Review on 🐠 SunSun Hw303B Pro Canister Filter Kit with 9-watt UV Sterilizer - Enhanced 370GPH Flow Rate by Sade Tucker

Got one of these with a used tank I bought on Facebook Marketplace. This was my first external filter. I have since bought several more of the same 303b models for other tanks in the house. They are way better than HOB filters! Virtually no noise as the exit is below the waterline. Definitely dirtier to clean than HOBs, but they seem to do what they do better: filtering. Also, there seems to be a lot less water evaporating in my canister tanks - jars with smaller/smaller openings. Important things I learned: - Fill the canister completely with water from the tank before turning it on - make sure both the inlet and outlet pipes are closed. fully submerged in water when powered on. If the outlet isn't submerged, air will get in and you won't get siphoning. If you have a planted aquarium, don't use charcoal unless you change it monthly. Charcoal purifies some of the beneficial substances needed to "feed" plants. If you don't replace the charcoal in time, contaminants will fall back into the water (Purigen is a great charcoal substitute). Take out the piercer and wipe it down - take it outside or in the bath to clean, as the lid hides the water, which will leak out anyway if you tilt it (and for a lightbulb, it should say put it down). I don't use UV very often, but it really helps eliminate algal blooms. My used filter is at least 18 months old and works just as well as my new filters. It seems that all brands are made of plastic. There were no problems. Replacement parts are readily available, so you don't have to replace the entire canister if one component fails.