AZOO AZ13099 Filter

I have had the tiny AZOO filters on betta tanks in the past and loved them.  Strong, quiet and was able to put a sponge on the intake to keep the beta from sticking to the inlet (why do they do that?).  Needed a HOB for a 15 and 22 gallon tank but wanted something reliable, quiet and inexpensive.  Have had the other HOB (Aqueon, Marineland, Aquaclear) and they were loud, $$$, unreliable (die within months), or a pain to prime if you loose power.  My tiny Azoos were always reliable and would start immediately after a power outage or tank cleaning without having to refill or top off.  You can only imagine how happy I was to see that the same design came in bigger sizes so I did not hesitate to pick up one for my 15 gallon and 22 gallon.  Yes it came with a cartridge, but it also came with sponges and it wasn't hard for me to customize the generously sized interiors to add extra media and deeded sponges and remove the unneeded cartridge with carbon.  I have fallen in love with these all over again, so much quieter than the other HOBs in this size range and no comparison to a sponge filter with noisy air pump.  If you haven't already made up your mind to try it, just do- you will have no regrets.  OK well maybe one, the intake portion is a U shape, so it can be a little difficult to clean down the road.  I find the big pipe-cleaner craft stick work well, along with a strong spray of water.  Honestly that is my only con for the filter, plus they come with intake sponges to keep your smaller fish/shrimp out of the filter and add extra mechanical and biological filtration.  Just remember to gently clean it out and it will easily last the year without replacement.

Item on line is in CM, should be in inches.Also, should be called an AZOO 240 Special Addiotion, NOT Azoo AZ13099 which is their sku #

Amazon needs to correct the item name. With that said, it's a good piece of kit. Strong flow that's actually adjustable and outflow has a lip so it pushes the water to create a horizontal current. Good if you're using a co2 diffuser on the other side. However you decide to "hotrod" this filter, the flow is front to back so you need gaps on the back and front clear, so don't go too crazy with with bio media or you wont get enough flow and cycling can take a long time. The intake pipe isn't the most durable thing in the world so don't drop it. This filter is better at the $15 price point than $20.

I bought this filter to upgrade the AZOO Mignon Filter 60 on my 5 gallon tank. The 60 didn't have enough flow, but this one is perfect. However, it does look a little bulky on a 5 gallon. The plastic feels of good quality for a clear plastic, and since it's translucent, you can see when it needs to be cleaned. The flow works good for my tank and it's easy to adjust it so that the flow isn't too strong. You do have to clean the sponge on the intake regularly or you'll notice a significant drop in flow. There is a little more room in the back of the filter for more filter media, but I haven't added any more in there because it slows the flow. Also the propeller sits perfectly center every time, so you never hear any noises from it hitting the walls. The only problem with this filter is when the lid is on, it makes an annoying vibrating sound. So I just leave the lid off. Without the lid, it's extremely quiet only making the faintest whisper .

Bought a smaller one of this brand for a 10 gallon tank. Tank leaked so I upgraded to a 20 gallon and got this filter. Great brand!