Ebay and filters....

[zackish]

Do any of you think it's a good idea or OK to buy used filters off ebay? or have any of you had any experience with this?
I was mainly looking at the more expensive canister filters.

[cocoa_pleco]

i wouldnt do it used. the canister's motor may be screwed up or something and the seller could just ignore you if it doesnt work

[zackish]

i wouldnt do it used. the canister's motor may be screwed up or something and the seller could just ignore you if it doesnt work

You're right, plus a lot of them were only like $20 less so it may be worth it to just order brand new.
Now I have a filter question in general.
How come I can find some canister filters that can do 300 GPH like a filstar for the same price as an Eheim or a fluval that only do like 100 GPH or something? I know the saying goes you get what you pay for but at the same time it's only a filter and I imagine as long as it works I don't see how it could be really any different.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

[cocoa_pleco]

generally more expensive canister filters come with more media slots and accessories. more expensive ones may come with bio-balls, a spraybar, and extra impellers, O-rings etc. I personally like fluvals. lots of media, affordable, and extremely quiet and they are no work. ive had my 205 on a 20g running for 5 months and have never touched the media

[Drumachine09]

Ive also heard good things about the HOT magnum, and small canister filter used for 30 gallon or smaller fish or turtle aquariums. I want to get if for my 10g salt.

Cannisters are by far the second best filter. The best are Undergravel filters.






lol, gotcha. Cannisters are the best filter, unless you go wet dry.





This is a small one i am looking for:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/23234/product.web

[A340]

How come I can find some canister filters that can do 300 GPH like a filstar for the same price as an Eheim or a fluval that only do like 100 GPH or something? I know the saying goes you get what you pay for but at the same time it's only a filter and I imagine as long as it works I don't see how it could be really any different.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Like most things, I think you'll find that most people are die hard fans of certain manufacturers, such as Fluval and Ehim, etc. Personally, I don't have any experience with canister filters and have heard mixed feelings towards all brands, such as noise levels and ease of use. When it comes to media inserts, I find that most canisters are on the same playing field, so I do believe that quality is the deciding factor in price. Best thing to do is get as much research done and ask as many people as you can about certain makes and models before you buy one.

[zackish]

I was looking at the Filstar filters, the XP series. On dr. fosters the XP1 is only like $70 bucks. I think it does up to 300 GPH and seems pretty nice. I have a 30 gallon tank and I was looking at the fluvals but they were all more expensive and the 205 is only like 150 gph or somewhere in that range if I am not mistaken?
What is considered a good numbher of GPH per size tank on average?
I.E.: Like 100 gph per 10 gallons, etc, etc?

[sergo]

i bought my fluval 305 off ebay brand new for $89 shipped. what a deal!!! i'm looking for another one, possibly a 405 now. you have to be patient to find the best deals. i love my 305 and i'm sure the eheims are just as good but i ended up with the fluval so i'll probably just stay with them.

[Lady Hobbs]

I wouldn't go with used, either. There are stores on Ebay that sell new but you can also search online for the different sites that sell filters.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/

http://www.petsmart.com/ps/main.jsp

http://www.petsolutions.com/

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/Shop.cfm?N=2004

http://www.thatpetplace.com/

http://www.aquariumguys.com/