This is a filter which is great and frustrating in equal measures. I may have sounded a bit negative during this video but compared to other options it is a genuinely good filter. I like how Sicce have tried to make a filter different to other internal filters so I commend them for that. Filter Kits, Foams, Biohome, Biogravel etc: www.filterpro.co.uk (FilterPro site has links to Biohome suppliers in other countries) Booster filter for canister filters: geni.us/2bj1 Trojan Horse Treatments video: ua-cam.com/video/1YCtMYZQlig/v-deo.html Thousand Yard Stare channel: ua-cam.com/channels/1pgJBGQrUfCUAhk63U5u5A.html VERY IMPORTANT: *Avoid using water conditioners which claim to bind / remove / detoxify ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as it will have a pronounced starving effect on the bacteria. When bacteria is starved the population will be low as it grows in line with the available 'food'. A normal conditioner will allow the bacteria to fully populate the whole system and take away the 'need' to add more bacteria after maintenance / water change. Most people get conned into regularly using bacteria additives and that is simply to mask the side effects from a damaging conditioner and a failing filter. A normal conditioner like Tapsafe, Aquasafe, API Stress Coat etc. is all you need when a tank is properly set up, a filter is suitably sized (and properly set up) and Nature is allowed to so what Nature does.* See below for notes on how much media is recommended for different stocking scenarios. The Q&A page of the FilterPro site has extensive notes on recommended treatments and how filtration works. Follow me on Odysee: odysee.com/$/invite/@PondGuru:0 Contact me on 07772848730 / sales@filterpro.co.uk *******(I don't do texts)******* Don't "eat ze bugs" - grow your own food and create a new system ....... you can check out my efforts to create a new system to navigate Agenda 2030 / 50-in-5 on my Thousand Yard Stare channel: ua-cam.com/channels/1pgJBGQrUfCUAhk63U5u5A.html The following videos will be useful for learning more about filtration and filter media: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome filter media does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US Gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Remember to use a water conditioner which does not bind / detoxify ammonia, nitrite or nitrate as that type of conditioner will severely limit bacteria numbers by starving the bacteria of 'food'. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.....you'll spend less money on treatments too......basically the filter is the foundation of a successful aquarium. This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity We all are on a long path of learning......... RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/ Some of the links above may be to my affiliate programs on Amazon and Ebay so they will throw a few pennies my way if you make a purchase - it costs you nothing extra and helps towards keeping the lights on in my bunker.
I've been running this 900 filter in my 180 litre aquarium which is heavily stocked with Angelfish and Dennison Barbs for around two years.. I would beg you not to be put off by the negative comments applied to the magnets. These are more than adequate for the submerged filter and you will find no problems at all when removing the filter for cleaning and snapping it back into position. I've never experienced any dislodging at all in my 50 cms. deep tank I find the filter body removes easily while under water and think if the magnets were any stronger that would spoil the function of easy removal. The body snaps back perfectly when replacing underwater also. I think the design is great and love the idea of replacing the filter medium with Bio Medium.
Thanks for the great report - it is so important to share experiences in the comment sections of videos so I appreciate the time you took to write that.
This is the comment I was hoping to see. I believe the strength is by design as it's meant to be easy to maintain. I believe they are as strong as they need to be for the function they are designed for.
Hello Richard. It’s certainly a unit we want to love. The low energy consumption speaks to the great design and engineering of Sicce. But I too had an issue with the magnets, the bottom section detached and broke on the concrete fish room floor. I was able to salvage the unit with some SuperGlu… With the added weight of water (and your media) you absolutely have to support the unit from the bottom when carrying. This should be stated as a warning in bold caps on the insert. I love my Sicce pumps in my sumps (9.0 and 5.0 series) but this internal filter needs stronger magnets. Period. Mine was the 500. Merry Christmas my friend.
Hello Ben, That is great feedback and I wish you all the best for 2023 and beyond. Next year is going to be quite the spectacle judging by all the nonsense going on around the world.
Yes as you promised! Thank you for this. Ive had this for my flowerhorn 50gallon for 3 months now and have had no problems with the magnets so far. The magnets make it easier to service. Theres no danger in the tank at all. I just grab the bottom sections and leave the main pump head in the tank. Simple. No suction cups to bother with. You cant appreciate those magnets until you start using it in a tank. And this filter is super quiet. Not even a whisper.
Excellent - thanks for the valued comment and I suspected that would be the case once the filter was placed in the water - that's why the comment section is so important since it is the difference between someone independent (me) featuring a filter and a 'sponsored' channel (almost everyone else) featuring the same filter where the video is scripted and the comments are 'managed' (censored). I'm glad the filter is working well for you. Best of luck with the tank.
I agree three models filled with bio media such as ..bio home gravel will test the magnet. So I just used two. And it holds on ok. I found this enough for removing any floating particular matter. I personally love it and it's design. I dare say they'll eventually beef up the magnet once the feedback gets back to them. And maybe they'll make the upgraded magnet kit available! Who knows. And what I like about it most is that all three models modules are all interchangeable. Great review Richard
That all sounds good to me and I'm sure that the magnet will be strong enough since the filter will be less weighty when it is in the water (as the water allows for buoyancy). Let me know how it goes and best of luck with the tank.
oki, here's the pimp: I'm getting the Shark Pro 700 for my molded 50-gal indoor goldfish patio pond that does not have straight glass sides. Poopy little goldfishes I saved from the feeder tank at the store, but so cute! The unit will sit upright on the flat bottom of the pond on its stable, square base, so I don't care about the magnets. If needed I have a rock to weigh it down to counter the outflow (which worked fine for the Marineland submersible I was using that just died). I'm getting 1 extra module. The bottom module will hold my own sponge filter media. Next up sponge and bio gravel. Next up sponge and carbon. I'll cut some plastic inserts and slip them inside between the intake slots and the sponge of the top 2 modules thereby forcing the unit to draw water in first from the bottom module, up and up through the other two and then out. Light layer of floss on the bottoms of the top 2 modules. Should work like a charm. Will update. Thanks for the great review to help me decide! Update: Well didn't work exactly as planned because I didn't realize the water moves up through the filter from the front of each module (in through the sides, through the media, and up through a channel in the front). The water entering each module bypasses the next module above it instead of going through the media of the next module too. But it stands perfectly on the floor of the no-gravel pond, is practically invisible against the black plastic of the pond, water flow is good, and it's very, very quiet. I'm quite happy with it!
3 sections you could change the sponge to fine near the pump head medium in the centre and course in the bottom. May help the intake from the bottom section quicker. 😊
That would probably work but I wish that the companies making the filters would consider the water flow and whether the draw of water into the filter is sensible and useful to the function of the filter.
I looked at one of these recently and just couldn't believe how much space it took up. Like you, I'd heard people rave about it and when my mate showed me his. I just noped out. It was £60 and I just went for the Allpondsolutions Hob-500 instead. I don't regret it.
That is an excellent choice and since it holds more media, is under half the price and doesn't take up space in the tank that would be my choice too. Thanks for the report and the 'noped out' part is something I'll surely work into my lexicon.
I’m not really enthusiastic about this kind of filter, just because when you pull it out from the water to clean it, a lot of dirt flows back out into the tank and this can make a real mess depending on how long you didn’t clean your filters. Since I have the filtration system in a compartment integrated to the aquarium’s tank itself, I think this is one of - if not the best - system out there. You can put tons of media, arrange everything like you want there in the back and even choose your pump and its strength. I’ll never go back to an internal filter. External filters are also very efficient (admitting people set it up correctly like in your vids).
Was hoping you'd do this one day, I've seen so many people say its the best filter around and i just don't get it. You can get something so much better for less.
They are ok, more fiddly than you realise and more of a pain than other internals, the magnet alone is too weak and most of it is drawn in from the top section. The Juwel M is ALOT bigger than that for media as well, a awful lot bigger.
For media yes the Juwel has way more space and it will take extra sections being put onto the Shark filter to bring it anywhere near. At that point it would be sticking out the top of the tank, lol.
I don't see what the point of the magnet is, for connecting the pump head to the filter sections. Surely it would be better to attach to the pump head section in the exact same way as the filter sections do to each other . Just have a stronger magnet for against the glass.
I see that but still to slide it off of the head would be easily enough done and far less risk of anything falling and getting damaged. I think the main gimmick is the magnet but it's certainly a negative if it's not strong enough and so is a risk of damaging the product@@charles_king
Not a bad internal filter. You didn't mention how quite and the power for 10 watts which has a good flow. My 40 gallon is very clear and you can add carbon. I did think the magnet are weak. Better than a suction cups any day. I give it A- because the magnets
Nice one - thanks for the report. As the filters featured in this series are sent to me by viewers I don't run them so I don't comment on the noise level (since I don't know). I just concentrate on the filtration side of things. Best of luck with your tank.
As a Sicce Shark Pro 900 owner, I can confirm that all of your observations are completely on point. The filter is easy to service and maintain, and the motor is powerful (for its size) and quiet, but the magnets only just about hold the unit together and in place when it's mounted in the tank. Primary suction is through the top compartment with nominal draw through the lower two. It's a good filter for what it is, but maybe a bit overhyped as it has its flaws.
That is good to know and having comments come in from people who use this filter is great so thanks for the report. As far as internal filters go it seems to be well toward the 'good' side of what's available.
While I've looked at this filter, and thought the magnets were a cool addition, the rest seemed a little sus to me Richard... I use a Sicce Shark ADV 700 as a standard stock (no extra compartments), but did pimp it a bit... Using Corse sponge then fine sponge in the larger compartment, then filter floss in the upper smaller compartment... It came with Ceramic rings (but they are poor fare against other types of bio media) and I opted out for them. I've had no problems with the suction cups (Though I hear many horror stories of them failing. and they are so damn cheap to replace too... What gives?). I really liked the build quality (Magnets and the small compartments for the Bio Media aside), it looks well made... However, for me the open sided aspect just don't sit right with me... I feel that if it was a bottom drawn filter like the Shark ADV it would make me buy it without hesitation. I get that it will draw water in the top first, then it will allow a longer time before it clogs the lower chambers, but that seems to be weakening the pull of water in my mind... I could be wrong, I'm no filter expert... Still, I can see Sicce going back to what they do best with this model... An open bottomed filter (like the ADV range) and adding stronger magnets. Their water movement to power usage is what makes them a well respected manufacturer after all these years... But this model seems like a exercise in something better to come...
That seems like a sensible conclusion and I agree with pretty much all you mentioned there. The nearest thing I've seen to a perfect filter is probably the Hypermax 4500 which is the video I'm currently editing.
@@pondguru The Hypermax 4500 is a filter I have never heard of, so I shall look it up. Nearest thing to a perfect filter? I await your views Richard, as I have watched many of your vids and have agreed with most of your views upon build, media supplied with OEM, media placement, and your additional reworkings (drilling and cutting for flow assist etc)... Keep up the great work!
Just ordered the secce 700 as the magnets sold it to me after my Juwel was unusable as the suckers didn’t stick so the pump just fell off all the time. I’m new to aquariums and was advised to buy Seachem prime now I’m worried it will kill my bacteria. Should I add a bacteria starter along with the prime as it’s expensive to throw away.
Yes you will need to add bacteria (most people get talked into buying seachem 'stability') to keep the bacteria topped up if you're starving it with prime. It is a ridiculous situation since a system should never need seeding with bacteria outside of the initial set up - when you've got a sensibly sized filter which is set up with suitable filter media and you're not starving the bacteria (with prime) the bacteria will be free to populate the system perfectly in line with the available food (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate). It is the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate which is locked up and kept from the bacteria, hence the starving effect by prime. It is a pharmaceutical business template which I don't agree with. I made a video on such treatments which may be of interest here: ua-cam.com/video/1YCtMYZQlig/v-deo.html and I did a long post on the 'community' part of my channel which explains why most people unfortunately trust the 'experts' who just want to sell product: ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxQR8CbpF8GxMbWmhjBk88kKKngpvo6d3G I hope that helps and best of luck with your tank.
No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful. However, from the comments on this video it seems like most people love this filter and the magnets are strong enough when it is in the water.
I have a waterbox AIO aquarium, I haven’t seen anywhere that you’ve done an AIO would you consider doing one , I know it may not be the best form of filtration but if there was a way to upgrade it that would be great
It's unlikely I will cover that one on this series as the filter seems to be built into the aquarium. Very few couriers will handle aquariums so returning it to whoever sends one could be difficult. As far as I can see it's a built-in sump type of filter so the first chamber would have the foams and fine pad followed by mesh bags of good media (e.g. Biogravel). The internal sump types of filters offer way more filtration possibilities compared to standard internal filters.
I want to set up 6 gallon Waterbox and I’ve been debating between this filter or a fluval C2, I’ve been running a 40 gallon im Nuvo with salt and I wanna get back into freshwater but I can’t decide what would be the best filter for such a tank, the only thing making me hesitant about the shark pro is it’s ability to pick up finer debris since there is no polishing pad. I have a spare fluval 207 from an old build but I think that is over kill for a 6 gallon tank.
Yes the 207 is probably overkill due to the high flow rate and if you have space for a HOB filter that will probably be a better option compared to any internal filter - If you search for 'HOB-500 Filter' on UA-cam you'll find a video I did on that one which is awesome. I think that SunSun do a version of their own so if you're not in the UK it should still be available (there may be links in the video description and pinned comment on that video).
Allow me to make an unsolicited testimonial, running a 90litre tank with an internal filter compartment at the back for the past year, 500g biohome ultimate 1kg biohome mini ultra, just done a test, 0 for all of Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate.
Dear Joe, That is great to hear and thanks for the feedback - I never ask for any feedback and maybe I should since I get loads of people asking whee they can leave a review for the various products I sell and giving me great reports of the results. Unfortunately I'm not much good at marketing so there aren't a vast a mount of reviews out there for Biohome media. However, I'm thinking of doing a video where I ask everyone watching it to take the time to write a comment with a report of how they are getting on with the Biohome in their filters with a brief report of the test levels, how much media they are using and what the tank size and stock is (and also what conditioner they are using since that is critical for success or failure to reduce nitrate). Thanks for taking the time to write a comment - it means a lot to me. All the best for 2024. Regards, Richard
Probably, but people who own the filter who have commented below say that the magnets aren't really a problem since the filter is relatively lighter when in water compared to how it is out of the water. Therefore the magnets work fine.
Hi what internal filter would you recommend for day a 200l community tank? I have the eheim pick up 200 at the moment with my 307 external filter, but I want to swat the ehiem for something better
I'm sure I've seen a comment or email asking the same question so apologies if I haven't replied to that yet. I'd say go for a decent sized external filter which will hold around 3kg of media but the choice will ultimately depend on budget since there are so many choices now. For an internal filter to replace what you've already got (the Eheim filter) I'd say that the Shark 900 would be a great choice considering the feedback people have posted on this video so far. Having input from people who actually use the filters long term is worth more than gold as any clown can make a video claiming that any particular filter is great or no good - having input from users of any filter is great which is why I don't edit the comments (unless someone is threatening violence against me.....yes, it does happen, lol)
Probably something built in like a mini-sump - secure and holds more media than you'll need. I'm not a fan of stick on the side filters as they generally hold very little media.
I'd say so, yes. The Oase Bio Plus really aren't good filters since they're no more efficient than an air driven foam filter and they're a real pain to upgrade. The only benefit the Oase filters have is that the Thermo versions have the heater hidden in the filter.
Unfortunately the 'Pick-up' filters rely on foams which have a central hole where the water is drawn through. Therefore it's a very difficult filter to do anything with with out major alterations which aren't worth doing considering the much better options which are available for internal filters. If you have a tank which will take a HOB filter then the All Pond Solutions HOB-500 is way better than anything available as an internal filter - I covered that one in this video here: ua-cam.com/video/XKI1ZNQ4eME/v-deo.html and considering the low cost it's an excellent option.
There's no way in hell that would be adequate enough for a 50 gal tank, let alone a 70 gal. I wouldn't even use that on my 40 gal tanks. Maybe a 30 gal tank but that's about it.
For perfect water quantity, yes you're bang on but most people only expect clear water, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite and don't care about the nitrate levels due to all the 'information' they find online being copy-and-pasted from old information from filter companies and lazy 'influencers' who never report that the full Natural cycle (reduction in nitrate) is perfectly achievable in any tank with suitable filtration no matter whether there are plants helping out or not. There's a great saying that science advances one death at a time and I'm fully expecting that what I've been talking about for the last 15+ years on UA-cam probably won't be appreciated or proliferated into general understanding until I enter the reincarnation cycle, lol
English has changed a lot in the last few hundred years with pronunciation and other things... So it would stand to reason that Italian today might have some differences to the 2000 year old Latin that it came from.... Also, KGTropical spoke with the company directly and they confirmed pronunciation is "see-chay"
According to online converters it is exactly 5.29109. I was always taught to round down or up to the nearest decimal point depending on the figure being above or below 5 and since the precise figure is 5.29109 that works out as 5.29 for simplicity. If it had been 5.296 then I'd have rounded it up to 5.3. However, ....... since the difference is inconsequential I'm sure that anyone reading my reply to your comment will just think we're both sad clowns for posting either of our comments, lol. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your tank.
I think you are wrong mi friend. I think, in Itallian, the double C followed by an E, sounds like a CH. So it should be pronounced "siche". But I may be wrong
Thanks for that. I'm not very familiar with Italian but am quite familiar with Latin so I was going on that language. I put 'Sicce' into Google translate and it says 'siche' whether it is Italian or Latin so it looks like my Latin teacher was wrong, lol
HI. I am Italian and I can tell you that the correct Italian pronunciation is what you say is American. It would read as you say only if there was an H after the two Cs. I'm sorry.😅
Thanks for that - In my Latin classes we had a few words which had the double C in them e.g. ECCE (behold), OCCE, (come on) etc. and we always pronounced it as I said SICCE in this video. However, I realize that Latin is not Italian - it's a different language, lol
🤔 I can’t see this filter reasonably being used in anything other than a well planter 55 gallon aquarium. I simple isn’t but tough enough nor is it designed in a manner to to be practical for anything else. 🤦🏽♂️ If the compartments where completely closed off except for the bottoms then the top two could be used for bio-gravel and the bottom two compartments could be used for coarse,medium and fine foams. Of course the motor and magnets would need to be stronger. Even if they just sold upgrade kits with these features that alone would greatly improve the usefulness/ effectiveness of these filters. 🤷🏽♂️
Yes, yes, and yes - I agree with all that although I must say that there have been a few comments from people saying that the magnets are fine once the filter is under water which is what I'd hoped would be the case.
This is a filter which is great and frustrating in equal measures. I may have sounded a bit negative during this video but compared to other options it is a genuinely good filter.
I like how Sicce have tried to make a filter different to other internal filters so I commend them for that.
Filter Kits, Foams, Biohome, Biogravel etc: www.filterpro.co.uk
(FilterPro site has links to Biohome suppliers in other countries)
Booster filter for canister filters: geni.us/2bj1
Trojan Horse Treatments video: ua-cam.com/video/1YCtMYZQlig/v-deo.html
Thousand Yard Stare channel: ua-cam.com/channels/1pgJBGQrUfCUAhk63U5u5A.html
VERY IMPORTANT:
*Avoid using water conditioners which claim to bind / remove / detoxify ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as it will have a pronounced starving effect on the bacteria. When bacteria is starved the population will be low as it grows in line with the available 'food'.
A normal conditioner will allow the bacteria to fully populate the whole system and take away the 'need' to add more bacteria after maintenance / water change.
Most people get conned into regularly using bacteria additives and that is simply to mask the side effects from a damaging conditioner and a failing filter.
A normal conditioner like Tapsafe, Aquasafe, API Stress Coat etc. is all you need when a tank is properly set up, a filter is suitably sized (and properly set up) and Nature is allowed to so what Nature does.*
See below for notes on how much media is recommended for different stocking scenarios. The Q&A page of the FilterPro site has extensive notes on recommended treatments and how filtration works.
Follow me on Odysee: odysee.com/$/invite/@PondGuru:0
Contact me on 07772848730 / sales@filterpro.co.uk
*******(I don't do texts)*******
Don't "eat ze bugs" - grow your own food and create a new system ....... you can check out my efforts to create a new system to navigate Agenda 2030 / 50-in-5 on my Thousand Yard Stare channel: ua-cam.com/channels/1pgJBGQrUfCUAhk63U5u5A.html
The following videos will be useful for learning more about filtration and filter media:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome filter media does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US Gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Remember to use a water conditioner which does not bind / detoxify ammonia, nitrite or nitrate as that type of conditioner will severely limit bacteria numbers by starving the bacteria of 'food'.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.....you'll spend less money on treatments too......basically the filter is the foundation of a successful aquarium.
This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity
We all are on a long path of learning.........
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/
Some of the links above may be to my affiliate programs on Amazon and Ebay so they will throw a few pennies my way if you make a purchase - it costs you nothing extra and helps towards keeping the lights on in my bunker.
I've been running this 900 filter in my 180 litre aquarium which is heavily stocked with Angelfish and Dennison Barbs for around two years..
I would beg you not to be put off by the negative comments applied to the magnets. These are more than adequate for the submerged filter and you will find no problems at all when removing the filter for cleaning and snapping it back into position. I've never experienced any dislodging at all in my 50 cms. deep tank
I find the filter body removes easily while under water and think if the magnets were any stronger that would spoil the function of easy removal. The body snaps back perfectly when replacing underwater also.
I think the design is great and love the idea of replacing the filter medium with Bio Medium.
Thanks for the great report - it is so important to share experiences in the comment sections of videos so I appreciate the time you took to write that.
This is the comment I was hoping to see. I believe the strength is by design as it's meant to be easy to maintain. I believe they are as strong as they need to be for the function they are designed for.
@@Peytonsdad Yup, as long as they are as strong as they need to be (under water) then all is good.
How about the sound? Is it loud?
@@gzimparduzi2027 silent, no sound whatsoever.
Hello Richard. It’s certainly a unit we want to love. The low energy consumption speaks to the great design and engineering of Sicce. But I too had an issue with the magnets, the bottom section detached and broke on the concrete fish room floor. I was able to salvage the unit with some SuperGlu…
With the added weight of water (and your media) you absolutely have to support the unit from the bottom when carrying. This should be stated as a warning in bold caps on the insert.
I love my Sicce pumps in my sumps (9.0 and 5.0 series) but this internal filter needs stronger magnets. Period.
Mine was the 500.
Merry Christmas my friend.
Hello Ben,
That is great feedback and I wish you all the best for 2023 and beyond.
Next year is going to be quite the spectacle judging by all the nonsense going on around the world.
I got the 500 model and is the best ever pump ever owned ;) Never slides down, hard working magnet. Cleaning is a breeze.
Good one - I'm glad it works well for you.
Another great video mate!
I'm actually hoping to see an update on your mega filter build for the pond to see how that's evolved and matured 😎
Yes as you promised! Thank you for this.
Ive had this for my flowerhorn 50gallon for 3 months now and have had no problems with the magnets so far. The magnets make it easier to service. Theres no danger in the tank at all.
I just grab the bottom sections and leave the main pump head in the tank. Simple. No suction cups to bother with.
You cant appreciate those magnets until you start using it in a tank.
And this filter is super quiet. Not even a whisper.
Excellent - thanks for the valued comment and I suspected that would be the case once the filter was placed in the water - that's why the comment section is so important since it is the difference between someone independent (me) featuring a filter and a 'sponsored' channel (almost everyone else) featuring the same filter where the video is scripted and the comments are 'managed' (censored).
I'm glad the filter is working well for you. Best of luck with the tank.
@@pondguru thank you for making the video as well. Im gonna put in your recommendation for biological media this weekend. Keep up the good work 👍
@@kriztu Nice one - I'm glad you found the video useful.
I agree three models filled with bio media such as ..bio home gravel will test the magnet.
So I just used two. And it holds on ok.
I found this enough for removing any floating particular matter.
I personally love it and it's design.
I dare say they'll eventually beef up the magnet once the feedback gets back to them.
And maybe they'll make the upgraded magnet kit available! Who knows.
And what I like about it most is that all three models modules are all interchangeable.
Great review Richard
That all sounds good to me and I'm sure that the magnet will be strong enough since the filter will be less weighty when it is in the water (as the water allows for buoyancy).
Let me know how it goes and best of luck with the tank.
oki, here's the pimp: I'm getting the Shark Pro 700 for my molded 50-gal indoor goldfish patio pond that does not have straight glass sides. Poopy little goldfishes I saved from the feeder tank at the store, but so cute! The unit will sit upright on the flat bottom of the pond on its stable, square base, so I don't care about the magnets. If needed I have a rock to weigh it down to counter the outflow (which worked fine for the Marineland submersible I was using that just died). I'm getting 1 extra module. The bottom module will hold my own sponge filter media. Next up sponge and bio gravel. Next up sponge and carbon. I'll cut some plastic inserts and slip them inside between the intake slots and the sponge of the top 2 modules thereby forcing the unit to draw water in first from the bottom module, up and up through the other two and then out. Light layer of floss on the bottoms of the top 2 modules. Should work like a charm. Will update. Thanks for the great review to help me decide!
Update: Well didn't work exactly as planned because I didn't realize the water moves up through the filter from the front of each module (in through the sides, through the media, and up through a channel in the front). The water entering each module bypasses the next module above it instead of going through the media of the next module too. But it stands perfectly on the floor of the no-gravel pond, is practically invisible against the black plastic of the pond, water flow is good, and it's very, very quiet. I'm quite happy with it!
(my other channel) Yes, just give it a go and see how it goes - best of luck with the tank.
Nice video. The output flow control is the icing on the cake for me. Most internal filters don't have it.
Good one - I'm glad the video was useful - thanks for watching.
3 sections you could change the sponge to fine near the pump head medium in the centre and course in the bottom. May help the intake from the bottom section quicker. 😊
That would probably work but I wish that the companies making the filters would consider the water flow and whether the draw of water into the filter is sensible and useful to the function of the filter.
I looked at one of these recently and just couldn't believe how much space it took up. Like you, I'd heard people rave about it and when my mate showed me his. I just noped out.
It was £60 and I just went for the Allpondsolutions Hob-500 instead. I don't regret it.
That is an excellent choice and since it holds more media, is under half the price and doesn't take up space in the tank that would be my choice too. Thanks for the report and the 'noped out' part is something I'll surely work into my lexicon.
I have the older ADV for water movement more than anything. Nice features that i like. Easy to maintain
Good one - best of luck with the tank..
I’m not really enthusiastic about this kind of filter, just because when you pull it out from the water to clean it, a lot of dirt flows back out into the tank and this can make a real mess depending on how long you didn’t clean your filters. Since I have the filtration system in a compartment integrated to the aquarium’s tank itself, I think this is one of - if not the best - system out there. You can put tons of media, arrange everything like you want there in the back and even choose your pump and its strength. I’ll never go back to an internal filter. External filters are also very efficient (admitting people set it up correctly like in your vids).
Yes, I'm generally not a fan of internal filters unless they are integrated like a mini-sump since most internal filters hold very little media.
Was hoping you'd do this one day, I've seen so many people say its the best filter around and i just don't get it. You can get something so much better for less.
The magnets are really nice. Suction cups, well they suck.
Yeah... The ADV range works... It just works... And it is much cheaper...
They are ok, more fiddly than you realise and more of a pain than other internals, the magnet alone is too weak and most of it is drawn in from the top section.
The Juwel M is ALOT bigger than that for media as well, a awful lot bigger.
For media yes the Juwel has way more space and it will take extra sections being put onto the Shark filter to bring it anywhere near. At that point it would be sticking out the top of the tank, lol.
Keep up the good work 👍
I don't see what the point of the magnet is, for connecting the pump head to the filter sections. Surely it would be better to attach to the pump head section in the exact same way as the filter sections do to each other . Just have a stronger magnet for against the glass.
The idea is that you dont remove the head.
I see that but still to slide it off of the head would be easily enough done and far less risk of anything falling and getting damaged. I think the main gimmick is the magnet but it's certainly a negative if it's not strong enough and so is a risk of damaging the product@@charles_king
@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR as i said you dont remove the head and the magnets are strong enough (if submerged in water!)
Hello waiting for a review of the Aquel HYPER MAX 4500 filter. Best regards Mariusz
(my other channel) I am editing that one now.
Well said
I'm glad you found the video useful - thanks for watching.
Not a bad internal filter. You didn't mention how quite and the power for 10 watts which has a good flow. My 40 gallon is very clear and you can add carbon. I did think the magnet are weak. Better than a suction cups any day. I give it A- because the magnets
Nice one - thanks for the report.
As the filters featured in this series are sent to me by viewers I don't run them so I don't comment on the noise level (since I don't know). I just concentrate on the filtration side of things.
Best of luck with your tank.
As a Sicce Shark Pro 900 owner, I can confirm that all of your observations are completely on point. The filter is easy to service and maintain, and the motor is powerful (for its size) and quiet, but the magnets only just about hold the unit together and in place when it's mounted in the tank. Primary suction is through the top compartment with nominal draw through the lower two. It's a good filter for what it is, but maybe a bit overhyped as it has its flaws.
That is good to know and having comments come in from people who use this filter is great so thanks for the report. As far as internal filters go it seems to be well toward the 'good' side of what's available.
SEE- Chay 😂 GRAZIE Amico
Thanks for the confirmation - I'll use that pronunciation from now on.
While I've looked at this filter, and thought the magnets were a cool addition, the rest seemed a little sus to me Richard... I use a Sicce Shark ADV 700 as a standard stock (no extra compartments), but did pimp it a bit... Using Corse sponge then fine sponge in the larger compartment, then filter floss in the upper smaller compartment... It came with Ceramic rings (but they are poor fare against other types of bio media) and I opted out for them.
I've had no problems with the suction cups (Though I hear many horror stories of them failing. and they are so damn cheap to replace too... What gives?). I really liked the build quality (Magnets and the small compartments for the Bio Media aside), it looks well made...
However, for me the open sided aspect just don't sit right with me... I feel that if it was a bottom drawn filter like the Shark ADV it would make me buy it without hesitation. I get that it will draw water in the top first, then it will allow a longer time before it clogs the lower chambers, but that seems to be weakening the pull of water in my mind... I could be wrong, I'm no filter expert...
Still, I can see Sicce going back to what they do best with this model... An open bottomed filter (like the ADV range) and adding stronger magnets. Their water movement to power usage is what makes them a well respected manufacturer after all these years... But this model seems like a exercise in something better to come...
That seems like a sensible conclusion and I agree with pretty much all you mentioned there. The nearest thing I've seen to a perfect filter is probably the Hypermax 4500 which is the video I'm currently editing.
@@pondguru The Hypermax 4500 is a filter I have never heard of, so I shall look it up.
Nearest thing to a perfect filter? I await your views Richard, as I have watched many of your vids and have agreed with most of your views upon build, media supplied with OEM, media placement, and your additional reworkings (drilling and cutting for flow assist etc)...
Keep up the great work!
@@andrewdefty6044 (my other channel) Will do no worries and I'm glad you find the videos useful.
I feel I might just buy one to stuff with floss to polish. I know that is expensive for that, but it will hide better than alternatives of the same.
It will certainly do that job no problem - best of luck with the tank.
Just ordered the secce 700 as the magnets sold it to me after my Juwel was unusable as the suckers didn’t stick so the pump just fell off all the time.
I’m new to aquariums and was advised to buy Seachem prime now I’m worried it will kill my bacteria.
Should I add a bacteria starter along with the prime as it’s expensive to throw away.
Yes you will need to add bacteria (most people get talked into buying seachem 'stability') to keep the bacteria topped up if you're starving it with prime.
It is a ridiculous situation since a system should never need seeding with bacteria outside of the initial set up - when you've got a sensibly sized filter which is set up with suitable filter media and you're not starving the bacteria (with prime) the bacteria will be free to populate the system perfectly in line with the available food (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate).
It is the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate which is locked up and kept from the bacteria, hence the starving effect by prime.
It is a pharmaceutical business template which I don't agree with.
I made a video on such treatments which may be of interest here: ua-cam.com/video/1YCtMYZQlig/v-deo.html and I did a long post on the 'community' part of my channel which explains why most people unfortunately trust the 'experts' who just want to sell product: ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxQR8CbpF8GxMbWmhjBk88kKKngpvo6d3G
I hope that helps and best of luck with your tank.
Thanks for review My buddy wanted me to buy one But now Not touching it THANKS 👍✌️🇨🇦
No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful. However, from the comments on this video it seems like most people love this filter and the magnets are strong enough when it is in the water.
@ but if you want to pimp it up with bio balls It will be to heavy and fall apart I want more than just sponges 👍✌️🇨🇦 thanks
I have a waterbox AIO aquarium, I haven’t seen anywhere that you’ve done an AIO would you consider doing one , I know it may not be the best form of filtration but if there was a way to upgrade it that would be great
It's unlikely I will cover that one on this series as the filter seems to be built into the aquarium. Very few couriers will handle aquariums so returning it to whoever sends one could be difficult.
As far as I can see it's a built-in sump type of filter so the first chamber would have the foams and fine pad followed by mesh bags of good media (e.g. Biogravel).
The internal sump types of filters offer way more filtration possibilities compared to standard internal filters.
I want to set up 6 gallon Waterbox and I’ve been debating between this filter or a fluval C2, I’ve been running a 40 gallon im Nuvo with salt and I wanna get back into freshwater but I can’t decide what would be the best filter for such a tank, the only thing making me hesitant about the shark pro is it’s ability to pick up finer debris since there is no polishing pad. I have a spare fluval 207 from an old build but I think that is over kill for a 6 gallon tank.
Yes the 207 is probably overkill due to the high flow rate and if you have space for a HOB filter that will probably be a better option compared to any internal filter - If you search for 'HOB-500 Filter' on UA-cam you'll find a video I did on that one which is awesome.
I think that SunSun do a version of their own so if you're not in the UK it should still be available (there may be links in the video description and pinned comment on that video).
Allow me to make an unsolicited testimonial, running a 90litre tank with an internal filter compartment at the back for the past year, 500g biohome ultimate 1kg biohome mini ultra, just done a test, 0 for all of Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate.
Dear Joe,
That is great to hear and thanks for the feedback - I never ask for any feedback and maybe I should since I get loads of people asking whee they can leave a review for the various products I sell and giving me great reports of the results. Unfortunately I'm not much good at marketing so there aren't a vast a mount of reviews out there for Biohome media.
However, I'm thinking of doing a video where I ask everyone watching it to take the time to write a comment with a report of how they are getting on with the Biohome in their filters with a brief report of the test levels, how much media they are using and what the tank size and stock is (and also what conditioner they are using since that is critical for success or failure to reduce nitrate).
Thanks for taking the time to write a comment - it means a lot to me.
All the best for 2024.
Regards,
Richard
Could the magnets be change ?
Probably, but people who own the filter who have commented below say that the magnets aren't really a problem since the filter is relatively lighter when in water compared to how it is out of the water. Therefore the magnets work fine.
Hi what internal filter would you recommend for day a 200l community tank? I have the eheim pick up 200 at the moment with my 307 external filter, but I want to swat the ehiem for something better
I have a similar setup and i have a sicce shark (the older version of this) as a backup. Working just fine
I'm sure I've seen a comment or email asking the same question so apologies if I haven't replied to that yet.
I'd say go for a decent sized external filter which will hold around 3kg of media but the choice will ultimately depend on budget since there are so many choices now. For an internal filter to replace what you've already got (the Eheim filter) I'd say that the Shark 900 would be a great choice considering the feedback people have posted on this video so far.
Having input from people who actually use the filters long term is worth more than gold as any clown can make a video claiming that any particular filter is great or no good - having input from users of any filter is great which is why I don't edit the comments (unless someone is threatening violence against me.....yes, it does happen, lol)
@@charles_kingthank you mate appreciate it 🤙
@@pondguru thank you I'll look into it, I thought an internal with media would be better than my glorified sponge filter 😅 many thanks again 🙏🤙
@@skedwin3020 No worries and best of luck with the tank.
Looking to buy one of these. Do you come with a UK plug fitted?
If you buy it in the UK it will have a UK plug.
@@pondguru thank you
What's the best internal filter with media then? I don't trust those magnets atall
Probably something built in like a mini-sump - secure and holds more media than you'll need. I'm not a fan of stick on the side filters as they generally hold very little media.
Do you think this is better than the oase 200 bio plus?
I'd say so, yes. The Oase Bio Plus really aren't good filters since they're no more efficient than an air driven foam filter and they're a real pain to upgrade.
The only benefit the Oase filters have is that the Thermo versions have the heater hidden in the filter.
@@pondguru
Awesome thank you for the reply I think you've made up my mind then
Many thanks
@@skedwin3020 No worries and best of luck with the tank.
Can the eheim pickup filters be pimped?😊
Unfortunately the 'Pick-up' filters rely on foams which have a central hole where the water is drawn through. Therefore it's a very difficult filter to do anything with with out major alterations which aren't worth doing considering the much better options which are available for internal filters.
If you have a tank which will take a HOB filter then the All Pond Solutions HOB-500 is way better than anything available as an internal filter - I covered that one in this video here: ua-cam.com/video/XKI1ZNQ4eME/v-deo.html and considering the low cost it's an excellent option.
There's no way in hell that would be adequate enough for a 50 gal tank, let alone a 70 gal. I wouldn't even use that on my 40 gal tanks. Maybe a 30 gal tank but that's about it.
For perfect water quantity, yes you're bang on but most people only expect clear water, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite and don't care about the nitrate levels due to all the 'information' they find online being copy-and-pasted from old information from filter companies and lazy 'influencers' who never report that the full Natural cycle (reduction in nitrate) is perfectly achievable in any tank with suitable filtration no matter whether there are plants helping out or not.
There's a great saying that science advances one death at a time and I'm fully expecting that what I've been talking about for the last 15+ years on UA-cam probably won't be appreciated or proliferated into general understanding until I enter the reincarnation cycle, lol
@@pondguru Nicely said.
Pondguru, could you pimp out a Top Fin PF30?
I will feature anything sent in by viewers but that's not a very popular filter in the UK so it may be a while before it is featured.
English has changed a lot in the last few hundred years with pronunciation and other things... So it would stand to reason that Italian today might have some differences to the 2000 year old Latin that it came from.... Also, KGTropical spoke with the company directly and they confirmed pronunciation is "see-chay"
That seems to be the general consensus and the Italians would know since it's their language, lol
150 grams = 5.3 ounces
According to online converters it is exactly 5.29109. I was always taught to round down or up to the nearest decimal point depending on the figure being above or below 5 and since the precise figure is 5.29109 that works out as 5.29 for simplicity. If it had been 5.296 then I'd have rounded it up to 5.3.
However, ....... since the difference is inconsequential I'm sure that anyone reading my reply to your comment will just think we're both sad clowns for posting either of our comments, lol.
Thanks for watching and best of luck with your tank.
cc in Italian wil be bronounced as ch. Hence Sicce = Siche.
Good one - I've been corrected so many times in the comments.....lol
I think you are wrong mi friend. I think, in Itallian, the double C followed by an E, sounds like a CH. So it should be pronounced "siche". But I may be wrong
Thanks for that.
I'm not very familiar with Italian but am quite familiar with Latin so I was going on that language.
I put 'Sicce' into Google translate and it says 'siche' whether it is Italian or Latin so it looks like my Latin teacher was wrong, lol
Yeah agree 100%, they dont really work well with all that weight in them. The hype is not worth it by the looks of things...
(my other channel) That's a real bummer as it is well made and has a few great features.
@@ThousandYardStare will go check it out Richard 👌
HI. I am Italian and I can tell you that the correct Italian pronunciation is what you say is American. It would read as you say only if there was an H after the two Cs. I'm sorry.😅
Thanks for that - In my Latin classes we had a few words which had the double C in them e.g. ECCE (behold), OCCE, (come on) etc. and we always pronounced it as I said SICCE in this video.
However, I realize that Latin is not Italian - it's a different language, lol
🤔 I can’t see this filter reasonably being used in anything other than a well planter 55 gallon aquarium. I simple isn’t but tough enough nor is it designed in a manner to to be practical for anything else. 🤦🏽♂️
If the compartments where completely closed off except for the bottoms then the top two could be used for bio-gravel and the bottom two compartments could be used for coarse,medium and fine foams. Of course the motor and magnets would need to be stronger.
Even if they just sold upgrade kits with these features that alone would greatly improve the usefulness/ effectiveness of these filters. 🤷🏽♂️
Yes, yes, and yes - I agree with all that although I must say that there have been a few comments from people saying that the magnets are fine once the filter is under water which is what I'd hoped would be the case.
This exactly my setup with the older sicce shark