Hamburg matten filters? Anyone tried?

[mattc]

Hi all
In researching the best types of filtration per dollar I came across Hamburg matten filters. They look so simple to set up and seem quite effective. Has anyone had experience with these? They seem discus friendly with a slow flow rate and good bio filtration.

[ILLUSN]

gave these a go a few times, they work no question, never had an ammonia problem or spike with them. They have a tendency to get clogged up with muck though, especially grated beefheart mix, so they can get a little rank over time, cleaning is a bit of a pain as when you take them out, no matter how gentle you are some muck gets squeezed out and clouds your water a little for a 1/2 hour or so.

The large black round sponge filters (440L?) were easier for me to get in and out for maintenance. So I switched back to them.

maybe they'd work great in a non discus tank or a planted tank where you weren't feeding beefheart.