Zoo Med 501 vs. 511

Skeenatron · #1 08-15-2010, 11:56 AM

I posted this in the Palu section the other day and haven't gotten any responses. Figured I'd try in here and see if I have any better luck.

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.

beckdg · #2 08-16-2010, 09:22 AM

i doubt either one will do well with a 4' head height. you're looking for a pump rated anywhere from 60-200 gph @ a 4' head height. have any pics of the setup? knowing where it'll be plumbed to and how much water is in the setup should help deciding the size of the pump/filter.

Skeenatron · #3 08-16-2010, 11:17 AM

Yeah I'm thinking you hit the nail on the head. I've been looking into both of these more and neither seem like they'd keep my tank all that clean. The setup is still just an empty tank so there's no real point in posting pics at this time, but I measured it and I do have 3.25 feet of height to clear to get the water back into the tank so I'm going to go with another brand. I'm really considering either a fluval 205, fluval 305, or an Eheim. I really like this guy actually:

Amazon.com: Eheim Canister Filter Classic Plus - 2215 - up to 93 Gallon: Kitchen & Dining

But may end up getting this just to ensure clearity:

Amazon.com: Eheim Canister Filter Classic Plus - 2217 - up to 159 Gallon: Home & Garden

beckdg · #4 08-16-2010, 11:57 AM

i might look into sunsun models if i were going to go that route. don't get me wrong, EHEIM has a huge following, a great reputation, etc., etc. but i just don't like those models for a few reasons. the clip hooks are notorious for breaking and although most people report it as not effecting anything negatively i just think it's a spill risk. i don't like the design of them either. you're limited in how you set up your media imho. the cut-off disconnects are in-line meaning you have to cut the hose and place them yourself and still have room in your cabinet to get to them without kinking the lines. the base is more narrow than the top. i'm a big guy and working under my cabinet is hard enough as it is without having to worry about my canister getting knocked over every time i move.

you could also look into fountain pumps. they should be cheaper than filters and you can design the filter area however you want. if you add a sump/trickle filter you can use any media you want and likely more than double the amount of water without flooding your viv. all that should make maintenance much easier although it could (if you get carried away like i'd want to) cost much more in the longrun. it doesn't have to though...

either way... with sunsun you get a lot of bang for your buck.

how big is this tank going to be... how much water... what inhabitants (above and below the water line)?

Skeenatron · #5 08-16-2010, 12:23 PM

Hmm I'll have to look Sunsun up, thanks for pointing me in that direction. The tank is a 48g bow front up on a cabinet stand. The center cabinet door opens up and access to the back of the stand is through there so putting a filter canister down there and running it up the 4' to the top of the tank should be pretty easy. I plan on having the tank half full of fresh water with rocks and wood and gravel as the land portion on top, and a waterfall. About 4 fire bellied toads on the land and as many fish as I can get into the water without over crowding. I actually bought a 15 dollar 60gph fountain pump initially but when trying to figure out exactly how to keep it and the tank water clean by lining the eggcrate pump box I made with filter media, I figured it would just be easier and cleaner to simply buy an external canister filter and make a waterfall out of that.

beckdg · #6 08-16-2010, 01:11 PM

the sunsun should be perfect for you then. you could still use your fountain pump for your waterfall if you'd like. the water should be clean enough if you configure your sunsun to polish as well as filter that you may not need to filter before your fountain pump. just makes for more options if something's not working out down the road...

Skeenatron · #7 08-24-2010, 12:12 AM

Hey thanks a ton for bringing these Sunsun canister filters to my attention. I pulled the trigger on one of these models they had up on eBay and although I haven't done anything other than test it out in my filled up kitchen sink, I can tell you this thing is awesome. Not only is it awesome, for what you get, it was cheap as hell. Thanks again.

100 G AQUARIUM CANISTER FILTER EXTERNAL PUMP 9W UV LAMP - eBay (item 150425041759 end time Sep-14-10 18:38:28 PDT)

beckdg · #8 08-24-2010, 12:30 AM

you're more than welcomed.