Buying a canister filter is not a cheap investment, you need to spend a fair amount to buy a good one. And of course, after spending lump sum, you want your filter to last long. Frequent repairs and early replacements can annoy you, so you need to choose a filter wisely. Don’t just fall for companies that promise unreal greatness, instead try to look for experiences and reviews from common people.  Sunsun aquarium filters are extremely promising in terms of quality and reliability. The cherry of the cake is that their cost is affordable for every common man. Our team has carefully reviewed the sunsun canister filters and we believe that they can be a good choice if you are looking for an affordable, durable, and reliable product equipped with all the necessary features.

We hope this sunsun filter review helps you make the right choice. Let us discuss all the aspects of sunsun canister filter hw-700 series models in detail.

Specifications Of SunSun External Canister Filters

SunSun HW-702A

Filter Dimensions- 232 x 232 x 395 mm

Filter Weight- 3.5 Kilograms

H-max- 1.4m

Voltage- 110/220/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 1.8 m

Power- 24W power

Filtration- 3-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages

Flow Rate- 264 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 3

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- 75- 100 gallons

SunSun HW-702B

Filter Dimensions- 232 x 232 x 395 mm

Filter Weight- 5.52 Kilograms

H-max- 2.5m

Voltage- 110/220/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 2.5 m

Power- 24W power

UV Power- 9W

Filtration- 4-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages along with UV sterilizer

Flow Rate- 264 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 3

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- 75-100 gallons

SunSun HW-703A

Filter Dimensions- 258 x 258 x 440 mm

Filter Weight- 4.5 Kilograms

H-max- 2.0m

Voltage- 110/220/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 2.5

Power- 30W power

Filtration- 3-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages along with UV sterilizer

Flow Rate- 370 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 3

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- up to 100 gallons

 

SunSun HW-703B

Filter Dimensions- 342 x 442 x 266 mm

Filter Weight- 6.8 Kilograms

H-max- 2.0m

Voltage- 110/220/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 2.5 m

Power- 30W power

UV Power- 9W

Filtration- 4-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages along with UV sterilizer

Flow Rate- 370 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 3

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- up to 100 gallons

SunSun HW-704A

Filter Dimensions- 290 x 290 x 490 mm

Filter Weight- 7.68 Kilograms

H-max- 2.5m

Voltage- 110/220/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 2.5 m

Power- 45W power

Filtration- 4-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages

Flow Rate- 525 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 3

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- up to 150-200 gallons

 

SunSun HW-704B

Filter Dimensions- 304 X 304 X 457 mm

Filter Weight- 8.2 kilograms

H-max- 2.5m

Voltage- 110/22/240 V

Frequency – 50Hz/60 Hz

Hose length- 1.8m

Power- 45W power

UV Power- 9W

Filtration- 5-stage filtration – comprising mechanical, biological, and chemical filter media stages along with UV sterilizer

Flow Rate- 525 gallons per hour

Filter Media Trays- 4

Indication – Both freshwater and marine tanks

Standard Gallon Tank- up to 150-200 gallons

Contents Of The Package

  • Canister body
  • Output and input tubings
  • Multi-functional valves
  • Functional sunsun spray bar
  • Suction cups
  • Impeller
  • Filter pads, sponges
  • Filter fleece
  • Quartz sleeves in case of sunsun filters with UV sterilizer
  • SunSun Filter media trays
  • SunSun Filter media kit – comprising of bio-balls, ceramic ring, activated carbon
  • SunSun UV sterilizer – present in SunSun HW-702B and SunSun HW-703B and SunSun HW-704B

Indications

The sunsun 704b filter can be a suitable preference when it comes to saltwater or freshwater tanks. The size of the tank is also not a problem as it works satisfactorily in both small and large gallon tanks ranging from 75-150 gallons.

Filtration

All the models of sunsun canister filter Hw-700 include multi-stage filtration. Some of them like sunsun 704-b have 5-stage filtration while the others like sunsun 702-b, sunsun 703-b, and 704-a   have a 4-stage filtration process. The three major stages of filtration are chemical, biological, and mechanical. Apart front these 3, you can put in additional sunsun filter media of your choice. And above all, the models like sunsun canister filter hw-702b, hw-703b, and hw-704b have an in-built sunsun UV sterilizer that helps in killing harmful bacteria and prevents algae formation. To ensure proper working of the filter, there is a UV safety sensor.

Working

Once you have incorporated all the necessary sunsun filter media inside the sunsun aquarium filter, fill the filter with some amount of water and close the lid. After closing the filter assembly, you don’t need to utilize the suction intake tube to fill the container as merely pressing the pumping button a few times can alone solve the purpose. All the other functions of the sunsun filter need not require effort, the filter ensures smooth operations.

Set-Up

If we talk about the setup of the sunsun canister filter, you will find the sunsun youtube videos to be much more advantageous than the sunsun canister filter instructions provided in the manual. The videos directly teach you about assembling the sunsun canister filter parts in the shortest time. Before all else, take out all the sunsun filter parts and filter media provided along with the package. Then begin with arranging the sunsun filter media into the provided filter media baskets. Once it’s all done, tighten the lid, and connect the hoses. You can trim the input and output hoses at desired lengths. Lastly, turn on the switch and press the pumping button to initiate the priming. Isn’t it such a basic and smooth process?

Cleaning

Before you accelerate the cleaning process of the sunsun 704b filters, be grateful for the multifunctional valve. This beneficial thing allows you to easily disconnect the hosing without forcing you to empty them before. The valve can even be utilized to regulate the flow rate according to the tank size and fish present inside the tank. You shouldn’t be worried about leakage as the safety hose adapters present on the valve get easily locked. So, once the hoses are disconnected, disassemble the lid and reach out to the sunsun filter media present inside. Carefully take out each filter media and clean it using conditioned water or regular water. Also, wash the canister body with water. After a thorough cleaning of the baskets, restack them in the desired order and fasten the lid. The sunsun canister filter media setup varies depending on the need of the tank.

Ventilation

To ensure prior ventilation, you should first disconnect the return hose from the aquarium and direct it into a bucket. Then, begin pressing the pumping button a few times. Just when you find no more air bubbles during pumping, keep your finger on the disconnected mouth of the return hose and connect it to the outlet tubing of the sunsun fish tank.

Capacious

Whenever one decides to switch to a larger gallon tank, the expense of buying an appropriate gallon filter starts upsetting their minds. But, all thanks to the adjustable spray bar of sunsun hw-704b filters that allow you to make the switch without expecting you to buy a new filter.

All the Sunsun canister filter hw-700 models are designed to be used in both small and large gallon tanks. The standard gallon tank ranges from 75-150 gallons.  The multifunctional valve and adjustable sunsun spray bar give you the freedom to adjust the flow rate as per the tank size.

Design

Sunsun China truly deserves a pat on the back for creating sunsun 4-stage external canister filters with wonderful design. The design is not just compact enough to make it fit in the least possible space but is also large enough to filter a large volume of water. Its adjustable hoses can be rotated up to 360 degrees to be placed at different angles. Furthermore, all the sunsun canister filter parts are put together in a way that their working does not cause audible vibrations, making it a truly silent filter. Also, there is enough space for incorporating different types of sunsun filter media which further ensures optimum filtration of the tank water.

Noise-free

The running of the sunsun hw-702b, hw-703b, and hw-704b filter is soundless. There is no annoying sound heard outside because of its operations. The robust filter body doesn’t cause much commotion of its elements while working. Noise-free filters are undoubtedly the preferred ones and if you are lucky enough to get that at a decent price, then you shouldn’t miss the deal. A silent filter can make space in any corner of your house or office.

Adjustable Flow Rate

Filters with high flow rates are usually the wrong choice when it comes to small tanks as they make it difficult for certain fish. But if you own a sunsun 4-stage external canister filter, you can take the benefit from its multifunctional valve and spray bar that allows you to regulate the flow rate as per the needs of your fish. Also, its hoses are rotatable up to 360 degrees, so positioning them at different angles can also aid in controlling the flow rate of the water.

User-friendly

The sunsun hw-704b filters are truly one of the most user-friendly external canister filters. Let us look at a few features that justify the statement –

  • Self-priming- which means the trouble of manuals siphoning is eliminated
  • Noise-free product – causing no disturbance in the surroundings
  • Easy setup – can be installed without the help of experts or professionals
  • Easy to clean – not much effort is demanded to maintain the efficacy of the sunsun canister filter

Self-Priming

If you are an amateur in filter setup, you don’t need to scratch your head, because sunsun china doesn’t command you to manually siphon a filter. Herein, you just have to press the priming button and the rest of the functions like filling of the filter and air removal are done by themselves. Thus, the self-priming feature is indeed a blessing.

Filter Media

Filter media is essential to enhance the quality of the tank water and maintain the health of the aquatic animals. It eliminates the harmful bacteria present inside the water and also facilitates the growth of beneficial bacteria.

The filter media order is usually from coarse to fine. At the earlier stages of mechanical filter media, coarse particles are separated from the tank water and the fine particles are segregated at the later stages of chemical and biological filtrations. The efficient mechanical filters increase the longevity of the chemical and biological filter media.

Ceramic Rings

Ceramic glass rings function as mechanical filter media that removes coarse particles. Their large surface area and pattern create turbulence that makes the dirt particles settle down on the sunsun canister filter pads. It is most beneficial in reducing nitrate levels in tank water.

Filter Floss

Filter floss or sponges can be utilized to segregate the coarse particles and decrease the nitrate level inside the tank water. It creates a healthy environment for aquatic animals to survive.

Bio Balls

Bio balls are popularly utilized as biological filter media. They are one of the most efficient filter media having the longest shelf life. Also, they are the cheapest of all other fitter media used in the sunsun canister filter. They facilitate gas exchange and increase the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Activated Carbon

It is a kind of chemical filter media that is used to separate the excretory waste of aquatic animals. It also eliminates other harmful residues and toxic products from the water and makes the water healthy to live. It additionally helps in decreasing the chlorine content of water and keeps it at desired levels. Activated carbon is usually added after a medication treatment has been carried out, to get rid of any harmful remnants.

Activated carbon should not be left for long in the filter media trays as once the maximum absorption is achieved, the dirt and harmful impurities accumulated in it, start to reach out in the water.

The aquatic animals do not need the harmful impurities and bacteria, but that doesn’t mean you should keep them deprived of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, after the cleaning is completed, don’t forget to enrich the tank water with beneficial bacteria. You can separately buy these bacteria cultures from the market.

Integrated UV-C Unit

Another feature that gives sunsun china a mark of genuineness is its integrated UV clarifier unit. It makes the water pass through UV radiation that prevents algae formation and kills other harmful microorganisms.

In some cases, all types of filter media fail to destroy the harmful microorganisms present in the water, that is when UV clarifier should be considered. It is one hundred percent effective in killing all the harmful bacteria.

After around 7000-10,000 hours of working, the UV light probably demands replacement. It is hence advised to replace the UV lamp every year. Also, do not forget to clean the quartz sleeve of the sunsun UV lamp.

You might have read several controversial statements about the use of the sunsun UV clarifier unit, but nothing can deny its efficacy in destroying the organisms that survive all other filter media types. The sunsun UV sterilizer review has been good as noted to date.

The sunsun UV sterilizer instructions can be easily found on the web or you can sure directly land on the sunsun aquarium website, sunsun-china.com, and read their guide.

Pros Of The Sunsun HW-704B Canister Filter

  • The 5-stage filtration is like the trump card of sunsun 704-b filters
  • Highly capacious
  • Sunsun UV sterilizer safety sensor
  • Worth the cost
  • Easily understandable setup
  • Effortless cleaning
  • Self-priming feature
  • Minimal maintenance issues
  • Suitable for both small or large and saltwater or freshwater tanks
  • Noise-free filters
  • Superior quality
  • Attractive and compact design
  • UV sterilization is another attractive and hard to ignore feature that destroys harmful bacteria and algae spores

Cons Of The SunSun Canister Filter

  • Filter Media is not provided along with the package
  • The warranty period is not specified

How To Install SunSun Filtration Pump Hw-704b?

Installation of the sunsun canister filter is an easy-peasy process. You don’t need to be a professional aquarist to understand the setup of the sunsun canister filter. The sunsun canister filter instructions are simple and straightforward. Just take out all the sunsun hw-704b parts and sunsun filter media from the package. Stack the different filter media into filter media trays, to create several stages of filtration such as chemical, mechanical and biological. Once the trays are stacked properly, fill the canister with water and fasten the lid. Input and output tubings of the desired length should then be connected to the hose adapters. The suction cups could be utilized to attach the spray bar. You can then switch on the system and press the priming button to facilitate the filling of the filter and removal of air bubbles.

How Much Gallon Tank Is Suitable For SunSun Filters?

The ability of the sunsun filter to be used in both small and large tanks makes it more impressive and demanding. You can conveniently utilize this in tanks as small as 75 gallons or as huge as 150 gallons. You can easily buy the wonderful sunsun 704b for sale at online markets.

How To Clean And Maintain The SunSun Canister Filter?

Since it is easy to access all the Sunsun filter elements, the maintenance is simple. One just has to disassemble the filter once or twice a month and clean out all the filter media baskets and the canister body.

The longevity of the sunsun 4-stage external consider filter is basically in your hands. The regular you clean it, the lesser maintenance it will demand in coming years. In the case of heavily clogged filter media baskets, the best is to replace them and buy new sunsun canister filter media to ensure efficient filtration at all times.

How To Prime The Sunsun Filter Hw-704b?

Manual siphoning is a tiresome task. Nobody wants to pay a hefty amount for a filter and then end up doing the irritating job of manual siphoning. Keeping this in mind, the SunSun China manufacturers have come up with filters that have a self-priming feature, which means you just have to make the effort of pressing the pumping button and the pump looks after the rest. Please understand that priming is essential to remove air bubbles and allow the flow of water into the filter. Without priming, a filter will eventually stop functioning.

How Noisy Is The Sunsun 704B?

As far as noise is concerned, you don’t need to worry about it when you own a SunSun aquarium filter. You will hardly notice the running of the filter. It is truly a close-mouthed filter that creates pin-drop silence in the surroundings around it. The strong body and closely fit elements ensure that the vibration caused by the running of the filter is minimum and doesn’t create any unnecessary noise. The noise-free feature makes it comfortable to position such filters inside the living rooms or bedrooms. If you compare the sunsun with other filters, you will notice an annoying outcry from the functioning of other filters. If you are someone who gets easily disturbed by minimal sounds during sleep, then please don’t go for noisy filters because they can scare you like hell. Sunsun pump filters should be the right choice considering the noise-free feature.

Final Verdict

After reading this detailed sunsun canister filter review, you can certainly infer that it is a promising product that offers great value for your money. Sunsun china has put in every effort to provide you filters with easy installation, extraordinary features, and undemanding maintenance. For years people have been distressing themselves with the thought of manually siphoning a filter, and luckily the sunsun china has even resolved this issue for all of us. Since these filters have a good and compact design, you can easily position them anywhere near your aquarium. Despite being compact, they have enough space for sunsun filter media and can filter large volumes of water in a single cycle. The sunsun UV sterilizer makes the water absolute germ-free by exposing it to high doses of UV light. All of the sunsun hw-700 filter models have a self-priming feature. The multifunctional valve allows you to adjust the flow rate which means you can conveniently use it in both small and large tanks. Their multi-stage filtration helps to keep the aquatic animals in the healthiest environment possible. They grant you the privilege to modify the sunsun filter media order according to the aquatic needs of your fish. You can even include additional filter media types. Though the cost of the filter might initially stress your pocket, however, remind yourself that it’s a one-time investment that will reap you benefits for years without demanding much maintenance.