First, I put in the old media from the canister into the tank--I thus started the biological filter very well, again. I'm using the 60-gal version for a 29-gal, freshwater community setup. 60-gal is a good sized filter for most simple family or single-person tropical fish needs--it's likely not sufficient for serious hobbyists and specialized, large and saltwater tanks, though. Then it's time for canisters and/or several large power filters. And, lots of other hardware!

The filter frame snaps open, then one may fill the floss-bag with bio-beads, more carbon, zeolite, etc. One then may obtain a pretty strong biological filter. Top Fin holds up pretty well! Simply transfer the media at filter change--do what you must to keep the biological-filter alive, if possible!

With power filters, one must "prime" the filter baskets near the filter frames/bags by filling that with aquarium water or purified water, first. Overfilling somewhat is OK: The water simply spills into the tank. That also indicates sufficient added water. One does this before plugging in such filters and canisters. (No on-off switch..)

Priming lubes the impeller for effective pumping and lessens the load of the filter sufficiently for lifting up the water through the head and into the baskets--getting that flow-cycle started. This proves necessary for most canisters, too.

Also, water levels must be maintained well--otherwise, one may hear an ever-louder "waterfall" type of sound as that becomes lower. That's not always that unpleasant. It's fatal to let evaporation proceed too far, of course. It's best to keep the water level pretty close to full. Canisters prove more tolerant in this respect. (Use water conditioner with replacement water, of course. Reverse-osmosis filtered water and distilled water is OK, too.)

The sole problem with Top Fin concerns parts. When a mechanical part gives out, the user then is on their own: It's then time to replace. Top Fin power filters, powerheads, and air pumps aren't intended to be fixed....

The filter is more than adequate for most simple aquarium needs. The principles are pretty simple and self-evident. Again, I'd say it's quite advantageous to put some type of medium into the filter bags in order that beneficial bacteria may easily adhere and thrive. (White "bio-beads" or other somewhat-porous ceramic media, intended for aquarium biological filter use, become pink--so does the impeller wheel. Thus, one knows that the bacteria are thriving! That may appear to be "mildew" --rest assured--it isn't!)

Simply interchanging old filter cartridges for new may not keep sufficient beneficial bacteria around--that's likely a problem with a great many tanks, given the convenience of such cartridges. Use such media in concert with the cartridges--it's not that hard! Cleaning then should prove less burdensome: You'll prove more successful!

The hard plastic tubes coming from the filter prove quite a good design and are a very good diameter--little fish can't get through the bottom end (the plastic end is sealed--it does feature small holes). The tubes separate into two parts--they form the most useful lengths, generally, too.

As for noise, I've heard some too when setting up: Is your impeller straight and inserted correctly into its hole? Is the curved tube inserted correctly--is it integrated correctly into the intended grooves with the body of the filter. Is the water level too low? Are the filter frames inserted correctly and fully into their slots? Are the filters too full of media--thus they may not be inserted fully, after all? Did you prime your filter with a sufficient amount of water? Overfilling such water into the tank again is OK--that indicates enough water was added for priming.

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Review 3 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

2 / 5 131 reviews

Bad

June 8, 2013

by NomNomtheSnail

fromKunkletown, Pa

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

Performance

2 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

2 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

2 / 5 131 reviews

I had this filter for about a week as part of a new tank package and then got a new filter. Very loud. I fiddled with the parts to make it quiet down and could not get it better than tolerable. It also has bad suction and no place for bacteria except the cartridges that get thrown out every couple weeks.

Pros: easy to clean

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Review 4 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

Wonderful Quality

June 3, 2013

by ValeIsCool

fromKaty, TX

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Performance

5 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

5 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

5 / 5 131 reviews

Got this today and it works perfectly! Makes minimal noise and will not disturb me at night. (Tested with nap.) Easy to assemble but difficult to find a position for it along my wall. It takes up a very small amount of space in the aquarium and leaves plenty of room for my fish to swim. Also, the intake filter will not suck in your fish due to a new design. Overall, this product has great quality and is very affordable, so I recommend it.

Pros: easy to clean, works great, easy to install

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Review 5 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

THANK GOD!

June 2, 2013

by LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Top 100 contributor
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Top 100 contributor

fromOttawa

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

Performance

5 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

5 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

5 / 5 131 reviews

This filter made my life much easier:

One day, I came home and the water was very very cloudy. The flow of the power filter was much more slower than usual and I knew it wasn't the motor that burned out. I ended up finding out that the tube was all clogged up from the INSIDE. Luckily, I was able to on-assemble the filter and I managed to get the stuff out. If I didn't have a filter like that, my fish might of been dead by now. Anyway I turned the lights off (less stress for fish) and got the filter going and 45 minutes later, the the water was crystal clear again.

Also, I don't know if I'm just lucky but in 6 months, I never changed the filter cartridge and I had no fish deaths related to that. The thing I like about it is that it provides relatively strong flow wich is good for fish like otocinclus, sharks and other fish that can't pump their gills.

Pros: works great, easy to install, easy to clean

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Review 6 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

Good filter

May 25, 2013

by CarleyS

fromMT

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Performance

5 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

5 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

5 / 5 131 reviews

I got the Topfin 10 in a 5.5 gallon kit six months ago. It's really a nice filter and really easy to change. The only time it gets noisy is if the intake pipe gets plugged with debris. If this happens, just pop it off and clean it with a tooth brush. It's not whisper quiet, but about the same as the undergravel filter in the same tank.

Pros: easy to install, easy to clean

+1point

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Review 7 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

2 / 5 131 reviews

If you like noise, then look no further!!

April 23, 2013

by BigVik

fromMississippi

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?1

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

Performance

3 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

2 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

3 / 5 131 reviews

I recently purchased this expensive (for a house brand) 75 model. I was sorely disappointed in how noisy it is! I plan on returning it soon.

Pros: easy to install

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Review 8 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

2 / 5 131 reviews

Not high-quality

April 19, 2013

by PetCrazy919

Top 50 contributor
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Top 50 contributor

fromFlorida

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Performance

2 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

1 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

4 / 5 131 reviews

I have the TopFin40 filter for my 37-gallon tank. I am very disappointed in this filter. It was all right at first, although a little loud, but recently it has become increasingly loud and has died a few times, to be restored by my dad, LOL. All in all, I would NOT recommend this filter. Invest in a higher-quality filter and you will be rewarded!

Pros: easy to install, easy to clean

Cons: didn't work

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Review 9 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

3 / 5 131 reviews

Loud!

April 18, 2013

by Camperoni

fromAbbotsford, BC

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Performance

3 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

2 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

5 / 5 131 reviews

I've upgraded my tank from a 29g to a 55g, and until i can save up for a proper sized filter, I bought a Topfin 30 filter to add to my current filtration system. As with most power filters like this it's super easy to use, and doesn't excessively agitate the surface. However the thing is extremely noisy! Couldn't believe it, power filters I've had in the past have always made a slight amount of noise, but this is ridiculous, especially when my tank is in my bedroom, however it does it's job and keeps the water clean, thank goodness it's only temporary!

Pros: easy to install

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Review 10 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

Great, reliable product

April 13, 2013

by MavericksMom

fromRiverside, CA

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

Performance

5 / 5 131 reviews

Quality

5 / 5 131 reviews

Ease of Use

5 / 5 131 reviews

I've had the 30 gallon top fin filter on my over-stocked 10 gallon tank for almost 5 years now and it's always worked really well. It's even lived through me mistreating it by not changing cartridges for months and months and even letting the water get so low it almost couldn't suck it up anymore! It's always worked great and I just bought another top fin filter for my new 20 gallon tank.
I don't think it's very loud, either. It might not be "pin drop" quiet, but it's no louder than the bubblers in my tank.

Pros: works great, easy to install, easy to clean

+1point

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Review 11 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

3 / 5 131 reviews

NOISY

March 28, 2013

by bettagirl511

fromCincinnati,OH

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

this is a very good product overall. but i put my airstone right under the filter and it was NOISY! its noisy anyway.

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Review 12 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

15yrs strong

March 28, 2013

by ChiTownDan

fromChicago, IL

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?2

How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year

Reviewer Images

i haven't bought a new filter in over 15yrs. i love my topfin 10g. it has paid for itself 10 fold. easy to maintain. change filter and clean. great for beginners are those on a budget.

+2points

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Review 13 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

1 / 5 131 reviews

March 26, 2013

by PetLover2014

fromOntario

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

I bought the 5.5 gallon starter kit. The filter is very noisy and I have had to place a weight on top of the filter to keep it quiet. Also, a week after cleaning my entire fish tank and doing a water change, the water in my tank is cloudy to the point where I have to take my fish out of the tank and clean it again. It says to change the filter cartridge every 3-4 weeks and I've had to change it once a week since I bought it.

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Review 14 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

4 / 5 131 reviews

March 11, 2013

by vaquero

fromogden, utah

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?1

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

I recently bought a 10 gallon Topp Finn starter aquarium. I dont't know how often to replace the filter, so far it has worked fine are there other parts that need replacing?

+1point

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Review 15 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

Works Good

February 27, 2013

by Tree288

fromConnecticut

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

I see a lot of good and bad reviews for this filter, but I have had no problem with it. I have the 30g filter attached to my 10g tank. I wanted the bigger filter because my fish are big poopers. I could adjust the water flow no problem, it cleans my tank nicely, and I've had it for about a year now.
The filter is not loud, you just have to fill it up with water first before you start it (the directions tell you to do this too). It is not hard to clean it at all, I just use a toothbrush to clean it, works well to clean the intake tube.
Yeah, there is still some debris that will hang at the bottom of the tank sometimes, but that is what a gravel cleaner is for, filters don't do that (if it did, that strong current could stress out certain fish).
Overall:
-set up is easy
-it cleans great
-it's quiet
-easy to to clean
-adjustable flow

+5points

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Review 16 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

4 / 5 131 reviews

Good filter, super quiet!

February 25, 2013

by Longrod

fromIllinois

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

OK heres the deal, alot of people are saying its really really loud etc. Its not, you cant even hear it, but I know why they're saying that cause I almost brought mine back. The tube has to sit ALL the way into the energizer. You'll think its all the way in, but if its loud or it doesn't work at all, push it down harder, it has to click. if its doesn't then the energizer just barely hits the impeller and it is very loud. Its getting 4 Stars from me because the directions don't really specify this and its very important.

+7points

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Review 17 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

5 / 5 131 reviews

This is a good filter

February 20, 2013

by YOLO

Top 100 contributor
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Top 100 contributor

fromFarmington, MI

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

This filter is so quiet, I keep forgetting that it is TWO FEET FROM ME. Yeah, that quiet. Efficient too.

+3points

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Review 18 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

1 / 5 131 reviews

buy some ear plugs

February 19, 2013

by Timny

fromMaryland, MD

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

this is really really really really loud

Never ever get it

-3points

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Review 19 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

4 / 5 131 reviews

February 11, 2013

by trouble806

fromdallas tx

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?1

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

well i have a top 10 filter that came with my 5 gallon tank and its perfect makes a small noise but you must have it seated right in the housing unit and even on the back of your tank and your fish will love it no problems its great.oh and there are no adjustment knobs on top fin power filter 10.

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Review 20 for Top Fin(r) Power Filters and Filtration Cartridges

Overall rating

1 / 5 131 reviews

Loud

February 3, 2013

by Cichlidbelle

fromMedia, Pa

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?3

How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year

we have this filter in a tank in my daughters room, it is so loud I am going to buy another. Would not recommend.

0points

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