View Full Version : canister filters
jeff8428
07-07-2006, 01:11 AM
I have always used the over the back filters on both my 20 gallon tanks. I recently purchased a 55 gallon and want to buy a canister filter. Which does everyone think is best for the money? Alsao, can you get canisters that you just clean out the filters and you can add charcoal to. Don't want to get stuck buying expensive filters. ( not sure maybe all canister filters are this way)I know some at the fish store just have cleanable filters for the large stuff and empty "baskets" charcoal and other stuff can be added in. Thanks for your help
wantsome
10-26-2006, 10:38 PM
I've tried most of the filters on the market and I highly suggest a Rena Filstar xp3 on a 55 gallon. You can pick one up for about $100 well worth the money.
All canisters have filter media that has to be replaced. For the Rena you just get a some carbon, bio rings, and a filter pad. The only thing that would need replacing on ocassion is the carbon.
turbomkt
10-26-2006, 11:47 PM
The Rena Filstar XP3 is a good choice. Alternatives are Eheim Classic series or Eheim Professionel II 2026/2126. Eheim is a little more expensive, but quite reliable.
You'll be happy with either one I think.
NorthernBoy
10-27-2006, 02:02 AM
I just purchased a eheim classic 2215 for my 55 gal. It rocks. Buy it online though or else you will pay out the nose for it. Fluval has also fixed their imfamous impeller problem and I am hearing great things about them. I chose an eheim because of the reputation.
MrKickalot
10-27-2006, 02:22 AM
I put 2 - 304's on my 110 gallon... I really like the way you can decide what media to put in. I put pre-filter in the bottom, a mix of carbon and amonia remover in the middle and biofilter on the top. As for changing the media... I was told to change the prefilter 1 time a year unless you get a disease, change the carbon every 2-3 months (they say you'll know when the water looses clarity) and 1/2 the bio every month. I look at it like this... you get what you pay for... these filters are a little more expensive to maintain but work 500 times better!!!
I have only had them about a month so I can't talk long run!!
My 2 cents!!
Jason
turbomkt
10-27-2006, 04:08 AM
I don't know about knew Fluval's, but I had a 303, and two 304's. After some time I had serious problems with the filter keeping a seal. It would hold as long as the filter was running well, but if power went out (or I killed power to do maintenance) the seal would break and I would get water everywhere.
During the Cedar Fires of '03 in SoCal we lost power for a couple of days and I lost about 30 gallons of 50 since there was no one home. It quickly turns into a siphon if the seal fails.
jeffs99dime
10-27-2006, 07:03 AM
i own the eheim 2215 canister and it rocks!!!! i've also had fluval- nothing but problems for me on that
kimmers318
10-27-2006, 11:42 AM
I have the magnum 350 biowheel on my 64 and am quite pleased with that. Have an older fluval 403 that sucks so I wouldn't even consider the newer models unless I heard some dramatic good feedback on them.
NorthernBoy
10-28-2006, 06:54 AM
I HAVE heard great feedback about the new fluvals. But I bought a new ehiem prior to hearing that because of Kimmers husbands thoughts. I am happy as a clam with my new ehiem(thanks Kimmers you are the best) but i might also try a fluval in the future because of the price difference and the new technology in the fluval compared to the older models.
kimmers318
10-28-2006, 08:05 AM
The feedback that I have heard about the new fluvals is good....comparing it to the older models. In other words they are a great improvement on the old models, but haven't yet heard they can outdo the eheims or renas that I hear so much about. And you are most welcome Northernboy....glad I could help.
NorthernBoy
10-28-2006, 04:30 PM
There is only 1 out of 5 lfs's that still carry ehiem in my area because of the price. Everystore is recommending the new fluvals.
turbomkt
10-28-2006, 04:57 PM
Actually, it's not just price but the way pricing works with Eheim. The lfs can't afford to compete with the online stores with Eheim because of the way Eheim does pricing. So they don't even try.
Having had bad Fluval experiences, it will take a lot for me to go back. But I'm also at the point that I can afford to pay for the Eheim quality*.
* Note: Eheim quality for me is an exclusive descriptor of their filters. I have not heard anything good about what they've done with the Ebo Jager heaters since they bought the company.
NorthernBoy
10-28-2006, 05:03 PM
I agree with you and that is why I stated earlier that you need to buy eheim online or you'll pay out the nose. I as well will can afford eheim and love my new one but I think the new fluval is a less expesive option for those who might not be able to afford the best. Although I would choose a "new" fluval over the "new" eheim eccos.
turbomkt
10-29-2006, 03:45 AM
Ah...that's why you go Eheim "Classic"!
Anyway...I'd go Rena at this point over Fluval.
NorthernBoy
10-29-2006, 06:01 PM
agreed. that is why i own a classic 2215
jeffs99dime
10-30-2006, 06:31 AM
i got my eheim canister on ebay. that was definitely the way to go. a lot cheaper than in the store. if you go the ebay route, just try to find one that is not used. one other thing about the eheim: you can't even hear it. the most quiet filter i've ever owned. i have to physically touch the filter to see if it's still working. i dunno. maybe that's a bad thing. lol
SCOOTER
11-14-2006, 02:35 AM
Xp3 & Xp4 are quiet, dependable, economical, and the best thing about them is how easy maintenence is compared to other cannister filters.
Fishguy2727
11-14-2006, 02:49 AM
Have you used Fluvals?
SCOOTER
11-14-2006, 02:57 AM
Reptileguy2727, no I have never owned a Fluval, but have heard good things about the newest model (possibly being the best cannister available) not so good things about older models. I was referring to the Eheim classic in reguards to easy maintenence. Most newer cannisters are easy to operate, but will cost you alot more than the XP. Just my opinion, no more, no less.
Fishguy2727
11-14-2006, 03:15 AM
I seriously considered trying the Rena Filstars (XPs), as I have only used Fluvals during my 10 years of fishkeeping. However I decided not to when multiple times people who had used both said that the Fluvals were superior to the Rena Filstars. I also find that when it comes to many things in fishkeeping, they should be considered investments and not purchases. Filtration is probably the one thing that should most strongly be considered an investment. I find that quality is much more important when it comes to filtration. For that reason I find that the cost should simply be a secondary consideration, mainly to determine what source to buy from, rather than model and brand. I have watched and used Fluvals as they evolved from the 03 model, through the multiple 04 models, and finally into the most recent and superior, 05 line. The worst would have to be the last of the 04 lines/modifications. I would like to try one of the higher end Eheims, but have yet to find it necessary or the best use of my money when Fluvals have been doing the job for a decade for me. I now own the following Fluvals: 203, 303, 303, 104, 304, 304, 404, 404, 405, 405, and FX5. The 03 line has some very good qualities, and the 05 is the best. The 04s aren't too bad, but the last line of 04s can be a headache when it comes to the tank rim adapter, other than that they are not too bad.
SCOOTER
11-14-2006, 03:31 AM
Thanks for the information on Fluvals, when I finally upgrade from my 125 I will definatly consider the fx5. I agree with you on cannister filters being an investment, but not everybody has the funds to purchase the more expensive Fluvals or Eheims. For the money I still rate the Xp as one of the best filters you can buy, but as discussed I have not tried Fluvals or the newer Eheims.
Fishguy2727
11-14-2006, 01:05 PM
The Fluvals are not that much more expensive, and with deals like online sellers as well as price matching (which includes online prices) at Petsmart, you can get a good deal on them and keep it wallet friendly.
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