Marineland recently released the Emperor Pro 450 Power Filter. So, how does this new version compare against the older Emperor 400?
You can find out in this versus guide at Aquarium Blueprints.
Quick Summary
Overall, the Marineland Emperor Pro 450 Power Filter is much better than the Marineland Emperor 400 Power Filter. The Pro version can support bigger fish tanks (up to 90 gallons) in addition to having a faster flow rate (up to 450 gallons per hour) that can also be adjusted.
The 450 also comes with more surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on as well as an extra media basket for additional filtration. Last but not least, the telescopic extension tube also gives you more customization options when it comes to changing the length of the intake tubing.
Emperor 400 Power Filter vs. Emperor Pro 450 Power Filter Comparison Chart
| Marineland Emperor 400 | Marineland Emperor Pro 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarium Type | Freshwater Saltwater Brackish Water | Freshwater Saltwater Brackish Water |
| Supported Aquarium Size | Up to 80 gallons | Up to 90 gallons |
| Rite-Size Filter Cartridge | E | E |
| Water Flow Rate | Up to 400 gallons of water per hour | Up to 450 gallons of water per hour |
| Included Filter Media | 2x Penguin Power Filter Cartridges 2x Bio Wheels | 2x Penguin Power Filter Cartridges 2x Bio Wheels (with 10% more surface area) |
| Optional Filter Media | Marineland 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Marineland Ammonia Reducing Resin Marineland Black Diamond Carbon Marineland Ceramic Rings Marineland K2 Biological Media | Marineland 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter Marineland Ammonia Reducing Resin Marineland Black Diamond Carbon Marineland Ceramic Rings Marineland K2 Biological Media Marineland Penguin Micron Filter |
| Extra Media Cartridges | 2x | 2x |
| Extra Media Basket | None | 1x |
| Hinged Lid Top? | No | Yes |
| Spray Bars? | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Flow Dial? | No | Yes |
| Intake Extender? | Non-adjustable extension tube | Adjustable, telescopic extension tube |
| Mid-Level Intake Strainer? | Yes | Yes |
| Submerged Pump? | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) | Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned) |
Aquarium Type
Both the Emperor 400 and Emperor Pro 450 can be used for Freshwater, Saltwater or Brackish Water fish tanks.
Supported Aquarium Size
The Marineland Emperor 400 hang-on-back filter has been rated for aquariums that can hold up to 80 gallons of water. The Marineland Emperor Pro 450 hang-on-back filter is rated for tanks that can hold up to 90 gallons of water.
Rite-Size Filter Cartridge
Both the Emperor 400 and Emperor Pro 450 HOB filters use the E Rite-Size Filter Cartridge, which measures at 9 1/2 inches by 6 inches.
Water Flow Rate
The Marineland Emperor Pro 450 has the advantage when it comes to water flow. At the maximum, the 450 can move 450 gallons of water per hour. That rate is 12.5% more than the Marineland Emperor 400, which can move water at 400 gallons per hour.
Included Filter Media
Both products come with all you need to get started as you will get biological, chemical and mechanical filtrations.
The two included Penguin Power Filter Cartridges feature poly-fiber on one side to provide mechanical filtration. As water pass through the media, the fish wastes and other particles will be filtered out. So your aquarium should look a lot cleaner.
The other side of the cartridges is made for chemical filtration as it contains activated carbon. This type of media have microscopic pores that will get rid of any odor, discolorations, medicine, and/or heavy metals from your aquarium.
For biological filtration, both filters use two bio wheels (although the wheels used by the Emperor Pro 450 have 10% more surface area, according to Marineland). The wheels are designed to provide surface area as well as plenty of oxygen for beneficial bacteria to grow and thrive. You will need these bacteria as they consume ammonia and nitrites, both of which will otherwise be harmful to your fish.
Optional Filter Media
The Emperor 400 and Emperor Pro 450 also support many of the same optional filter media types. You can find the list of products below:
- Marineland 2-in-1 Biofoam Pre-Filter
- Marineland Ammonia Reducing Resin
- Marineland Black Diamond Carbon
- Marineland Ceramic Rings
- Marineland K2 Biological Media
The Emperor Pro 450 is the only one of the two power filters in this comparison guide that can use the Marineland Penguin Micron Filter, however.
Extra Media Cartridges
Both filters come with two extra media cartridges. These containers are empty, giving you the option to add additional filtration such as the aforementioned compatible filter media types.
Extra Media Basket
The Emperor Pro 450 also include an extra media basket, which will give you even more space to add additional filtration. You can also remove the basket and then replace it with the aforementioned Marineland K2 Biological Media.
Hinged Lid Top
The Marineland Emperor Pro 450 comes with a hinged lid top, making it easier to open and close.
The Marineland Emperor 400 does not; so it will be a little bit more cumbersome when trying to clean out this power filter as you need to find a place to put the top covers.
Spray Bars
Both of these HOB filters come with spray bras. These parts are used to keep the wheels churning, which will keep your beneficial bacteria alive in addition to helping to oxygenate the water in your fish tank.
Adjustable Flow Dial
Only the Emperor Pro 450 has an adjustable flow dial, which allows you to change how much the water is being moved in your fish tank. This feature is extremely helpful if you are keeping fish species that prefer slower water movements.
The Emperor 400 does not have any similar feature. As a result, it will be operating at the same 400 gallons per hour flow rate.
Intake Extender
While both power filters come with an intake extender, the one that comes with the Emperor Pro 450 is vastly superior. Due to its telescopic design, you will be able to further adjust the length of the intake extender in order to match your preferences.
The extender that is included with the Emperor 400 can’t be further extended. Therefore, you have less customization options when it comes to the length of the intake.
Mid-Level Intake Strainer
Both products do come with a mid-level intake strainer. When used, this optional part will let your filter suck in water from your fish tank at a higher water level in addition to the water coming in from the bottom intake strainer. This is helpful if you have a tall tank with fish occupying both the higher and lower water levels.
Submerged Pump
Only the Marineland Emperor Pro 450 has a submerged pump. By being underwater when installed, the pump will make a lot less noise (less than 40 decibels, according to the manufacturer) when compared to the Marineland Emperor 400.
