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SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter

SunSun · Canister

SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter

The classic SunSun canisters (HW-302, 303, 304 and the 400-series equivalents), with a pre-filter tray and optional UV-C lamp on B models. They have been a common budget choice for planted tanks for years.

Updated

1,000–2,000 L/h6 models

Will it suit my tank?

litres

Best for

Budget-conscious keepers with 100 to 500 litre planted tanks.

Worth knowing

The pumps draw more power (18 to 55 W) than newer DC canisters, and the stock hoses are fairly stiff.

What stands out

  • 1,000, 1,400 and 2,000 L/h
  • Optional 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C (B models)
  • Up to 2.5 m head
  • Priming pump on top

Models and specs

ModelFlowPowerMax headDimensions (L × W × H)CableVariants
HW-3021,000 L/h18 W1.4 m23.2 × 23.2 × 39.5 cm1.5m
HW-3031,400 L/h35 W2 m25.8 × 25.8 × 43 cm1.8mHW-303A without UV, HW-303B with 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C
HW-3042,000 L/h55 W2.5 m29 × 29 × 48.5 cm1.8mHW-304A without UV, HW-304B with 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C
HW-4021,000 L/h18 W1.4 m23.2 × 23.2 × 39.5 cm1.8mHW-402A without UV, HW-402B with 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C
HW-4031,400 L/h35 W2 m25.8 × 25.8 × 43 cm1.8mHW-403A without UV, HW-403B with 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C
HW-4042,000 L/h55 W2.5 m29 × 29 × 48.5 cm1.8mHW-404A without UV, HW-404B with 5, 7 or 9 W UV-C
Brand
SunSun
UV-C
B models, 5/7/9 W lamp options
Suggested for
SunSun HFC open tanks

Figures from the maker's published specifications. Makers revise products, so check the current figures before buying. Photos supplied by the brand or its distributor.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about the SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter, drawn from its specs.

What size tank is the SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter good for?

Using the 5 to 12 times turnover rule for planted tanks: HW-302 (1,000 L/h, suits roughly 83–200 L); HW-303 (1,400 L/h, suits roughly 117–280 L); HW-304 (2,000 L/h, suits roughly 167–400 L); HW-402 (1,000 L/h, suits roughly 83–200 L); HW-403 (1,400 L/h, suits roughly 117–280 L); HW-404 (2,000 L/h, suits roughly 167–400 L). Real flow with media and hoses is lower than the rated figure, so pick the bigger model if you are between sizes.

Who is the SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter best for?

Budget-conscious keepers with 100 to 500 litre planted tanks.

Is there anything to watch out for with the SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter?

The pumps draw more power (18 to 55 W) than newer DC canisters, and the stock hoses are fairly stiff.

What are the alternatives to the SunSun HW-300 and HW-400 Series Canister Filter?

Other filters worth comparing: Boyu DGN-410 / 460 / 520 Canister Filter, Boyu DGN-80 / 120 UVC Canister Filter, Boyu EF / EFU Canister Filter. Add any of them to the compare table to see the specs side by side.