Product Review
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.
501 External Filter
Item # TC-30
Reviewed by: PHWyvern
(Note: This product was supplied by the manufacturer for long-term test and this review is subject to be updated with more information as the testing cycle progresses.)
The compact designed Zoo Med External Turtle Filter 501 is touted as being an easy priming external filter for turtle tanks, vivariums, box turtle pools or basic aquariums up to 30 gallons in size.
The 501 filter comes with everything you need including a spray bar system, a mechanical filter sponge, ceramic bio media and carbon bag. An extra large carbon chamber maximizes ammonia absorbing capabilities. The pump/motor on this filter runs quiet and is capable of running dry for up to 30 days without damage to the unit. The product also comes with a One Year Manufacturer Warranty.
The first thing learned in setting up the filter is to NOT misplace the instructions. The filter is not 'user friendly' when attempting to set it up for the very first time without the benefit of the instructions. Even with the instructions in hand, it may be difficult for some indivdiuals to figure out from the diagrams how to properly set the filter up (and the pictures on the box do not agree 100% with the directions in the instructions). The locking mechanism on the filter is difficult to operate and may cause problems for individuals with weak wrists/fingers or those with carpal tunnel.
At the time this review began, the turtles I had living in a 30 gallon pond had outgrown their habitat. Alternatively I will be testing this filter in a 30 gallon heavily planted pond setup housing a number of large shubunkin and comet goldfish and a channel catfish. The conditions should be comparable to that of small turtles in terms of waste products and the ability of the filter to do it's work (or not).
More information will be added to this review as the testing progresses.
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PROS:
The 501 external filter primes quickly and has a smooth quiet operation once it is up and running.
CONS:
The instructions included with the filter leave much to be desired. Unless you are already familar with basic external filters and their features, trying to figure out the setup of the 501 will not be an easy task.
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