Canister filters

[jimcurt99]

I'm going to set up a 55 gallon tank- looking for filter advice. My plan was to use a Fluval 405 but then I saw the Rena Filstar XP3. I like the Rena because you can get a heater that goes inside the filter plus it's cheaper.
But I have an old Fluval 305 that I got in 1992 and it still works great. So what do think? Should I get the Filstar or spend the extra and get the Fluval?

Advice and opinions are appreciated- Thank You

[doug z]

I hear alot of good things about Fluval..

Same with Rena..

Can't lose with either, in my opinion..

[digital3]

I use a Rena Xp3 for my 55. I also added an additional Xp2 to it. But that's just because of all my plants and a couple of big messy fish I have.

I've never seen an Xp3 with a built in heater though. Regardless, in my opinion those canisters are a really good bang for your buck. Here's the cheapest Xp3 I have found:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Too bad you weren't looking last year. Big Al's used to carry Xp3s for 89 bucks! That's how much I paid for mine.

[sailor]

In the xp series the heater is not built in but you can get the rena smart heater that fits onto the intake tube.

[Lady Hobbs]

Just yesterday was reading a review written about these filters and both are darned near equal in preformance and quietness. The author of the review said the XP3 just barely passed the Fluval at the end of the rating but not by much.

[Commodore 64]

The ETH 300 heater also works with canister filters, although it is designed to be attached to the disharge/return line.

I use a Fluval 305 and a WDF 4000 HOB filter (it's discontinued, but I imagine it's equivalent to the aquaclear 110) for my 55g tank. I've only had the Fluval for a few months, so I can't realistically vouch for the quality, but I like it so far.

[bafish]

I have a fluval 404 on my 28 gallon goldfish bowfront and the water is crystal clear. My only complaint is that mine is noisy.

[jimcurt99]

Sailer- Thank you for the clarification on the heater. Everyone else thank you.
Unless I hear something really bad looks like I'll try the Rena.
Will post in a few weeks when it's all set up- I'm really excited! :19:

[skinni]

im running a xp2 on my 55 gallon with an in-line heater, when the temp in the house doesnt change the water in the tank stays within a couple of tenths and it never fluctuates more then half a degree anytime. I have been very please with the filter and my tank stays nice and clean.