once the tap is open I can get the lid off the filter very easily. But I have to open the filter in a plastic tray to catch the water that comes out of the tap.
I have a feeling it could be just an isolated problem with this filter, I thought it still worth sharing my experience as it’s a total joke. I opened the canister on this video with both outlets off so theoretically the pressure should have equalised. I’ve tried using the priming pump in all orientations and it’s definitely rammed in there and stuck hard
@@FishPieTV Strange. I quite like the idea of Aquael filters. They have loads of space for media and the pre-filter can save a lot of hassle.
Maybe your primer handle is suffering from a similar issue to the sealing ring in that it's not been assembled properly.
2:18 on this video, the guy has the same overflowing issue.
ua-cam.com/video/E6ThyVHGOfE/v-deo.html
Captain Win thanks for the link , good find ! Can’t just be me then. I really hope aquael look at the videos and make some improvements. The silent running is so good I’ll be keeping mine though
Looks like a Rio 180 that you have there? Would you say that this is the perfect amount of flow for this tank?
I too have the Rio 180 and spent a fortune on an Oase 600 - which is fantastic quality, but unfortunately has a terrible flow rate. I have dead spots everywhere.
I was looking at replacing it but not sure if it's the Ultramax 1500 or 2000 that is suitable.
That’s a Rio 240 works a charm on that size, so would be all good on the 180
@@FishPieTV Cool thanks for the reply! By the way this is why your primer is/was stuck - watch from 21:42 : ua-cam.com/video/hr9UZyOMHTU/v-deo.html
Yea I really should re do the video, I RTFM and there’s the mention of the screwdriver to unseal the primer 🤣. I still think it would make it just that bit better without it, or self prime like some of the canisters out there
@@FishPieTV Hey none of us are perfect 🤣 Keep well
First close the inlet, then pull the plug out then close the outlet.... tadaaaaa no more leakage
Yea thanks for the tip! It has been mentioned here before. It does help but doesn’t stop the problem completely, also every other filter I’ve owned the manufacturer has managed to make it so you don’t have to faff around with water everywhere! It would be perfect if they sorted the niggles
What rank stand are you using?
How much biohome did you manage to squeeze in?
It’ll take about 4.5 kg in total !
I know this is 2 years to late, I have seen if you shut off the in flow. let it run for 10 seconds and then shut off the outflow. Then switch it off you should have any water spill out
thank you
Can I put this on my Juwel 240? Would I have to cut holes in the lid flap?
I have this running on my Juwel Rio 240, it fits through the existing caps on the hood
@@FishPieTV did you change the lights that came with the tank? They are really bright and I struggle with algae a lot. I do wonder if they are too bright.
Yea I use the helialux light (the old one with just white and blue leds) on a smart controller. The newest helialux is so pricey!! On my lido 120 I used to have the standard led bulbs, I dimmed them out with black electrical tape. They were an algae nightmare
@@FishPieTV thanks for the reply. What a great idea with the tape
Where did you go! you havent put up a video for ages!
Any reason you chose this over an FX4/6 or something?
Mainly the quietness and the amount of filter media you can get into this !
I got ultramax 1000....I need off power only can plumbing water in to
Filter
Hey Calvin, I 'm looking into buying the 1000. Can you please tell me the height of the canister? Different suppliers seem to advertise the height differently! Many thanks!
Is it standard 16/22 hose and connections
Yes that’s right 16/22
@@FishPieTV I wound up going with the 2000 and didn't learn until after that at the beginning of this year, they release version 3 of these filters.
Unfortunately for the 2000, they upgraded (questionable on the wording there..) to 19/25mm hose. Alot of suppliers still have backstock so it's just been a crapshoot to see if you get the 16/22 or 19/25 version.
I'll run 3/4 to 5/8 reducers if I have to, but here's hoping I luck out with two of the 16/22mm versions when they're delivered :( 🙏
@@RyanCamaratta i always thought the 2000 was 19/25, it’s what put me off ! I hope for you I’m wrong !
It’s a fantastic filter though mines still silent and had it for years
Anyone can tell the flow rate of the 1000 and 1500 Model? I have an Ultramax 2000 with a new Impeller cause the old was sucking air. It only does a flow rate of about 400 litres per hour. Thinking about getting a 1500 since its even more quiet and should do the same flow rate.
ain't that a bit to low? I was thinking about buying 2000 but confused now.. could yours be broken or something possibly?
@@iqmaster158 I found out that the reason was a Co2 reactor. It was bad for the flow. I measured mine one more time and without the reactor it does 700 litres per hour
@@Phipsoletti thanks!
@@iqmaster158 You're welcome. Gotta buy a new diffusor now 😅
See when ur away to clean it turn off the input tap to pump sum water out then turn off and open and that way u won't get a pile a water on floor
Yea I do actually do this now, cleaned it only this weekend, still though a pretty decent amount of water in the floor under it 😂 it’s definitely the filter I have to be most careful of, but it’s definitely one of the best for just how quiet it runs
Read the instructions and you will not going to have leaking problem in opening anymore . It never happened to me .
You might need to go to the Gym.🙂 The primer is stiff at the start. Of course you might have got a faulty unit.
Nah you need a screw driver, it’s actually in the instructions
@@FishPieTV What???
@@awilderireland there’s a slot you push a screw driver in to pull out the primer. Once it’s put it primes fine
Read the instruction 😢
You just dont know how to prepare to open prefilter compartment, dontya?
Protip: Use water flow to your adventage. And you will never spill a single water drop when opening prefilter.
You are supposed to close intake first then few seconds later close outlet, and you will not got over flow, so don't put the filter down if you don't know how to operate it, especially if you are giving reviews. Bad review.
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