Product Reviews & Ratings by Freshwater Friends LLC - Our opinions on products we test and use.

Power Filter Reviews:
Aqua-Tech power filters: (models tested, 5-10/10-20/20-40/30-60)

Filters are a very important piece of equipment in an aquarium and critical to your aquarium’s success. The job of the filter is to move the water through the filter cartridge where it is processed to remove odors and small particles of waste and through the BIO-Fiber to eliminate the toxic ammonia and nitrites from the aquarium water. Each of the AQUA-Tech Power Filters provides this 3-stage filtration for healthier fish and cleaner water.

The first stage of the AQUA-Tech filtration is mechanical. The blue polyfiber pad that is integrated onto the EZ-ChangeTM Filter Cartridge screens out dirt and debris as water passes through.

The second stage of the AQUA-Tech filtration is chemical. The activated carbon that is in the EZ-ChangeTM Filter Cartridge removes dissolved waste and cleans the water of odors.

The third stage of the AQUA-Tech filtration is biological. The BIO-Fiber that is included in each AQUA-Tech Power Filter provides additional surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow and thrive. The bacteria then eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrites that can be fatal to fish. You should never clean or throw away the BIO-Fiber. If the BIO-Fiber becomes too clogged, rinse it with conditioned water only.

AQUA-Tech Power Filters come in four sizes providing 3-stage filtration for aquarium sizes from 5 to 60 gallons.

Results: Over all our Aqua-Tech power filters withstood constant use and we were able to connect them to under gravel filter systems to create a filtering power head systems. Cleaning and maintanence are a plus simply rinse once a week, change out the carbon with Aqua-Techs EZ-change # cartridges twice a month and clean the intake tube monthly for optimal performance.

It is our finding that AQUA-Tech Power Filters are by far the best and easiest filter system to operate for beginners and experts. FIVE STARS! *****



Undergravel Filter Reviews:
Lee's Undergravel Filter: (Models Tested - 10 to 55 gallons)

Trouble-free Biological Under Gravel Filter designed with adjustable 1 inch uplift tubes for better water circulation. Multiple plate construction for easy installation. Lee`s Undergravel Filter is the key to providing a strong biological filtration system. Placed on the bottom surface of the aquarium, the filter plates utilize the gravel bed as a source of surface area and provide oxygen by recirculating the water down through the media and up through the uplift tubes. Lees Original Under Gravel Filter includes airline diffusers, carbon cartridges and Discard-A-Stone and has a fish-saver feature. Advanced design allows separate plate installation and features optional flow-thru set-up which can be used with a power head. Made of special quality plastic which resists splitting and cracking For use in freshwater aquariums. Measure Hexagon Undergravel Filter from Flat Side to Flat side of the hexagon.

Results: Freshwater Friends LLC uses lee's UGF systems in all our facility tanks. It is our finding that the lee's UGF system is a truly benificial addition to any freshwater aquarium. Our studys included the use of power heads and power filters attached to the UGF system to "super charge" the bio-filtration method. The lee's UGF withstood test after test and has become a favorite product of Freshwater Friends LLC.

"We find the Lee's UGF to be a blessing for anyone novices to pro's" FIVE STARS! *****

Aquarium Maintenance Products Review:

Phython Products Gravel Vacume:(models tested 25 ft NO SPILL KIT)

Frequent water changes are imperative to the health of your fish. Without regular water changes, invisible toxins can build-up in your aquarium creating a hazardous environment for its inhabitants. Because fish and decor are not disturbed during routine aquarium maintenance, PYTHON products are less stressful on both fish and owner making it easier to clean your tank on a more regular basis.
Just think - you will be able to perform your mandatory aquarium maintenance with NO buckets, NO siphons, NO mess, NO tank tear downs - EVER again!

Quality! PYTHON takes all steps necessary to ensure their products are manufactured of only of the highest quality FDA approved materials. Unlike garden hoses and cheap imitations, their patented system consists of UV stabilized, non-porous tubing which eliminates the possibility of adding dangerous chemical toxins into your tank water.
Environmentally Responsible! Due to PYTHONS powerful 7 to 1 suction ratio, cleaning your tank uses about the same amount of water as flushing your toilet.
No Assembly! The "NO SPILL CLEAN and FILL" Aquarium Maintenance System is complete and ready to use.
Time Saving! Ease of using the System allows for smaller, more frequent water changes reducing stress on fish and user.

Results: "With out a challenger in sight PYTHON PRODUCTS "No spill clean & Fill" is by far the single greatest gift to the aquarium/pond community."

"If you are a fish keeper you must have this product!" FIVE STARS *****