Pimp My Filter #22 - Eheim Pro 4 / Professional 4+ 600 Canister Filter 

It doesn't take a genius to work out that I am not impressed with this filter at all but I will list a few positives: 1 - The pro 4+ 600 holds approx. 3.6kg of media which makes it suitable for a normally stocked tank of around 350 litres or a heavily stocked tank of around 175 litres (when using biohome ultimate for a full cycle). That's between 92 US gal. (normal stock) down to 46 US gal. (heavy stock) for you guys in the US. 2 - It comes with media, some is good (substrat pro). 3 - It looks nice......errrr...ummmm...hmmmm.....I'm struggling after those first two points......nope, just thought of another one.... 4 - The sides of the filter are see through which allows you to see that the trays don't fit together properly....is that a positive? OK, now the negative attributes of this (very expensive) filter: 1 - The outer fittings / clasps are made from the cheapest most brittle plastic I've seen on a canister filter 2 - The 'extender' function relies entirely on the fine pad being the last stage of filtration therefore rendering the feature useless as water polishing should be done BEFORE it hits the biological media. Having a fine pad at the end of the process guarantees that fine dirt is concentrated in media trays and will reduce the efficiency of the system by encouraging premature clogging of the media and guaranteeing cleaning is a more messy process than it should be. 3 - The 'mech pro' is similar to a small version of flocor which is often used in cheap pond filters to reduce weight and therefore reduce shipping costs. As a mechanical media, filling the first 2 trays with this is a total waste since medium and light weight dirt will easily go through it straight into the media trays, covering it in dirt and reducing efficiency. 4 - Trays are a design which is sure to lead to handles snapping off. They will still fit together without the handles but the plastic is so brittle that handle breakage is a real concern. Then there is the... 5 - Ridiculous design of the 'tube' which is formed by the trays fitting together. Having three thin pieces of plastic forming a 'tube' instead of one moulded piece of plastic (e.g. on pre-filter tray) ensures that the trays will not fit together properly when one part of the 'triangle' gets bent out of shape and that will cause bypass on a grand scale. The problem could be avoided if the triangular piece of plastic was formed the same way as it is for the pre-filter tray. Pythagoras would be turning in his grave....... 6 - The trays don't even fit together properly when all parts are present and straight - they easily push inside each other. This is by far the worst example of tray construction I've seen on a canister filter. 7 - The cost. In the UK this filter sells for well over £200 which puts it right at the top of the list of expensive filters but considering the many critical flaws of the pro 4+ 600 a £60 All Pond Solutions / $60 SunSun filter will hold more media (5kg / 11 lbs) and will actually function like a filter is supposed to do, unlike this travesty from Eheim. The main competitor to Eheim is Fluval and Fluval have maintained or improved the build quality of their filters with successive generations. However, Eheim seemed to hit a high point with the pro 2 series then reduced the quality for the pro 3 and reduced it again for the pro 4, all while increasing the selling cost of the 'new generation' filters and claiming that the filter is 'more advanced' - the only thing which is advancing is Eheim's bank balance and that is down to mugging fish keepers who bought the pro 3 and pro 4 filters. Can they pull it back with their next filters? sure they could but so many other companies are making better filters at a fraction of the cost the market is wide open for someone to steal their crown - that is awful to see as I have great respect for German engineering / work ethic / construction quality / after sales care. Instead of being a 'next generation' filter the pro 4 is a massive step back. Sorry - I haven't got any room left for the usual notes about filtration so check other videos for that. www.filterpro.co.uk Professional 4+ 600 on Amazon: geni.us/sRBAk6D If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more.. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/ FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7

Have had no problem with my pro4+600. Love this model and am happy and satisfied with the quality and performance unlike the stress you went through. Keep calm. Eheim pro4+600👍👍

I have had this filter for years and i love it. Have never had any of these problems with it and my fish are thriving.

Great video Richard. Don't feel guilty about bagging a filter. If it's rubbish that's what folks wanna know

Thanks for your honesty, it is disappointing to hear that the Professional 4 is not well constructed. However, I am really pleased to hear that my Eheim Professional 2 has been given the tick of approval. It is many years old and owing to its robust build quality is still going strong.

I have the have the 350 version and i cant complain about it. Ive had it 3 years with my fancy gold fish and had no issues. I had a fluval 206 before and that leaked after maintenance every time. I had to replace the o ring everytime i did a filter clean. I havent had any issues with my eheim pro 4+ 350

The work you do is simply amazing. 🔥💯 Since I started using biohome my algeas are gone, crystal clear water and happy fishes. Thank you so much!! ☺️🙏

Shout out from the United States! Really appreciate your videos. I have learned a lot and have utilized your filtration methodology including using Biohome Ultimate media. Thanks so much! Cheers!

I can clean my Pro 3 and have it back up and running in 15 mins, it's not that hard to assemble. I threw out the plastic crap and filled it with Seachem Matrix. The broken piece is not because of a design issue, it was package incorrectly. It's not the perfect filter, but mine has been running for 6 years now with no issues.

I've been waiting for this for a long time! Thanks for the video! I wish this video was published before I bought this filter.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when making this video. Glad you’re so passionate about this. Makes me believe you really know what you’re talking about. I’m using substrat pro, because that’s all I can find here, but I use your setup because it just makes sense. Hopefully you can also look at the Eden series of filters one day.

Wish I saw this video before I bought my Eheim Pro4 350 over a year ago. You’re right Richard, the trays are poorly designed and the priming is difficult to get going. But still it still works and I can’t bring myself to throw away an expensive filter, I’ve reconfigured it to how you suggest with the 600 and 2kg of Biohome ultimate. The water is clearer than it has ever been. That said l, I think my next filter will be an Aquael Maxi Kani because I can’t put my canister below my tank. When can you do a review of that? Would love to hear your opinion. Keep up the good work. 👍

Iv had 7diffrent types of canisters n this pro4 is by far the best the trays may be a bit thin but if u take care of them in put them in one at a time they'll fit fine there cheap to run easy to clean and have better flow than any iv used I get 630lph out of the rated 950 at a meter head

I love Eheim because of the availability of parts if I have an issue. have a twelve year old Pro 3 and a six year old pro 4. The older filter has the same quality of baskets and fittings as the newer one. Nothing has ever broken off or leaked, and they do beautifully for my turtles.

Had mine (350 Pro) for a while now with no problems setting up and taking down... probably because it fits together easier when you drop them in the container one by one. anyhow thanks for the pimping tweaks.

I have the older version & watching this video ha goven me a few checks to do. I'm glad I am moving away from canisters & getting a sump. Great video

Good to know that I've spent my money wisely on Fluval Fx4. Keep up the good work Richard.

Richard, one of your best! It is really shocking to see all of these design flaws by Eheim. Ranting was more than justified! Thanks so much for what you do to help and advance the hobby.

Hello Pondguru.. I tend to agree with your observations about build quality BUT it is all a matter of taste. I have used these kind of Eheim filters for a long time without anything braking. What Eheim does better than most filters is the lack of problems as long as you learn how to handle them correctly. They are soundless, never leaks and use very little power compared to output. I have had both JBL and Fluval earlier versions and my conclusion is that Eheim is still the best canister filter on the market. I use my brand new 2275 instead of a sump in a marine setup and have just received 3 kg. of Biohome Marine filter media. looking forward to try it. Okt. 18-2020. I have now used the new Eheim 2075 Proff. 4 600 for 3 weeks filled with 3 kg of Biohome marine and other media, 4.7 kg in total and have measured the outflow to almost 1300 liter/hour.

Mate I know this is an older video but it's just saved me forking out £200+ for a new filter so I wanted to say thanks! A simple breakdown of the mechanics was all I needed to find a problem with mine. So, thank you!

I have Eheim classic 250 running for 5 years never open never clean it (i know i'm lazy). I was gonna upgrade to this Profesional 4, but lucku i watch your video. Thanks for saving my money

I have used this filter for a 2 years and it has always worked great for me .

I've now watched the 22 pimp my filter videos. And I have to say it is mind boggling how manufacturers claim what there filters claim to be able to do. A lot of hobbyists get caught out in this flannel. But thankfully guy's like you Richard are giving us some intelligent information. Thanks again. Any chance you could put up a list of the top5 canister filter's in your opinion. I feel this would be helpful to those new to the hobby. Kindest Regards Manny

Hi! I like the part where you upgrade the filter media in the canister. But I have to notice you don't review those filters based on the actual use, the leaks that occur after some period of time. Out of the box many of those canisters look great, but what after 5 years, spare parts availability? I have tetra ex 800+, and it leaks on multiple places. Had to replace gaskets and in the process broke off some plastic parts. For me the most important thing for a canister filter is it's reliability, to not have to worry if it would soak my expensive wood floor. Cause bad engineering. Those things you cant see when unboxing a canister filter. Its nice to praise aquael, but praise it after 5 years of use. I would rather worry about leaking and not flimsy basket that can be replaced any time.

Finally wait is over...Love you Man!!! First thing tomorrow morning I will do is taking this bloody thing back to where it bought and exchange for a better filter. Thank you for all negative points on this filter.

Thank you for another really informative video. I have an Ehiem 2075 and I think the classic design has less problems and is better overall.

Thank you! For your opinion. You saved me a lot of money. Which is the best canister filter?

I have the pro 3 version & the only difference is it doesn't have the fine media bypass valve. Only the bottom tray has those plastic tubes. I put marine pure small size spheres in the 2nd tray & stock Eheim media for the rest. I have been using this filter since 2014 on a 200lt goldfish tank & have had no problems with reassembling it after cleaning. Will be changing the media in the bottom tray to coarse ,mediam & fine pad as it seems logical to do so. Cheers

Great video, Richard.

You have just saved me a bunch of money. Thanks! Just about to treat my Rio 180 to a new canister filter. This was my choice this morning. Any recommendations on what to buy? I want one that goes above and beyond the tanks capacity. Thanks in advance

I’ve got 2 APS efx+ 2000lph filters and although they gave me trouble to start with I’ve had no trouble with getting replacement parts and for £90 each they punch well above they weight.

Another great video 🐟🐡

I have just got the 3 a secondhand model 60 quid gave it a good clean out ordered some proper media did have larva rock in two baskets like but no foam what so ever except for a bit on top sent off for the stuff b4 I fit it to my new tank

No more coffee for you sir lol. I have an Efx+ by APS, had it for 2 years and it's never let me down yet! I don't believe you need big named brands to get the job done! Love your channel, cheers.

I have a Prof 4 and never had any problems. Having said that I like what you replaced Eheim's media with. I think it would be much more efficient, I am going to try it.

Thank you! I was about to pull the trigger on this filter!

Thanks, that just saved me a bunch of money!

Great Richard i ordered the filter material and replaced the eheim stuf. Its working now for a month and i;m flalbergast. super clean water no water change and even my window stay's clean and and stuf like wood etc. i managed to put one layer at the botom with caramic pipes. it's just super. Thank you for the video. verry pleased

I looking replacement for eheim classic but Actually I want to buy this one early but luckily i saw you video You've done a good job. This is a true review I hope can see you review the fluva 07 series to see the best Industries in aqua have battle

You are right. I am german and a fan of Eheim, but that thing is really fragile. Best concept is the easiest one. The Eheim Classic. Have the Eheim Experience also, which is very good, too.

This series is lit 🔥

On the plus side I like the clear plastic. Clear trays would be good to so you can see it all flowing through part of the filter media. Thanks for the video swear box would be full lol

Thanks for reviewing this product. I have both the 4+ 250 and 350 and have them setup as you describe. Perhaps a chamfer on the inside edges of the upper trays down pipe would have made the 2 trays mate together better. I normally assemble the lower trays outside of the main unit and use a couple of pieces of wide ribbon that I thread down and through to the lower handle and lift the lot in one go. Shame that the tray that requires most maintenance is at the bottom. Mine go 3 months before I touch them. I chose these filters for their low noise in my living room, it's a part of these products that you don't evaluate.

I was able to add some ceramic rings under the coarse pad in the prefilter tray to help break down muck as well as some under the bottom tray. Just another possible upgrade to help improve mechanical filtration. Pondguru does this in a lot of his other filters.

you are funny but i love it! great video!

Bought one today. Wish me luck 🤞 first impression was very good.

i thought i was me,and my nervous hands ,but im both pleased and disapointed hearing the same experience from a lot of people. The inside and the complements are really under chinesse quality. I badly hope that all this inside bad shaped and low quality pieces don´t get broken in the first thre-mensual cleaning

I bought a new pump like a month ago and it was between this one and the jbl cristalprofi e1902 greenline, looks like I made the right choice 👍

It would be very interesting to get comment from the eheim-crew. They must have seen this video! Great video Richard! Looking forward to see you pimp a eheim 2262.

I couldn't help but laugh when he was trying to put the trays in

I just purchased a Penn Plax Cascade and it seems to be built like a tank.

I have this filter and have never really encountered any issues in this video. I have had an issue with the valve block. It snapped on me and was unable to open the filter to replace the valve block so I had to buy a new filter entirely.

couldn't agree more i have a Eheim Professional 4+ 350T really cheaply made compared to the all pond solution 1400ef uv , would like to see and upgrade video on that filter

Great review , thanks pal

Wouldn’t adding all the additional filter pads reduce the flow too much?

Its all about the Eheim Classic they are bulletproof.

I have the eheim built in heater version... it is a right royal pain the backside to prime I just use it now as a bio filter only no mechanical filtration in it what so ever... so hopefully never have to touch it again... it’s linked to an allpondsolution prefilter and I too have been working xtender wrong too

The Ehiem Pro 3 series are superior. I had a 3e that was dependable, silent, and kept my 80gl Cichlid tank in fantastic shape with crystal clear water. The parts were very good.

Hello Richard was wondering what is your favourite canister filter? BTW I just setup my 2213, same way you illustrated, Love these videos

So greatful for all your material. Hope you've had a fantastic festive season. Question at the end.. I've spent the latter part of boxing day sorting through a few buckets of ceramic media. I've never bought any. Just amount it. Honestly before your videos I didn't know about eheim mech and how to use it well. With your instruction. To me it was always just "what the heck is this. I may as well use lava rock." now it has a proper purpose. Thanks. Also I was able to find the course/medium/fine foams ribbed and am excited to revamp my entire creature room filtration. Question. How should I go about cleaning all this minimum second hand ceramic media? Of course not bleaching. Perhaps vigorously swashing around in water. Then leaving to dry and then in the oven? Does it have to be dry? (don't want any exploding stuff.) Also what temperature and how long do you recommend for standard ceramic rings?

Lol.. I am saved.. I was about to buy this.. I will buy the tested classic 600..cause old is gold 👍👍👍

That was a good honest review which is a good thing, makes me want to trust you on all your reviews!

" Bloody fit together properly! " 😂

Great video, good info. I have the 600 and I don't know if I want to keep using it?? I'd like to try the Oase 350 Thermo. I have a bad foot and it's hard for me to bend over all the time. I'm hoping I can find a filter that I don't have to take apart all of the time. So tell me this, what canister filter would you use on a 150 liter fairly heavy planted tank with a DIY CO2 reactor?

Is there anybody who has tried the coarse / medium / fine method? If so, can you tell me if this decreases the flow compared to with the Eheim Mech Pro?

I have this filter for bio media only. A lot fits in there, i also gave a api xl with sponges and a large marineland bio wheel for more filtration on a 120g. I wouldnt depend on just one filter , at least filter 2 times more than you need just in case on fails, or if a fish dies it wont overload your system.

I love watching the videos you make, have you had the chance to check out the Marineland 120 220 or 360? With a price from 90 to 120 US, with 4 to 5 trays. Thank you for what you do...

just come across this video ... and have this filter arriving in a few days.. now I'm back to the drawing board don't know what filter to get....?

Had to get a new filter recently and even after a lot of reviews and reading got eheim 4+ because of a good deal and quietness. There's a few things i'd like to mention: if trays are undamaged (the plastic not bent) they fit well and i see no reasonable way to break them. The tray cost ~3-4$ - one can always replace it. But even if plastic piece is bent a little - there's no bypass as the top tray(one that holds a coarse sponge) seals the upper part of the filter and water have no other way to go other than to the bottom and through the trays anyway. And even if there were a bit - it would be nothng compared to say fluval canister which has tons of bypass by design. Extender function is actually GREAT when used with carbon pads! (yes, they should've indluded them and not floss). The whole reason the "tube" is like that is to make trays a one single volume which is a plus compared to Fluval tray design which are split in two and much less convenient. As for media - i think eheim purpously avoid using fine foams in their filters with their typical setup of MechPro for mechanical, Biomech is 50/50 bio/mechanical then substratePro for bio to evenly maximize filtration throughout the volume and avoid any bottlenecks before needing to clean the canister. One of the things that put me off Fluval is that it just bypasses more once medium/fine pads are clogged, often before the large prefilter is (judging by some forums/pics etc.). In the end - i really can't understand such criticizm over a filter which came with already bent tray and see no other strong arguments against it other than subjective ones like brittle plastic, especially when compared to Fluval which got some statistics with pics and vids of plastic breaking everywhere (_especially_ with 07 models so where's improvement?) not to mention leaking of all kinds.

Hi thanks for a great update on this filter, I to have this and it's not giving a good out flow to be honest, I've got the filter the way you recommend with the 3 types of sponge, can I ask you please what you recommend today to be the best Eheim model to buy, I was looking at the 600!classic but it has no trays not that that is a problem, what do you rate as the best, trays help on the clean out of the filter Thanks Rich

I have 2 of these. Had them over a year with no problems and they do a good job. Flimsy, yes, but they run like a son of a gun and are quiet. I just don't have them very rough.

The baskets are a bit figitey but it's still a great filter, very quiet and lots of room for media. If you press down on them when they aren't in the filter case they will collapse, much easier to put one basket in the filter case at a time, slides in perfect without any hassle (for me anyway) Dont let this poor review put you off what I think is a fantastic filter.

So I guess I'll have to build the next filter myself then :p I got this exact filter, and I agree on the idiotic design on the trays, the are ment to break, and the only reason I didn't send it back was because my other filter was broken, and it was all ready fishes in the tank... I will look into changing the media because this looks like a much better way to do it. Thank you for the video😉

I have this filter setup on a 170 liter, I didi buy the prefilter sponge with fine sponges in it, 1 thick slice of 5 cm course sponge, then 4,5 kg of biological media up top. I have only cleaned the prefilter. it has been 26 months now. I agree with 95% of you Mr Guru. but if you have a lot of cannisters, you do not want the fine mech. Because that is usually in the bottom, so you have to open and clean it every month. If water comes in up top, I have fine white floss. Like on Juwel corner filters for example. But on cannisters, try fine prefilter. And your cannisters can last 6-24 months. My 170 liter has 100 + fish in there. Otherwise I agree with you. More biological and fine and course sponge is enough.

For my filter goes about 4.5kg biohome ultimate and about 1kg biogravel, but I using prefilter from sunsun in there is all my mechanical filtration. But planing to remove top blue sponge and add 0.5 kg of ultimate and it would be good for my 450l tank.

Pondguru, I hope someone would send you an Eheim 2262 (1500XL). It’s their largest canister filter based on the classic series. I’m wondering how well your preferred sponges will complement that behemoth; I’m certain Biohome would be well suited for it. Anyway, I’ll continue being patient for that upload 🤞🏾.

Love the filter rage lol

Hi, After watching your video I bought an Aquael ultramax 2000, it brokes after 2 months of use and Aquael service won’t repair it for now....now I’m running this eheim instead it’s awesome. My father own the pro 3 series and it works since 5 years. So don’t be so rude, eheim knows their stuff, I recommend this filter over Aquael, jbl or oase.

Very good explained. But it comes to late, already bought the E5 700. But thx for the info.

I actually thought the worst thing was the tubing up to the tank. Stiff, hard, the spray bars weren't my favorite either. I have 2 pro 600, and think the fluval has better intake flow than the eheim, but eheim runs longer than my 2 fluval 605s, without as many mechanical problems.

Thank you so so much for posting this. I stumbled here because I already got a Pro 4 and noticed it clogged really fast. The order of the media was reversed and I put that aside at first thinking it's a new and improved thing, but thanks for confirming that it is not. I followed your suggested order of media and the filter is running much better! I am not wealthy enough to throw it in the trash.

I’m returning mine tomorrow. Gave me hell trying to install hosing.

Thanks for the video. A real pity about that particular filters' build quality and design, as I am still rocking a classic Eheim series which is simple but bomb proof.

I have had this filter for about 3 years. I also have a Fluval 404 running on the same 75 gallon tank stocked moderately with African cichlids. I have not had a problem with fitting the baskets together. I agree it is not the best design, but it looks to me like you have manufacturing defect. Maybe Eheim sends second quality product to the UK. I can only say compared to the Fluval 404 this filter is much quieter and does not trap air as the Fluval does. It is also easier to disassemble and clean the pump mechanism. I also use an Eheim pre-filter. If they put the Eheim pump assembly on the Fluval, I would think that would be a better combination than either. I have kept an aquarium for over fifty years, and can say that I have always found most powered filters to be flimsy and noisy. At least the Eheim is not noisy. If Eheim is a company that cares about it's reputation and customers, they should contact you and investigate what I think is a very real quality problem.

I would say I haven’t had any bent parts though lol - it kinda sounds like it would have worked better without the bent edge or a new tray :)

Hi Richard, thank you for your helpful videos. I have a question, I’ve an Eheim Professionel 3 600 (2075), with this setup but the filter pad doesn’t fit on tray with the other sponges, so I put it on the next tray with Biohome above. So my question is, is this setup ok, or should I change pre filter by the coarse foam and the first tray with medium and filter pad?

I've got an Eheim 2229 from the 90's, its pretty good, the modern ones seem a bit overpriced.

Eheim Classic they are bulletproof i had mine for 20 years

I just set up my eheim 2262-38 or 1500XL and it’s terribly loud and noisy it’s going back. I’d rather have the eheim 4+ 600 seriously.. . Not sure what to do - I love the prefilters you recommended the all pond solutions Ef- 2 are great I ordered from amazon UK online but they won’t sell the EF2000 to U.S. ? I see the sunsun canisters and the aquatop cf500 But all reviews mention leaking breaking etc This new 1500XL is awful and noisy I hate it - fluval is good but also noisy (so I’ve heard) my other Eheim pro 4’s are quiet as can be Any recommendations for u.s.?

I have had one of these for the past two years, I remember getting it on a recommendation. Soon after getting it I realized most of it's faults. Eheim could have definitely done better, like most companies they are interested in making a dollar over a great product. The fact that it is made in Germany does not mean much to me, and I would not discard a product just cause it's made in China. I only care to get a good product for my money.

You are 100% correct about this this filter. I have a smaller older version and the build quality is just as bad. The self priming mechanism is questionable long term. The reason it comes with the useless plastic prefilter media is that if you put any heavy media in the trays you have the assembly problems you encountered. It’s the worst in their range. There is better cheaper filters out there.

I've noticed that the polyester batton material is located at the top tray of the canister. Id prefer ittobe at the very bottom tray/basket as it would catch the initial grudge & Grime that enters the filter - assuming that the water flow goes straight to the bottom of the canister before being expelled up through the media baskets before returning to the aquarium. This would stop any debris (dead leafs, etc...) from clogging the rest of the media trays plus Polish the water column in the filter immediately. Does it really matter if the batting membrane sit in the top tray or can it be placed at any interval? (1st, 2nd, 3rd tray)

Totally agree. I made the mistake of buying a Pro 4 for my 75g. What you didn't mention is how difficult it is to get primed once installed. Mine has been relegated to a dusty corner of the garage and replaced with a FX-6.

Could you or have you done a review on the Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter?

As an engineer i forgot it was about an aquarium and those unfitting parts made an internal rage as the presenter and i feel the urge to crush it. Thanks for the video!

When I set up my 90x45x45 planted tank I wanted to get an Eheim Pro4 600 because I've always heard great things about Eheim and I never had problems with my smaller and cheaper Classics and eccos, but the price was outrageous and I got a great deal on a Hydor Professional 600, which is pretty similar to an Eheim Pro 2 as far as trays go. So when I saw you posted this video I thought "well let's see what I'm missing", and apparently I had everything to win by getting the Hydor. Thank you for your unbiased opinion!

What simular filter brand would you advise, with same capacity and lots of room for media like this eheim..

Good video, I Have this one, and he works fine with this setup. About quality I just can compare with eheim classic, I have 2 eheim 2213 and 2215, classic can be more reliable but I prefer this one. If I had this review 4 months ago, probably I don't buy this eheim 4+ 600, Now I have it and I have to leave with him. Anyway Richard you receive the filter with some issues in the trays, I don't have so many problems to put trays.

Ever had your hands on a Dennerle Nano corner filter XL? I'm trying to fit my own media in it right now as all it comes with is filter floss. You can buy a tiny add on for stones and thats it. Its terrible.

Very interesting I have been using the Pro 4 350T for two years now I agree the extender is pointless and the plastic media is very poor but I have never found any problem with the plastic trays fitting together that's not build quality that is user error