With 18W UV - Mechanical

It is a well known fact that it's crucially important to keep water clean in an aquarium, but how to make a right choice of a filter? There is a wide range of different models available on the market, and all of them have some advantages and disadvantages. And it depends on the type and volume of your aquarium and other conditions whether you will get more advantages or disadvantages from a particular filter. Let's have a look at the Ocean Clear 380 Filter with 18W UV – Mechanical. It's a modular filter that allows to choose the best configuration to meet your requirements. It is rather compact: only thirteen inches wide and nineteen inches tall, yet at the same time it can move fairly big volumes of water easily and effortlessly.

This filters are perfectly suitable for large tanks (up to 500 gallons) or ponds (up to 1200 gallons). Also, they are meant for both fresh water and salt water aquariums. Depending on the size of your tank or pond, some additional parts can be attached to handle the volume of water. Similarly, unnecessary units can be removed if the size of your aquarium is smaller. 18 watt UV bulb is utilized to eliminate the algae and bacteria.

For biological and mechanical filtration this model uses 154 sq. ft. of  of Polystrand Dual Function pads. The filter has an internal cleaning system which allows water to flow evenly through the filter beds. As for the pump, it is highly recommended to use an external one. Its flow rate should range from five hundred gph. to one thousand and five hundred gph. The experts advise to use a pump at a higher place, especially when you have to attach more than one unit.  Manufacturers offer a one year warranty period in case there is a defect in workmanship or materials.

Pros and Cons

Pro list :

• So, it is obvious that the main advantage of  Ocean Clear 380 Filter with 18W UV is its modularity which ensures a proper filtration of almost any size pond or tank.
• Another important advantage of this model is reliability, as it is built to last for years and years to come.
• And of course a compact size of this filter is one more thing to appreciate – sometimes it is a problem to store a bulky piece of equipment, not to mention that it is rather uncomfortable to use it.
• So in general it is a great product, but some things should have been done in a different way.

Con list :

• The plastic parts of the filter are easy to scratch, and it spoils the look of the entire unit.
• Utilizing the pump might be confusing sometimes as a person may attach it in a wrong way.
• And finally, it would be great to have a built in heater in such model, to make it even more user friendly.

Manufacturer Specs

Ocean Clear 380 Filter with 18W UV - Mechanical Ocean Clear modular filters allow you to mix and match in order to get just the right combination of filtration for your needs. This system works with freshwater or saltwater aquariums or ponds. Each unit is rated for aquariums or ponds up to 500 gallons or ponds up to 1280 gallons. Multiple units can be hooked together to accommodate any size aquarium or pond. The 380 uses 154 square foot of Polystrand Dual Function pads for mechanical and biological filtration and an 18 watt UV bulb to kill free floating bacteria and algae. The bulb fits in the center core of the pleated cartridge. Use an external pump with a flow rate of 500-1600 gph. Manufacturer recommends using a pump at the higher end, especially if using more than one unit in tandem.