Zoo Med 501 vs. 511

Skeenatron · #1 08-14-2010, 11:09 AM

Hey guys, so I'm looking to buy one of these filters to create a waterfall in a paludarium while filtering the water. I'm wondering if anyone has used one of both of these filters and has any input about the water lifting capabilities. I'd opt for the smaller 501 model if it can lift the water from the bottom of my tank stand to the top of the tank, which is probably 4 feet. This seems like a pipe dream for the smaller 501 so there is the 511 to think about, which is a bigger, more powerful model. If the 511 will do this lift it might be worth it to upgrade, if it can't, they made a hanger for the 501 that will solve the problem but I won't be able to fully conceal the unit under the tank in the stand. Anyone been in the same situation and have any input? Thanks.

Gtcarlyle · #2 08-10-2011, 09:25 AM

Have you made a decision? I am trying to figure out the same thing.

Skeenatron · #3 08-10-2011, 01:08 PM

I did. I was told about a canister filter on ebay made by an Asian company called SunSun. I was told it was much better suited for the task and was really inexpensive. Well it worked so well I bought another one for a second tank I've still yet to make. The second one is of a different name, Perfect I believe it is, but is still on ebay for the same price and is the exact same unit. I got both for 50 bucks each, shipped.

Here is a link to what I bought both times. It looks like its gone up in price since I got it but there is the model without the UV lamp in it for half the price. I don't get very much algae growth in my tank at all but I'm not sure how much of that is attributed to the lamp in my filter.

Mine:

AQUARIUM FISH TANK CANISTER OUTSIDE FILTER + 9W UV 304B | eBay

Same thing without the UV lamp (much cheaper, same filtration functionality though):

AQUARIUM FISH TANK EXTERNAL CANISTER POWER FILTER 100 G | eBay

Anyway it was a no brainer when I heard what these filters can do and how much they cost. They get the job done much better than the ZooMeds ever would have. I've been using the first one for almost a year now and its still flawless and silent. Here are a few pictures of how I have it set up.