Flow and filtration efficiencies unmatched by other filters in their class. As much as twice the filter cartridge capacity, additional chemical filtration capability, and an extra effective spray bar, driven by BIO-Wheel wet/dry biological filtration...The Emperor filtration systems truly are the future of advanced aquarium technology.The Emperors feature not only one pump (as ordinary power filters do), but have two separate water pumps. The Flow Pump directs water through the entire multi-stage filtration system. The BIO-Pump pressurizes and sends streams of prefiltered, oxygen-rich water through the adjustable spray bars to power each BIO-Wheel. And...the unique, patent pending Emperor design allows the BIO-Pump to continue powering the BIO-Wheels even when Flow Pump output is reduced by the convenient One-Touch Flow Control.
Product Specifications:
Emperor 400 for aquariums up to 80 gallons. Flow is 400 GPH.
Emperor 280 for aquariums up to 50 gallons. Flow is 280 GPH.
This filter is a workhorse. It is a silent filtration system except when flow regulation button is pulled hindering detritus getting into the filter. Other than that – silent! The filter media provided by Maryland is somewhat weak and costly. But, you can easily go around that subject. There is a lot of filter space that can be utilized by buying your own filter mats according to your specific needs. For this reason, this filter is easily souped up to handle most tanks specifications. I keep CA cichlids - they put the Emperor filters to the test and they handle my tanks with excellence. A great buy!
Best power filter I've used plan on getting another. Not as loud as every makes it to be.
MommaMbuna has used this product for 3 Years or More.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
July 28, 2003
"Works For Me!"
Extremely easy to set up and clean. Extra filter media baskets are great for adding additiona biological media. Bio-wheels work great in adding to the overall biological capacity.
My first filtration device was a canister but not anymore. I have two 400's on my 75 gallon and I have never been happier. For added filtration I stuff white course filter media into the re-usable containers that come with the filters that are used for carbon and just rinse them out every water change in dechlorinated water. The maintenance is easy and very quick. Also got to love the two bio-wheels that come with the 400. Overall I have nothing bad to say about this product. As for the noise, its just like having a waterfall in your room; I haven't had any problems with mechanical noise.
I have an emperor 400 on my 125g. It's real easy to set up and use, and keeps my tank crystal clear. I have'nt had the problems with clogging, I just rinse the cartridge wevery water change. I bought a Emperor 280 for my 30g. tank, swapped the established bio-wheel w he 400, and quickly cycled in the new tank. I like it alot, and will probably buy another for my 50g.
This filter excels at biofiltration and is adequate at mechanical filtration. Beyond that, there is not much to recommend it. It is expensive to operate, difficult to maintain, noisy, and the design is overly complicated, which increases the chances of failure. If the Aquaclear were not on the market, perhaps the Emperor would be a good choice, but the Aquaclear is on the market.
nothing but problems with this thing from the start. they are loud, and the pads plug up way too easily for the hefty price tag on em. on top of that, the thing is nearly impossible to prime. ill never buy another as long as i live.
This thing rocks. Do a search on "aerated substrate" for the secret to enourmous biofiltration for about $15 extra dollars.
It's NOT hard to prime, it's just not self priming. Fill the media section with water and start it up, there's no trick. It can be a little noisy when I bypass the main filtration to avoid sucking up all the food, but this reminds me to turn the main filtration back on when dinner's over.
Overall I like the filter but there is always the impeller noise. Also the pads clog quickly but not as fast as my penguin 330. I like the extra media basket which I stuff with pillow stuffing for extra mechanical filtration. One downside is that it has to be shut off when you doing waterchanges since it won't suck up water when the level goes down. It drains right after you shut it of but alsways starts up again by itself once the tank is filled and the filter turned back on
CichlidChris has used this product for 1-3 Months.
Overall Rating: 6.75/10
"Good, but after AC good isn't good enough"
I'm using an emperor 280 for my 38. It has good flow, the media is pretty effective, and the extra tray is a cool idea. The bio-wheel probably does what they say it does. But I picked up an AC300 with some gift certificates I had, and I'm really kind of bitter that I spent the money on the Emperor. The AC just seems to be a simple, more effective design at half the cost.
This is a great filter that is good for both mechnical and biological filtration. Media catridges are nice. I used filter floss in the media cartridges and cellpore behind those.
GreenSeverum has used this product for 3-12 Months.
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
"Powerfull and functional"
I have the Emperor 400, which has 2 bio wheels, 2 filters and 2 "baskets" behin each to hold additional filter media. What I like best is that it has a flow controll valve. I use this combined with a Penguin 125 in a 55 Gallon community tank.
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Flow and filtration efficiencies unmatched by other filters in their class. As much as twice the filter cartridge capacity, additional chemical filtration capability, and an extra effective spray bar, driven by BIO-Wheel wet/dry biological filtration...The Emperor filtration systems truly are the future of advanced aquarium technology.The Emperors feature not only one pump (as ordinary power filters do), but have two separate water pumps. The Flow Pump directs water through the entire multi-stage filtration system. The BIO-Pump pressurizes and sends streams of prefiltered, oxygen-rich water through the adjustable spray bars to power each BIO-Wheel. And...the unique, patent pending Emperor design allows the BIO-Pump to continue powering the BIO-Wheels even when Flow Pump output is reduced by the convenient One-Touch Flow Control.
