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Marineland Emperor Filter Systems

Unparalleled multi-stage aquarium filtration--mechanical, biological, and chemicalTwo water pumps, filter cartridge with twice the carbon capacity, and superior wet/dry Bio-Wheel filtration
Average Customer Rating:
4.49 out of 5
4.5
 out of 
5
(35 Reviews)
32 of 35(91%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: sugarplum
emperor 400
Date: October 11, 2009
"I bought this based on reviews.. when i got it i put it up right away. the first thing i noticed was it is very loud. i called the company and they said it was not suppose to be loud so they are sending me a few new parts. it does clean my tanks very well... hoping when i get the new parts it will not make a sound...."
Review 2 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: TXfish
Nice Filter after an adjustment
Date: September 13, 2009
"Not sure if it was just my filter, but I had to remove the flow meter piece (it is supposed to be in the bottom of the filter underneath the spinner that causes the suction for the intake.) When this piece was in place it was vibrating and caused the filter to be REALLY loud.
I took it out and now LOVE this filter. I have it in a 29 gallon tank and it is working wonderfully and VERY quiet after my minor adjustment. Definitely worth the money. I can see this lasting for a long time and being very durable.
"
Review 3 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Jawbreaker
Great Filter
Date: August 25, 2009
"This is a great heavy duty filter for the money. Spend the extra $10-20 and get this filter over other cheaper options. Petco had the best price by far! I saw places selling this same product for $89! Also - Petco sent this to me in 2 days, free shipping! Could not be a better deal or better service!"
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: cheromorskiy
great filter but
Date: August 23, 2009
"when i just set it up it was so quiet you wouldnt even know that it was there but 3 days later it is getting a bit noisy. you cant realy hear it durring the day but since the aquarium is in my bedroom the noise can get verry irritating at nightits not loud but it is annoying."
Review 5 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Tsunam1
Disappointed
Date: May 16, 2009
"I purchased this filter to complement my Eheim canister filter on my 90 Gallon. Both filters are rated for 80 gallons, as I prefer to have near twice the required filtration with a heavy Cichlid tank.
I am mainly disappointed with the filter media containers themselves. The slits in the baskets are not sufficient to contain carbon, which was the point of getting the 400 over the 350. The basket only holds the largest pieces of carbon and the interlock of the basket halves is not very solid. I ended up filling them with Eheim substrat pro as I had it on hand. Even the prefilled filter media was spilling carbon, I feel that the old whisper 30-60 full floss wrapped insert is better designed. I would probably be 100% satisfied if the Emperor media was of the same design, and there was a mesh on the additional baskets to keep the medium and small pieces of carbon from coming out.
The performance of the filter is on par with the old 30-60, which is still running after 5 years and is on my 29 Gallon Juvenile tank. If whisper had the 30-60 with Bio-wheels I would have purchased it, although I will have to wait for it to colonize to see if it really makes any difference, or if it is all marketing. If it does I will see if Whisper has filter media that fits the Emperor. Although for the price I shouldn't have to."
Review 6 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: myangel833
Not good for saltwater aquariums!!!
Date: May 1, 2009
"I LOVE these in freshwater aquariums but they are not great in saltwater aquariums.
You cant use the wheel and there is no place for beneficial bacteria. You also can only use one kind of media unless you have the double baskets.
I switched over to the aquaclear and it has enough room for 4 different types of media and media rocks for bacteria.
This product is great for freshwater aquariums though!
"
Review 7 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Lhernandez86
The best hang on filtration system~!
Date: March 31, 2009
"The filter works like a CHAMP! I have a Tall Hex tank and it is crystal clear! When I first added sand to my saltwater tank it was SUPER cloudy and the filter has my saltwater crystal clear in about 2hrs! The only down side to this filter is that if your water level isnt high enough the water spashing down is very loud, and it comes with no media for the extra media container. Other than that its the BEST, if your gonna spend the money on a filtration system, spend it on the BEST!"
Review 8 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: MIWolverine42798
Date: December 29, 2008
"This is GREAT! It does all 3 types of filtration and is magnificiant"
Review 9 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: SDevs
A Reliable Choice
Date: May 4, 2008
"I keep a lot of Goldfish tanks,which mean very dirty tanks,but most of my tanks have at least one Emperor on them,so you'd never realize just how dirty goldfish can really be. The tanks stay sparkling clean.
The filter cartridges can be purchased in multiples, which saves you money right there,and you can actually rinse the filter cartridges in old tank water to get a little more usage out of them.
This is a long lasting,durable filter,that will do great on your tank.
"
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User submitted photo
Review 10 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: RTremor
Great Product
Date: April 29, 2008
"It works better than my Penguine 330. I had to upgade cause I upgraded from 15 gallons to 30 gallons. The Marineland Emperor 400 is stronger than my Penguine 330."
Review 11 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: jccastaneda
Great investment
Date: March 17, 2008
"Bought the emperor system to upgrade from the Penguine bio filter. The best idea here was the spray bar that allows you to contiue having the bio wheel rotating even if you have a slower flow issue and weren't able to clean out the intake pipes. Great purchase price as well. Another great feature is the media caddy that allows you to use other materials that you can't use in the penguine version. I've used it with amonia locking carbon and it keeps the amonia levels down. The grates are small enough to keep any type of media in it. I would recommend it."
Review 12 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Starsprinkle
Dirty Tank no more
Date: February 9, 2008
"WE have this type of filtration in our cichlid tank which gets pretty nasty... but after doing our 1st water change with the new filter we noticed how much cleaner the tank was. Def a nice filter for the price"
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
Review 13 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: tmth
Very High Quality
Date: February 5, 2008
"These filters are my favorite. The filter is strong enough to clean up the tank very nicely, yet does not make an overpowering current.
Warning: be careful when using sand, I had to shorten the tube a bit to prevent sand from being sucked up. when that happens it can cause problems, like with any other filter.
"
Review 14 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: JUGGALO
5 Fins!!
Date: January 29, 2008
"The Emperor is the ultimate in filtration. It provides quality, reliability and allows the ability to customize your filtration to meet the needs of your aquatic environment.
Not to mention very easy maintenance.
Do yourself a favor and get the best, you won't be disappointed.
"
Review 15 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Fishluv
Emperor Filter Systems
Date: January 18, 2008
"This product is amazing. I am using gravel in the extra slots and the Bio-Wheel provides excellent colony for the bacteria to enjoy their part in the filteration process. Did I mention the water is clear...."
Review 16 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: MarkP
2 fins up!
Date: January 17, 2007
"Great filtering system. However, if you're going to buy this system, buy it online. I was surprised that it was $25.00 more in the store. The only downside is that it makes a little more noise than I expected but overall, I'd rate it a buy.
My Oscars and I are pleased :)"
Review 17 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: bixervtx
best power filter
Date: November 6, 2006
"The emporer 400 is the best power filter you can buy, bar none. I have used and or still use many other type of hang on power filters, and this filter is defenitally the best. The spray bar helps keep the bio wheel moving and wet for best water to air contact. Also the filter cartridge patented ribbed backing keeps the activated carbon from sagging to the bottom of the pad so that the water to carbon contact is much more efficient than any other pad. It also come with an additional plastic cartridge that also has the ribbed backing feature that you can add additional carbon if you so desire to keep your water crystal clear and odorless."
Review 18 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Performance: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Chana
Emperor 400
Date: October 17, 2006
"Pretty good filter for my reef tank. Easy to maintain and clean. Only thing I dont like is that the top doesnt fit. I have to just lay it there loosely so sometimes water sprays."
Review 19 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Cesargf25s
THis filter is not overhyped
Date: August 17, 2006
""The biowheel is mainly just an over-hyped pin-wheel that has bacteria on it. Your gravel has bacteria in it too. So does the filter media that you throw out. Filter media that can be rinsed in cold water instead of changed each time will cause less biological havoc on your aquarium."
The bio-Wheel contains the bio-spira bacteria that the gravel, plants, and the filter all have. But, the the way the bio wheel works is its a wet/dry filtration addon. The wheel gets 30,000 times more oxygen then the bacteria thats at the bottom of the tank. Thats is not overhyped. Thats a A++ when it comes to HOB filters. The bacteria needs the oxygen to fight the harmful chemicals in the water. thats one of the reason why retailers recommend aeration systems. the Bio -wheel is always there fighting the harmful bacteria, even when you replace the filter cartridges.
EMPERORS ARE #1 IN HOB FILTERS!"
Review 20 for Marineland Emperor Filter Systems
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(based on 35 reviews)
Written By: Cesarf25s
Emperor 280
Date: August 17, 2006
"I bought the Emporer 280 at A local petstore to add to my 30 gal tank. I have a 4 inch oscar and a 3 inch plecostomus in the 30 gal. When I bought the tank I chose to buy Whisper PF-40. The water stayed cloudy for about 8 days strait after installation and my oscar started to get a bad case of ich. I did rinse the filter before installing. My oscar was about 2 inches long when I got the 30 gal. I assumed the filter was the problem, so I went back and exchanged it for a Penguin BIO-Wheel 125 filter. I put him in a 10 gal tank of mine that had a penguin 30 gallon filter. I treated the little guy with super ich cure while the 30 gal became established with 3 goldfish. After The water did end up clearing up sooner but I notices the wheel was not rotating sometimes. I vistited www.ocsarfish.com and www.aquariumfish.net. My filtration system was not up to recommendation. I did more research and read about the emperors great filtration system. After 2 weeks I went back to the store and exchanged it for the Emperor 280. It looks great. when I started the tank with the 280 the water never got cloudy. I added ammonia reducer to the added media cartridge. I bought a freshwater master test kit with the emperor 280. the first week with bruiser and chupa in the tank showed a very low rise of the ammonia. After the first week the level dropped and sense then its been at 0 ppm. as the tank becamse exstablished the nitrite and nitrate levels stayed at low levels. The ph level took about a week to get to 7.0. It has stayed at 7.0. the first 10-20 minutes it was a little noisy. I have the 30 gal in my bedroom and I sleep like a baby. The bubbles from my aeriation system is louder then the Emperor 280. I clean the gravel once a week and during the week I would occasionally move the gravel around and swirl the water so the filter would collect the waste and un eaten flakes. The flow is very impressive. It will clear up the tank within a few hours and you can see alot of the waste getting sucked into the the filter. I now feed Bruiser Hikari's Cichlid Bio- GOLD and I feed chupa Hikari's Algae wafers. The filter is the best filter I have ever had. It kept the levels low and I have never had cloudy water.
I am planning on getting a getting a 100 gallon tank soon. I am sticking to marineland for my filtration system. I plan on getting a Emperor 400 and a Magnum 350 BIO-PRO System.
If you plan on getting another filter besides this one I would recommend the tetra tec power filters. they also have a good biological filtration system. You also have the option of having a water heater inside the filter. The tetra tec Also gives you the ability to changes the direction of water flow so you can create a good tidal flow for circulating the water in the aquarium. This makes it easier for your filter to suck up some of the waste before it sinks.
Emperors ARE #1
Marineland is #1"