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Post by charden on Oct 2, 2011 21:42:16 GMT -6
Well would the xp4 be as good as the fx5? The rena is a bit cheaper. Would that be too much load with the 400xp4 and the xp4?
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Post by charden on Oct 2, 2011 21:42:59 GMT -6
Oops meant a 400 and an xp4
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 2, 2011 21:47:22 GMT -6
Don't think the XP4 could compare to the amount of filtration you would get with an fx5. The fluval is definitely the bigger filter and capable of a heavier bio load. The xp would be cheaper, smaller and easier to clean although the fx would need cleaning less frequently.
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Post by signde on Oct 2, 2011 22:06:44 GMT -6
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Post by signde on Oct 2, 2011 22:12:37 GMT -6
Don't think the XP4 could compare to the amount of filtration you would get with an fx5. The fluval is definitely the bigger filter and capable of a heavier bio load. The xp would be cheaper, smaller and easier to clean although the fx would need cleaning less frequently. nailed it. i did A LOT of reading before i purchased an fx5. i think i read forum posts and reviews for the better part of a week straight of different canisters. what i found is that experienced hobbyists inevitably liked them the best of any options. consensus is that eheim are better filters because they offer more surface area. having said that they have slower flow rates and are considerably more expensive. differences of opinion will always exist but the majority feel that not many canister filers can measure up to the fx5 for the price. |
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Post by bnoel210 on Oct 3, 2011 6:38:56 GMT -6
Not trying to steal the thread, but the best thing that came out of the swap yesterday was when my wife sat in on the filtration speach. Now she wants me to get canister filters for all of our tanks. More reading and more questions to come since i dont know much about them and i need to get one for 2 55g, 72g and a 125g
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Post by signde on Oct 3, 2011 6:41:13 GMT -6
Not trying to steal the thread, but the best thing that came out of the swap yesterday was when my wife sat in on the filtration speach. Now she wants me to get canister filters for all of our tanks. More reading and more questions to come since i dont know much about them and i need to get one for 2 55g, 72g and a 125g lol i have plenty of canisters but it made me question why i don't move to sumps |
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Post by bnoel210 on Oct 3, 2011 6:49:04 GMT -6
I know NOTHING about sumps, but since i have only been serious about this hobby and only keeping cichlids since Feb of this year i think im learning alot pretty fast
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 3, 2011 8:28:09 GMT -6
If you like quiet, canisters are king. Sumps are easy once you get them installed and running. Don't want to say maintenance free, but if you reach in and grab the filter pad and rinse it or change it a couple times a month you're home free. More biological surface area than any canister you could find IMO.
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Post by rickl on Oct 3, 2011 9:27:52 GMT -6
Sumps take alot more effort up front, but it seems like they will take a lot LESS effort once you're rolling. I was actually planning to do a sump on my 29 but the swap meet was bearing down on me so HOB it was! I suspect that once you go sump, you don't go back. I've got glass drills for 1/2" and 3/4" bulkheads, so I really have no excuses for my next tank! (the $40 40br from petco is calling me, I'm trying really hard to resist)
-Rick (the armchair aquarist, finally starting to DO instead of just read for a change)
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 3, 2011 9:36:32 GMT -6
IMO sumps are best for larger tanks (75+) but I suppose you would put one on something like a 29. They are a little more work to get going yes, but after that, I'd say easier than canisters maintenance wise.
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Post by bnoel210 on Oct 3, 2011 9:53:45 GMT -6
There is drilling involved in sumps correct?
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Post by rick on Oct 3, 2011 9:54:17 GMT -6
i have the fx5 VERY pleased!
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Post by bnoel210 on Oct 3, 2011 9:59:32 GMT -6
I think ill prob just stay with canisters. What is the smallest tank you would put a canister on. Should i run a canister on a 55g growout tank or just stick with sponge and hob for that?
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 3, 2011 10:10:52 GMT -6
A pre-drilled tank is the better of the two routes when it comes to sumps. The overflow/hang on boxes work fine but are a little more of a hassle. Those are used if you are just wanting to add a sump to a tank that is not drilled.
You could go either way on a 55. A canister would do great work. I always like two filters of some type on my tanks. Maybe a sponge and a canister?
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Aug 14, 2013 6:59:33 GMT -6
Aug 14, 2013 6:59:33 GMT -6