Rena?

[Drumachine09]

I have found an add that will get me the rena XP1 for 80$. Is it worth it?

[Fishguy2727]

No. I don't think Renas are that great, and I definitely would not pay $80 for an XP1.

[Drumachine09]

Well, they want 109 at the store.

Any particular reason why you dont like them?

[Fishguy2727]

I have always used Fluvals and when I have looked at the Renas and talked to people who have used them, they seem cheaper and just not as good as Fluvals. I like deeper trays for media so the water doesn't just zip through it. Renas have a shallow tray and Fluval's is deeper.

[Drumachine09]

I have always used Fluvals and when I have looked at the Renas and talked to people who have used them, they seem cheaper and just not as good as Fluvals. I like deeper trays for media so the water doesn't just zip through it. Renas have a shallow tray and Fluval's is deeper.


Ok, so ill pass on the rena. But, if i were to save up for a different filter, what is the cheapest cannister that will handle my 55 with the assistance of a large HOB?

[tropfish]

if you havent already tried it dr.foster and smith has alot of canisters

[Fishguy2727]

I would not settle for just enough with a large HOB, I would go with whatever you can afford. I would put a Fluval 405 on there, it would be worth the wait to save it up, and worth the money.

[Drumachine09]

I would not settle for just enough with a large HOB, I would go with whatever you can afford. I would put a Fluval 405 on there, it would be worth the wait to save it up, and worth the money.


Thats pretty much all i can afford though. Im a broke percussionist. Im sure Jeff and GM72 can sympathize.


So what would be a moderately sized/priced Cannister?

[Algenco]

Big Al's has the XP1 for $59
I have an XP3 that I'm very pleased with

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1380028/cl0/aquariumpharmaceuticalsrenafilstarxp1canisterfilte r

[Fishguy2727]

What is going in the tank? What HOB are you planning on?

[Drumachine09]

What is going in the tank? What HOB are you planning on?


Ive been told i understock. I have:

1x green severum (4" at the time being)
6x albino corys
5x mediium tiger barbs
1x rubber lipped pleco (even though i never see him)

I was PLANNING on the second largest aquaclear, because the largest one is as expensive as a small canister filter.

If i ever get any more fish, it would probobly be 2-3 albino corys, or maybe, MAYBE another green severum. But i severly doubt i would get another.

[cocoa_pleco]

i dislike renas. fluvals are the best. the largest aqualcear is the best HOB. i got mine with the 33g and it has okay flow

[Chrona]

Basically anyone who owns a particular brand will tell you the other's suck. There are just as many happy people with Renas, Fluvals, Eheims, etc. There's not such thing as "best" filter as there are so many variables to consider.

[Drumachine09]

Basically anyone who owns a particular brand will tell you the other's suck. There are just as many happy people with Renas, Fluvals, Eheims, etc. There's not such thing as "best" filter as there are so many variables to consider.


Indeed. Well, i guess ill just go with what i have, because i can no longer afford the rena. Silly me, i blew $40 on SW stuff today. Oh well. Maybe next paycheck.

[Lady Hobbs]

There's a lot of filters out there that have much to say about them in their ads. Cascades, Marineland and Rena's all talk the talk but in all honesty, I would stick with what good results you've heard from others. I could have bought a cheaper canister 100 times by now but I have to agree with Fishguy. Don't get the cheapest but the one that will do the job or you've wasted your money.

[Chrona]

There's a lot of filters out there that have much to say about them in their ads. Cascades, Marineland and Rena's all talk the talk but in all honesty, I would stick with what good results you've heard from others. I could have bought a cheaper canister 100 times by now but I have to agree with Fishguy. Don't get the cheapest but the one that will do the job or you've wasted your money.

People have gotten good results with Renas, Marinelands, etc etc. Like I said, for almost any given product, there will be people who praise it and those who hate it, especially for canister filters. Hungryhound and Algenco, for instance, have had no issues with Renas. Who here has actually complained about a particular brand after using it? Of course you can go and buy the most expensive canister, but is it really needed? If it does the job required for less, then why not put money elsewhere, and in so many cases, cost of the item has nothing to do with the quality. Obviously at least get a name brand, but Eheim and Fluvals can be considered the "premium" filters.

[hungryhound]

As Chrona said, I have experience with the Renas. I bought one about four months ago and liked it so much I bought a second last month when I set-up my shrimp tank. I have no experience with any of the other brands, but I have no complaints with my Renas.

My advice would be to research all the different brands, weighing cost, as well as pros and cons of each. Choose the one that you're the most happy with, otherwise you will end up regretting your decision, as it's always easy to find a flaw when you settle.

Good luck in your search!

P.S. I wouldn't put an Xp1 on a 55g. I would go to at least an Xp2 or Xp3.

[marcryan11]

Look at petsmart's website. You can get the xp3 for 105 bucks. the xp1 is less, but you can't filter as well since it's only one basket