On August 19, 2010:
I have the emperor 280 and love it. It is overloaded with the fish I have and I am upgraded and getting a 400. Thinking of using both of them in my new 50 gallon tank. Would recommend this system to everyone.

On August 3, 2010:
This filter has worked wonderful in my 30g tank! I thought I would need additional filtration, but this does the trick. Quiet too!!!

On July 6, 2010:
this will be our third emperor. they last a really long time and they work very well!

On March 3, 2010:
I am getting ready to purchase another Emperor 400 for my marine aquarium. I have owned and used a Emperor 400 and a penguin 350 for over 10 years in my fresh water aquariums and have no complaints. They more than do the job. Best power filter on the market in my opinion.

On February 4, 2010:
There's not much more to say about Emperor filters. If you research Emp 280's & 400's, you will find thousands of positive reviews. Customizable (inexpensive) media options is what drew me to this unit. Very versatile filtering options for DIY guys. You are not bound to Marineland specific replacement filters. I have two Emp 280's cycling a 60gal. tank.

On August 30, 2009:
While I've not had my tanks set up for long, I have to say I'm really impressed. The filter has done a great job cleaning my tank and the ammonia levels are low for a new set-up. I was a bit confused at first about which media to use but went with the regular Marineland charcoal. When running it under the tap, it would keep coming out between the plastic vents on the media cartridge. I almost decided to use double filter cartridges but opted to try the charcoal. It did not leak out except for a few grains I quickly scooped up with the net. The filter runs very quiet. It's bio wheel seems to be doing its thing too. Bottom-line, I highly recommend it based on what I've seen thus far.

On May 20, 2009:
Biowheels are a priority in my purchases of power filter systems, I have 6 tanks running right now for classroom experiments. I go for the Penguin models mostly, unless I'm looking for less noise (see my Rena review). If you really care for your tank, spend a little more for this filter. I have the 280 on my 29 gal. at home. Great aeration system and media container. Size E filters. Beware of its size, do the research on the sizes as these filters are huge.

On January 28, 2008:
i run these filters on every tank in my house. they are reliable and the bio-wheel is excellent in maintaining proper water parameters!

On December 27, 2007:
I've only used this type of filters with my fish, they work great.

On November 5, 2007:
I have these on my 75 gal. and my 150 gal. and have great success.. highly recommended and the price is excellent through pet mntn. also.. thanks!

On October 19, 2007:
I have 2 Emperor 400 on my 90g tank the water stays Crystal Clear and super quiet.

On October 18, 2007:
This was the best filter system i have ever owned!

On September 12, 2007:
Filter works great on a fully stocked exotic goldfish tank. Water always clear and levels are always great.

On August 7, 2007:
This filter is un-doubtedly the best filter you can buy for aquariums. I have had an Emperor 280 filter running for over 2 years with a single problem. They are built to last. The bio-wheel is a very nice feature that is great for keeping water levels stable in an overcrowded tank or one with messy fish. You cannot go wrong with this filter!

On July 24, 2007:
I have 4 emperor 400's and 2 280's now and I plan on using more in the future. They are the most efficient filter for the money. The spray bar with the bio-wheel and the double filtration is great.

I maintain mine about once a month, and they are easy. Saves time and money.

On July 17, 2007:
Been using my emperor 280 for a few weeks now with no problems its got great flow and plenty of media space for whatever it is you use, keep in mind when filling the choose your own media cartridge to use medium to large grain medias otherwise little piece make there way through into your tank

On March 26, 2007:
I have two of these one 280 and one 400 and are the best filters I have ever used. Very easy to change catriges do not even need to it off. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Great filter

On February 28, 2007:
WOW WHAT A GREAT PRODUCT. I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET RID OF MY OLD UNDERGRAVEL FILTRATION SYSTEM THANKS TO MY EMPEROR 400- THANK YOU THANK YOU

On February 26, 2007:
I have owned at least 5 Emperor 400 Power Filters in the last 7 years. They are the best "biological" filter out there. Compared to sponges (that get clogged), sand filters (leach sand), and filter bag media (not enough oxygen). Emperor is even better than bio balls because they do not store nitrates. The "wet/dry" design is super effective in breaking down amonia and nitrite. If you have a big bio-load (big fish), this is the most effective filter for you. Put as many Emperors as the back of the tank can hold, (example: 2 Emperor 400 or 1 Emperor 400 and 1 Emperor 280 depending on space you have). The Bio-Wheels do all the work + you do not have to turn power off to change cartridge media.