Hamburger Mattenfilter (HMF) - New filtration method?

[doppelbanddwarf]

I saw this on Aquatic Plant Central, just want to share.

Here's the link:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...n-concept.html

[ankank]

The filtration method is far from new, but interestingly not really known outside of Germany. I hinted at its existence here quite some time ago, never got a reaction to that.

The concept of the HMF is so popular here that amongst serious fish keepers I'd estimate there's a 50% "market share" between HMF and external canister filters.

[benny]

Regrettably, it's relatively unknown amongst most of our members, but it was discussed at another local site www.killies.com quite sometime back. I find it to be a good and low cost solution, but DIY isn't exactly popular here except for a handful of the more adventurous aquarists.

Freddy, do you use it yourself? 50% "market share" vs external canister filters is a very impressive number! And this seems like a great filter that budget constrained beginners can consider.

Cheers,

[ankank]

Freddy, do you use it yourself?

No. Not because I don't trust it but because I keep several 1ft tanks where I don't want to use the space for a HMF. I run them with Eden 501's instead. In a larger tank I would seriously consider using one, but in a 1ft they'd take up too much space for my liking. I have seen people using it in 1ft (40x25x25 cm) or smaller (30x20x20 cm) tanks, but those are more of an experiment or for breeding purposes.

50% "market share" vs external canister filters is a very impressive number!

Mind you, amongst enthusiasts and professionals. I've seen pet fish stores using it very successfully, and I know of many people who are very satisfied with it.

Of course, the usual "buy tank, throw fish in, watch fish" fishkeeper (we jokingly call them "glass case owners") cannot be bothered with such a concept. They will always resort to a manufactured solution.