Over the years, several innovations have been made in the field of filter manufacturing to create the most durable, efficient, and multi-functional filters. The main aim of these filter manufacturing industries has been to provide the best possible in the least amount because it’s not easy for everyone to afford the expense of the aquarium filter. People do want to provide a clean environment to their aquatic buddies, but not at a cost that digs deep into their pocket. Keeping the needs of the aquarists in mind, SunSun China has come up with its wonderful SunSun HW-400 Canister Filter models.
SunSun aquarium products are one of the bestsellers in both online and offline markets.
Since the list of aquarium filter manufacturers consists of several other brands other than SunSun China, our team has carefully curated a quick sunsun filter review for you. This review of SunSun HW-400 Canister Filter models will guide you towards a better purchase.
SunSun Series Model Specifications
SunSun HW-402A Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 232x232x395 mm
Filter Weight- 3.5 Kilograms
H-max- 1.4m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose length- 1.8m
Power- 18W power
Filtration- 3-stage filtration 402a sunsun – consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 1000 litters per hour
Filtration Capacity – 2.11 gallons
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- up to 75 gallons
SunSun HW-402B Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 232x232x395 mm
Filter Weight- 3.5 Kilograms
H-max- 1.4m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose Length- 1.8m
Power- 18W power
UV Sterilizer- 5W/7W/9W
Filtration- 4-stage filtration of 402b sunsun – consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 1000 litters per hour
Filtration Capacity – 2.11 gallons
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- 20-75 gallons
SunSun HW-403A Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 258x258x430 mm
Filter Weight- 4.5 Kilograms
H-max- 2.0m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose Length- 1.8m
Power- 35W power
Filtration- 3-stage filtration 403a sunsun – consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 1400 litters per hour
Filter Volume – 12 litters
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- 75-150 gallons
SunSun HW-403B Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 258x258x430 mm
Filter Weight- 5.0 Kilograms
H-max- 2.0m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose Length- 1.8m
Power- 35W power
UV Sterilizer- 5W/7W/9W
Filtration- 3-stage filtration 403b sunsun- consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 1400 litters per hour
Filter Volume – 12 litters
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- 35-120 gallons
SunSun HW-404A Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 290x290x485 mm
Filter Weight- 5.5 Kilograms
H-max- 2.5m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose Length- 1.8m
Power- 55W power
Filtration- 4-stage filtration 404a sunsun- consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 2000 litres per hour
Filter Volume Capacity – 19 litre
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- up to 110 gallons
SunSun HW-404B Canister Filter
Filter Dimensions- 290×290×485 mm
Filter Weight- 6.0 Kilograms
H-max- 2.5m
Voltage- 110V/220V/240V
Frequency – 50Hz/60Hz
Hose Length- 1.8m
Power- 55W power
UV Sterilizer- 5W/7W/9W
Filtration- 5-stage filtration 404b sunsun- consisting of mechanical, biological, and chemical
Flow Rate- 2000 litters per hour
Filtration Capacity – 2.11 gallons
Filter Media Trays- 3
Utilization – Both freshwater and marine tanks
Ideal Gallon Tank- up to 75-200 gallons
Contents Of The Package
- Main canister body
- Barrelhead O-rings
- Output and input hoses
- Valve assembly
- Adjustable tubing
- Spray bars
- Suction cup parts
- Filter compartment cover
- Impeller
- Filter pads, sponges
- Filter fleece
- Filter media baskets
- Quartz sleeves
- SunSun Filter media kit -consisting of bio-balls, ceramic ring, activated carbon
- SunSun 404 UV bulb- in case of SunSun HW-402B and SunSun HW-403B and SunSun HW-404B
Indications
The SunSun HW-402 403 404 aquarium external filters can be a perfect choice for both large and small gallon tanks. Furthermore, these sunsun cascade filtration system can be used both in freshwater and marine water tanks. Follow this write up to identify with sunsun 403 b review whether this midrange 400 series filters fits your tank.
Design
External filters have several advantages when compared to internal filters. Among those several windfalls, one of them is it’s an exquisite design. Since they are placed outside the tank, they leave back a lot of space inside your aquarium making it look more attractive and cleaner. Secondly, these external canisters are highly capacious and hence ensure optimum filtration of large gallon tanks. They even allow you to attach several additional accessories like inline heaters, UV sterilizers, etc. The hoses provided with such filters are very long and you can position them accordingly at different angles, or else you can trim them if you possess small tanks. And lastly, the big size of these external filters permits you to incorporate several stages of filtration in the form of different filter media.
Set-Up Of SunSun Canister Filter HW-400
First of all, take a sigh of relief, because the installation of the SunSun 4-stage external canister filter is not much backbreaking. And now when all your butterflies have settled, let us tell you how easy is the setup of this SunSun China aquarium filter. Firstly, unfasten the lid with the help of buckles from the main filter body. Once you have gained access to the inside of the filter, check out the Sunsun filter media trays and then arrange them accordingly. After the placement of the filter media trays, again tighten the lid onto the filter body. Then comes the time to attach the intake and output hoses to their respective taps and secure them with the help of screw caps. The blue pumping button should be pressed a few times to perform priming of the filter, wherein water is drawn into the hoses. You can additionally assess the working of the SunSun UV sterilizer every now and then, maing the sunsun 404 uv bulb worth it.
Filter Media
The Sunsun aquarium filter consists of three or four stages of filtration. The filters have filter media baskets with a large surface area that ensure systematic filtration. The 3 main stages of filtration are mechanical, biological, and chemical. Sunsun canister filter media setup is highly efficient and straightforward.
At the earlier stages, coarse particles are collected, while the Sunsun filter media present at the bottom eliminate the fine impurities. The efficient earlier stages of filtration increase the longevity of the Sunsun filter media present at the later stages of filtration. Mechanical filter media comprises ceramic rings, biological filter media includes bio balls, and the chemical filter media comprises activated carbon, etc. It’s important to take care of the correct sunsun canister filter media order.
Ceramic Rings
They are considered to be one of the best mechanical filter media, wherein all the coarse impurities get sedimented. It eliminates all the floating impurities with the help of its design and surface. It is very much useful for creating a healthy aquatic environment and also increases the durability of the other stages of sunsun filter media by decreasing the number of impurities reaching them. Nitrate level reduction is also possible because of these versatile ceramic rings. They are used both in internal and external filters.
Filter Fleece
They are the filtration layers that are used to separate coarse impurities from the tank water. They are not only helpful in imparting a crystal-clear appearance to the tank water but also reduce the nitrate level.
Bio Balls
Bio balls are the most popularly employed biological filter media that are highly efficient and need rare replacement. Though they cost next to nothing, yet their efficiency cannot be questioned. It’s very obvious to find them in the recently released and effective filters. They help in eliminating harmful bacteria from the tank water.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon, used as a chemical filter media is important for decreasing the chlorine content in the filtered water. It is also used to remove toxins, urinary substances, and several other residues from the tank water.
Reminder: Do not leave the activated carbon for long in the Sunsun filter media basket because once it has reached its threshold of absorption, the impurities collected in it start to dissolve in the filtered water and ultimately reach the tank and affect the health of aquatic animals.
Working Out of the Box
Once all the Sunsun filter media is stacked properly, you should just fill the Sunsun aquarium filter with water, which is again so much simpler. The sunsun 404 canister filter pump cylinder present above the canister filter helps in filling up of water. The pump button needs to be pressed a few times so that water gets filled up in the Sunsun Chinese tank. Without such a feature, it would be extremely difficult to fill the pump via wavemaker jvp-402 suction cup parts intake.
Flow Rate
All the Sunsun canister filter models have a commendable flow rate, which is why they are highly recommended for large gallon tanks. In the case of small sunsun fish tanks, the flow rate can be adjusted by placing the tubing at different angles in the aquarium.
UV Sterilization
Sunsun canister filter models like sunsun 402b, sunsun 403b, and sunsun hw-40b
have an in-built UV sterilizer which is one of the many other wonderful things about these filters. It is highly beneficial in controlling the growth of certain harmful bacteria and also inhibits the formation of algae spores. The Sunsun UV sterilizer in combination with different types of filter media generates crystal clear and hygienic water for aquatic animals.
The UVC-clarifier Unit helps in destroying harmful bacteria and algae from the water and thereby prevents their growth. The UV radiation from the UV lamp guarantees perfect filtration of the tank water. UV radiation acts by altering the tertiary and the quaternary structure of the algae present inside the water passing through the UV-C unit. Agglutination of the algae particles makes it difficult to surpass the mechanical filter media and eliminate it out. They help in maintaining a healthy microbiome for aquatic animals to survive.
It is advisable to replace the Sunsun UV lamp annually and also clean the quartz glass. People do complain that the UV clarifier creates an unnatural environment for the fish, but if you think wisely you will understand that the whole setup of the fish tank and filters is unnatural and the clarifier only helps to create an aquatic environment healthier than the other systems having unconditional water.
Additional SunSun hw 402 b instructions of ultraviolet sterilizer bulb can be easily found on their official manual shipped with your cascade filter.
Self- Priming
Putting an end to the age-old tiresome method of manual siphoning, the SUNSUN HW-402B Canister Filter models possess a self-priming feature. Apart from adding some amount of water into the sunsun aquarium filter assembly, there is nothing that should be of your concern.
Noise-Free
Despite performing such great functions, sunsun canister filters are noiseless. The commotion caused by the vibration of the sunsun canister filter parts while it’s running is almost inaudible to the human ear. The credit of noise reduction in these sunsun canister filters can be attributed to its rubber body. Compared to the Sunsun filters, you will discover other filters to be quite blatant. With such a decent price and amazing flow rate, it is a blessing to have such mute filters.
Multi-functional Valves
You don’t need to worry about emptying the water from the hoses of the Sunsun canister filter models because the multifunction valves present on the canister filter are like a blessing. They make it simpler to disconnect the valves. The multifunctional valve adds another feather to the cap of the Sunsun canister filter by equipping it with the feature of adjustable flow rate. You can use the valve to regulate the flow rate as per the requirement of the fish in our tank.
Even leakage should not be an issue for you because the safety hose adapters present on the valves ensure complete locking.
Cleaning
Cleaning of the Sunsun aquarium filters is quite simple. You just have to disassemble the sunsun canister filter parts and reach the sunsun filter media trays. The trays should be thoroughly cleaned with conditioned water. Remember to turn off the main switch before you begin with the cleaning job. The main filter body should also be rinsed with water.
Important Cleaning Tip: You need to understand that although it is crucial to let go of the harmful bacteria present inside the sunsun fish tank, it is also equally important to let the beneficial bacteria stay inside the tank. Therefore, after performing proper cleaning of the tank, you must include essential bacteria cultures into the sunsun China filter to create an enriched environment for the aquatic flora and fauna.
Advantages and Disantages of SunSun 402 403 404 Series
The rise of Chinese tank equipment brands have helped a lot the aquarium industry to produce more quality marine material for lower prices to compete with their low cost while high quality marketing campaigns. Having said that, let’s see how SunSun did with their 402 403 404 model series by outlining the Pros and Cons for those filter models.
Pros
- Highly capacious
- Great efficiency
- Excellent performance
- Multi-Purpose
- Multistage filtration system
- Adjustable flow rate
- Easy maintenance
- Manageable cleaning process
- Noise-free operation
- Zero leakage issues
- Quick set up
- In-built UV sterilization
- Great quality components
- Strong assembly
Cons
- Slightly overpriced for the material quality
How To Install And Setup The SunSun Canister Filter?
Installation of the Sunsun aquarium filters like SunSun Hw-404B is almost a child’s play. If you go by the SunSun canister filter instructions manual, you might not be very much delighted by the setup of the sunsun china tank. But on the other hand, if you check out the installation videos on the SunSun filters website or YouTube, you will quickly jump into ecstasy. The setup of the Sunsun aquarium products is very much trouble-free. Someone as naive as a first-timer can easily follow the guidelines available in the video. Begin with unfastening the lid on the filter and getting access to the filter media trays. Wash the canister body and Sunsun filter media trays with water and then arrange the different types of filter media such as chemical, biological, and mechanical into the correct sequence. The suction cups provided along with the package can be used to place the spray bar. Then, connect and adjust the tubing. You can cut the hoses at different lengths according to your need. At this stage, additional inline accessories can also be connected. Lastly, fill the canister body with a little water that would assist in priming the filter. Lock the filter assembly and press the pumping button to perform priming. You can appreciate how easy this sunsun canister filter setup is.
How Many Gallons Tank Is Suitable For SunSun 4-Stage Canister Filter?
Since the sunsun canister filter models have a high flow rate as large as 2000 litters per hour, they can be the best choice for tanks as large as 150 gallons. Also, the flow rate of these sunsun filters can be conveniently adjusted. For example, it’s long length hoses can be placed at different angles in case of fewer gallon tanks. You can regulate the flow rate according to different fish.
Hence, you can easily employ these sunsun canister filter models in both lesser and higher gallons tanks.
How To Clean Your SunSun Canister Filter HW-402B?
Cleaning of the Sunsun china aquarium is almost trouble-free. You don’t need to take a day off to clean your filters as these modern filters require the least amount of effort and time. Before all else, unplug the main filter switch and disconnect the intake and output tubes. Then, remove the lid on the filter and take out the sunsun filter media baskets. Clean all the mechanical, biological, and chemical sunsun filter media under conditioned water. Also, wash the canister and baskets with water. Alternatively, you can also replace the sunsun filter media if required. Once all the cleaning is completed, pile up the baskets in the correct sunsun canister filter media order. It is advisable to place the chemical filter media at the last stage of filtration, so that the water passing through it is mostly clear and free of impurities, hence leading to infrequent replacements. After stacking the filter media baskets and filling the sunsun filter with a little water, you can close the filter assembly, connect the hoses, and switch it on. Water filled inside the tank is crucial for the priming process.
It can be performed by merely pressing the pumping button.
How To Prime The SunSun Canister Filter HW-400 Models?
All the models of the sunsun canister filter Hw-400 comes with a self-priming feature, which means manual siphoning has been completely discontinued by the sunsun china manufacturers. Your only job is to fill the sunsun aquarium with some amount of water before fastening it, and later press the pumping button a few times. The Sunsun canister 400 models do the rest for themselves, without bothering you in any way.
How Often To Clean Sunsun Canister Filter?
Compared to the internal filters, the external filters like Sunsun 4-stage External canister Filter does not necessitate numerous cleaning cycles. Their advanced design and filter media arrangement does not call for rigorous maintenance. Also, the cleaning process itself is not as toilsome as you may think. So, cleaning the SunSun canister filters once or twice a week is fine.
Are The SunSun Canister Filter HW-400 Models Loud?
You have to believe that the canister filters are big and multifunctional equipment, they run 24/7 to keep your tank free from harmful chemicals and bacteria. You can’t expect them to carry out all these essential operations quietly. Of course, there will be some amount of noise at least from the vibration of filter parts, but if you compare the amount and intensity of the sound, you will find Sunsun canister filters to be extremely quiet. The sound generated from most of the other filters is highly bothersome, but herein your ears shall be blessed to hear minimal or no sound. And secondly, getting such quiet filters at this nominal price range is a miracle in itself. You shouldn’t be worried about finding the correct location to place these Sunsun canister filters. They can nicely occupy a space in your living room or bedroom. Once you buy them, you will be amazed to see how quiet these sunsun air pumps are.
Video Review Guide of SunSun 400 Series
Final Verdict
After carefully reading our review of the SunSun canister filter HW-400 models, you would be convinced that their filters are truly a commendable choice. You can also do a comparsion of 403 vs 404 and 304b vs 404b after reading the 300 series review guide. The 400 series have extraordinary features like UV sterilization, multistage filtration, noise-free working, strong assembly, high efficiency, and easy maintenance are a treat. And above all, the price is very much budget-friendly. The easy setup of the sunsun aquarium filter is yet another example of SunSun China’s excellent performance. All the essential SunSun 404b parts can be found in the package and you wouldn’t be compelled to buy anything beyond that. Most of you would get impressed merely by its effortless cleaning and maintenance because that’s what is most annoying with other filter models. You can easily buy sunsun canister filters in online and offline markets. So, if you go by our opinion, the SunSun 4-stage external canister filters are a worth-try product.