EA Performance Hang-On The Back Power Filter - Up to 30 Gallons - 160 GPH

this is an amazing pump! I bought one back in 2018 & still going! only thing left is buy some more sponge filter & you're good... I bought this one again cause the other one i bought that was made in China has a different wattage when it comes to pump that it did not last that well... this one tho works so great that it lasted almost 5 years now...

I would definitely order it again

I've been a faithful user of a well-known company's brand of hang-on-the-back filter for over 30yrs. in the fish keeping hobby, but design changes to my go to filters in recent years have made them insufferably noisy & sent me searching for a diff't option. That's how I came upon EA Performance filters. Though there were no reviews for them, I figured I'd give them a shot.The first thing I noticed right out of the box is the generous amt. of room for media in the filter box. The design gives the hobbyist so many media options! Yes, they come with pre-assembled carbon-based filter pouches along with sponge-like media, but you really can set this filter up with any media you want to use. The amt. of room in the filter box, makes this an excellent biological filter! From ceramic media to lava rock media to sponges to polyester fiber and any combination in between, this filter can handle it. Of note on media, also, is that they can take the small filter pouches made for Whisper [by Tetra] --- which are a much cheaper &, [in my opinion] better designed option than the filter pouches made for this filter.The flow control knob is a bit deceptive in that, in practice -- it's more of a high or low flow knob than true flow control through the whole turn process from high to low. But, that wouldn't deter me from purchasing again. The flow rate is good..... Not for fish, like Bettas, who prefer near-still waters, but definitely fine for most aquarium fish --- even tested it with my fancy-finned Goldfish & she didn't mind it even when set on high.The filter tubes come with extension options to allow this filter to be used in taller/deeper tanks than many other such filters of the same capacity. Do note that the strainer portion isn't a baby saver, nor will it keep fancy fins from being pulled into the filter. HOWEVER, it can easily be modified.... I cut the plastic from a tank divider, rolled the small bit into a tube shaped, and slid it into the tube's slatted bottom portion to prevent baby Endler Livebearers from being sucked up. It also keeps plant debris from getting pulled in & coating the bio media (which would reduce effectiveness). The plastic has lots of tiny holes that don't impede water flow.As for noise level..... This filter is not silent, but it's not unduly loud either and there is a bit of a vibration [from the motor] induced rattle to the cover, but that's easily solved with a decorative rock sitting in just the right spot.... Has an even hum that isn't bothersome. Interestingly, their bigger model for up to 55 gallon tanks is quieter (and just as versatile).So, in short.... A very effective, relatively quiet, well-designed filter for aquariums under 30 USG. As with ANY filter, if you keep messy species (like Goldfish, for instance), the filter becomes suitable for less water volume (no more than 15 USG in this case). For my heavily planted, deeper tank, I use this model as a biological filter and their bigger model (55 USG) alongside as a 2-stage filter (but more chemical filter). That is what I would advise for messier fish & tanks over 50 gallons.After 3 years of use, this seasoned fish hobbyist can comfortably recommend this filter =)

My purchased was just delivered less than 30min ago, and my wife enthusiastically opened it up to great disappointment. The product was obviously used! The filters didn't come in bags, and came in opened already set in, and the filter had obvious signs of usage all over. There were protein stains, saltwater scales, and sand in and around the crevices all over! Would give 0 stars if I could. Do not buy if you want a new product.

Works great to clear water.