Review on Marineland PA0137 04 Rite Size Cartridge 4 Pack by Holly Wille

Marineland has been around since the 1980's, and with good reason. They make quality products that do what they say! There are always multiple ways to get the same or better results, but reliability and low cost make the product easier to use. Marineland's HOB (Hang On Back) filtration allows everyone to have a well-running system whether it's fresh, brackish or even salt water. It also makes filter maintenance very easy! Simply flush the cartridge to remove the carbon deposited in the filter media, remove the old cartridge and insert a new one. It's literally that easy! Lately there are filters with skimmers, heating attachments and other things that are not worth trying to make them easier and more convenient for aquarium owners, but as a basic filter that works, they cannot be better. A fresh filter cartridge will ensure you remove feed and fish waste and help control the nitrifying bacterial cycle. The filter media captures large and small debris particles, and the charcoal inside works to remove even more organic debris that, if left unchecked, will eventually kill your tank. Flushing cartridges to get more or different uses is risky. I'm not saying it can't be done, but what you sacrifice is probably the most important part. Carbon that removes organic waste including putrefaction waste, breakdown products, ammonia and materials you don't want to accumulate in your tank. The polishing of water that the fibrous medium does goes so far. What you don't see are the chemical deposits that are slowly reversing the good work the filter is supposed to do. "Once the bad levels in your tank start to rise, you're going to play hell trying to fix them and you'll have to do 3-4 times more work than just installing a new cartridge. Caring for live animals requires work. And given that you don't have to walk them, take them to the vet, or worry about them damaging your furniture, cords, or other equipment, there's little excuse that you can't "keep up with it." . Marineland makes filters in almost every size. Aquarium and I've been using many of them for almost 40 years and they really work! In saltwater I now prefer a sump system due to the addition of live coral, but also in a fish only environment or even some coral if you want to guide when needed proper maintenance, this filtration system works. For fresh and/or brackish water it is even easier. It works AND it's practical!