Sicce Launches New Mega Filtra Canister Filters
Sicce just dropped the Mega Filtra, and it looks like a solid new option for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. It moves a lot of water, holds a ton of media, and doesn’t overcomplicate things, while still having unique features that'll make our aquarium-keeping lives easier. The big prime button makes startup way easier, the built-in pre-filter helps your main media last longer, and there’s even a 950 model with SDC smart control if you want more control. On top of that, it’s built tough, and the new inlet and outlet lines use secure mounting clamps instead of suction cups, which is a nice upgrade for anyone tired of things falling off the glass.
Can You Run a Canister Filter on a Reef Tank?
Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: can you run a successful saltwater aquarium using a canister filter as the primary filtration method? The short answer is absolutely yes. Canister filters are commonly tagged as "nitrate factories", but in reality, that's only the case if they're neglected. I'd like to suggest we start thinking about canister filters more like high-capacity media reactors.
Like anything in life, each option has pros and cons. So, before we dive into what I think makes the Sicce Mega Filtra unique, let's talk about the three main ways us reefers commonly filter our aquarium water.
Sump Filtration: A sump isn't filtration itself, rather it's a designated area where you can house your filtration. For medium to large systems, this is typically a separate, remote area below the aquarium. An aquarium under the aquarium, if you will. I'll also throw all-in-one (AIO) aquariums into this category as the rear filtration chamber is essentially just an attached mini sump.
Hang-On-Back (HOB) or Internal Filtration: Tanks using these types of filtration are usually just glass boxes; no overflow system or holes drilled in them. Protein skimmers, refugiums, power filters, media reactors, and more are available in internal or hang-on-back style.
Canister Filter: Canister filters are exactly what they sound like. It's a sealed device with a built-in pump that pulls water from the aquarium into the canister where there is mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media. Once it flows through the different filtration stages, it's then pumped back into the aquarium.
| Filtration Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sump Filtration |
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| HOB / Internal Filtration |
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| Canister Filter |
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About the Mega Filtra
To me, the Mega Filtra is everything a canister filter should be. It's been thoughtfully designed with 10 to 13 stages of filtration (depending on the model) and includes several quality of life features that eliminate many of the common complaints about canister filters.
Each Mega Filtra comes with all of the sponges, foam, and media you'll need to get started, so no need for any extra purchases.
Stages of Filtration
- Pre-Filter Sponge: An easy-to-access sponge that protects the rest of the filters from larger debris.
- Lateral Sponge (x2): A 20 ppi foam sponge adding further mechanical filtration.
- Biofoam (2x): Foam that acts as biological filtration.
- Aquamat (2x): A wool pad for fine mechanical filtration.
- Hyperzeo: Adsorbent chemical filtration with zeolite.
- Hypercarbo Fast: Adsorbent chemical filtration with activated carbon.
- Bioker: Ceramic rings for added biological filtration.
Quick Comparison
| Specification | Mega Filtra 650 | Mega Filtra 900 | Mega Filtra 950 SDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended Tank Size | Up to 170 Gallons | Up to 240 Gallons | Up to 250 Gallons |
| Max Flow Rate | 380 GPH | 410 GPH | 568 GPH |
| Power Consumption | 24 W | 28 W | 32 W |
| Filtration Stages | 10 | 13 | 13 |
| App Controllable Flow | No | No | Yes |
| Canister Volume | 10 L | 2.7 Gal | 13 L | 3.5 Gal | 13 L | 3.5 Gal |
| Pre-Filter Volume | 0.55 L | 0.14 Gal | 0.55 L | 0.14 Gal | 0.55 L | 0.14 Gal |
| Total Media Volume | 6.8 L | 1.8 Gal | 9.5 L | 2.5 Gal | 9.5 L | 2.5 Gal |
| Number of Baskets | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Tubing Length | 4 m | 13 ft | 4 m | 13 ft | 4 m | 13 ft |
| Warranty | 5 Years (3 + 2 with registration) | 5 Years (3 + 2 with registration) | 5 Years (3 + 2 with registration) |
What Makes the Sicce Mega Filtra Special?
Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, it’s time to talk about why I’m genuinely excited about this canister filter as a reef keeper.
Easy Access Pre-Filter
When I first saw the Mega Filtra canister filters, I couldn’t help but think about the Oase BioMaster. Of course, pre-filters aren’t a new concept. We use them all the time in RO/DI systems, and in sump-based systems, filter socks are basically pre-filters too.
Canister filters don’t get a bad reputation from bad filtration. They get a bad reputation from neglected filtration.
Because the pre-filter is built to be easily accessible, you can rinse it out as a quick routine that's similar to replacing a filter sock. The pre-filter is the first line of defense for collecting uneaten fish food, fish waste, and general detritus. When you remove that stuff early, the rest of the media stays cleaner longer, and you buy yourself more time between more involved maintenance sessions.
Quick Priming and Automatic Air Purging
Sicce also nailed the startup experience. The Mega Filtra is built around a quick prime system, which makes setup and restarts much less annoying than the old-school canister filter experience. Just give it a couple of pumps before you plug the pump in and you're ready to go. To be honest, all canister filters these days should come with this feature standard.
There is also a built-in automatic air purging system. Any air that might get trapped inside the canister is automatically (and continuously) purged, aiding in frustration-free, quiet operation.
Quiet Operation and Solid Warranty
I almost edited this part out because when it comes to Sicce products, this is standard. If you've been in this hobby for any length of time, you've probably come across a Sicce pump in one form or another. It should come as no surprise that they're quiet as they've been building and perfecting aquarium pumps for over 50 years now.
On top of that, Sicce's warranty is something that is well respected in the aquarium hobby. Nearly all of their gear has at least a 3 year warranty, with the Mega Filtra backed by a 5 year warranty (3 years + 2 additional years with online registration).
In an age where the word "disposable" has become more normal, this is refreshing. Sicce's history of putting out quality products coupled with their strong warranty gives me confidence that their gear is built to last.
Heavy-Duty Feel
It's no secret, most canister filters are made from plastic, but this one is so much beefier than canister filters I've used in the past. It's built from a fiber reinforced plastic, so it doesn't have that cheap "plasticky" feel. The thicker material no doubt contributes to how quiet this canister filter runs.
Mega Filtra 950 SDC
Last, but not least, we need to talk about the 950 SDC model. If you like tech and smart control, this one is for you.
With the 950 SDC, you get:
- Smart control with Sicce’s ContrAll app (available for both iOS and Android)
- Ability to fine-tune the flow rate
- A physical Controller for quick adjustments without opening the app
- Built-in monitoring that can send you alerts if something is wrong
- A built-in sensor to monitor your aquarium's water temperature
- Feed mode to pause flow during feeding
- Optional voice control through Siri or Alexa
Who is the Mega Filtra For?
If you love planning out custom plumbing and building elaborate filtration systems, this probably is not for you. But if you want powerful filtration without having to drill your tank, the Mega Filtra hits a sweet spot.
The Mega Filtra is perfect for:
- Reef tanks without room for a sump
- If you can't drill your aquarium
- Upgrading from hang on back filtration equipment
- Adding additional filter media capacity to an existing system
- Reefers who stay on top of maintenance
Whether you go with a traditional sump system, a canister filter, or hang-on gear, the “best” setup is the one you’ll actually keep up with. Consistent maintenance beats fancy plumbing every time, and a simple system you understand will almost always outperform a complicated one you avoid touching.
Pick the filtration that fits your space, your schedule, and how you like to work on your tank, and you’ll be way more successful in the long run.
Is a Hang-On Power Filter More Your Style?
Not to worry! If you prefer to use HOB filtration for your aquarium, Sicce still has you covered with their Aqua Filtra. Similar to the Mega Filtra lineup, the Aqua Filtra HOB Power Filters come in three sizes: 10, 20, and 40, rated for 10, 20, and 40 gallon aquariums, respectively.
It's no surprise that Sicce has thought of everything when designing this filter. The wide waterfall spillway improves oxygenation and circulation, while the cartridge-based system makes maintenance quick and straightforward. The self-priming pump restarts automatically after power interruptions, and built-in flow control lets you adjust the filter's flow to match the needs of your tank. A handy maintenance indicator shows when the cartridge should be replaced, so you’ll always know when it’s time for a quick swap.
As an added bonus, the Aqua Filtra includes a heater holder, giving you the option to securely mount a Sicce heater to your Aqua Filtra power filter.
Compatible Heaters
Sicce Jolly Heaters: Available in sizes from 6 watts to 35 watts
Sicce Scuba Preset Heaters: Available in sizes from 50 watts to 300 watts
Sicce Scuba Contactless Heaters: Available in sizes from 50 watts to 400 watts
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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