3166.500 vs 3162

[dflipp]

I'm trying to choose between the 3166.500 and the 3162 for a sumpless 45 cube mixed reef. I'd like to run carbon/GFO, but I'm primarily interested in surface skimming and mechanical filtration. Opinions?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rvitko]

The 3166.500 is much stronger, it has a removable filter bell and changing the media is much faster and easier as a result. The stock cartridge filters nearly as fine as a diatom filter so you can really polish the water. 3162 is smaller, it just uses loose medias. It doesn't filter as fine. Both have surface skimming and the 3166.500 is defnitely overkill but it would be easier to have a 870 filled with carbon or GFO ready to go and swap out the stock 0800.010 when needed instead of removing a ball of floss. I use a 3167.500 at home and my only complaint is the stock 0800.010 clog after 5 days or so and need to be swapped out. I save them up and when I have 6 or more I put them in the washing machine with no soap, after about 5 rinses they are frayed and need to be tossed but they last a long time if you use them that way.