The Best Budget Filter for Small Aquariums? Tested & Modified

Looking for the best budget filter for a small aquarium or nano tank? In this video, I test the affordable SunSun HW-603B canister filter, measure its real flow rate, and completely modify it to create a better-looking and far more capable filter for a nano aquarium. The SunSun HW-603B is advertised with a flow rate of 400 liters per hour, but how much flow does it actually deliver? I put it to the test — and measured only 192 liters per hour. That makes a big difference when deciding what aquarium size this filter is really suitable for. But instead of giving up on this inexpensive little canister filter, I decided to improve it. I modify the filtration system to provide three types of aquarium filtration: mechanical filtration with sponge, chemical filtration with Seachem Purigen, and biological filtration with Seachem Matrix. I also replace the original hoses, inlet and outlet with a much cleaner setup and stainless-steel lily pipes. The result is a compact external filter that is easier to maintain, offers much better filtration options, and looks considerably better next to a beautiful nano aquascape. The original filter cost me approximately €33, while the complete modified setup — including the upgrades and filter media — comes to approximately €117. In the video I show the full cost breakdown, the pros and cons, and my final rating of the SunSun HW-603B. And stay until the end for a preview of the next video, where I’ll aquascape the nano aquarium this filter was built for. CHAPTERS 00:00 Testing and modifying a filter for nano tanks 00:39 Alexander does Aquascaping 00:54 Introduction: filter for small aquariums 02:54 Unboxing the SunSun HW-603B 05:04 Design of the small filter 05:38 The SunSun HW-603B name 07:37 Inside the canister 08:05 Flow rate 08:20 Filling the filter with water 09:57 Starting the filter 10:24 Testing the flow rate 11:15 Flow-rate test results 12:43 Modifying the filter 15:21 Restocking the canister 16:50 Replacing the filter hoses 20:15 Replacing the lily pipes 23:09 Modified filter fully operational 24:55 Full cost breakdown 25:29 SunSun HW-603B pros and cons 26:15 Rating the nano filter 26:35 Aquascaping the nano aquarium — next video preview If you enjoy aquascaping, planted aquariums, nano tanks, aquarium equipment tests and practical aquarium modifications, subscribe to Alexander does Aquascaping for more. #Aquascaping #NanoAquarium #AquariumFilter