Habitat - Indoor :: Fluval FX5 or Reina XP4?

[Congelata]

Hey all!
So planning on getting a new filter for my tank and I need some suggestions.

I need a filter that can do 125 gallons for the future and was checking out both of these.
Price isnt a huge concern since I was expecting both to be very expensive.
Anyone have pros and cons of both filters?
I dont fully trust amazon's reviews.

Thanks!

[VeipaCray]

FX5 hands down.

I have both filters running on my tank right now. The FX5 runs circles around the XP4.

The XP4 won't do much past a 100 gallon turtle tank.

Here's our filter sizings and recommended media load:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145

[Congelata]

Yeah I worked 120 hours these past two weeks so I think I will pick up the FX5. I was reading someones comment about the water level. Currently I do not fill the tank fully. Is is recommended to fill the tank all the way up or can I fill the tank half way and still get the same filtration quality.

Thanks for the help!

[Kansasslider]

I use the FX5 on a 40 gallon breeder. It was 2/3 full now its full Its a great filter I have no regrets buying it.I bought mine on E-bay. They also have aftermarket filter pads and such really cheap. I also plan on a big tank that's why I bought the FX5.

[VeipaCray]

You can fill the tank if you have an ATBA. As long as you provide a place for your turtle to get completely out of the water and under the UVB lamp, then the more water the better. RES are avid swimmers and they love the water.

[Congelata]

Yeah I need to build an above tank basking area. Still trying to decide what to build it out of. I was thinking pvc pipe that is weighted at the bottom so it doesn't have to hang off the side of the tank.

[CactusJohn5]

after all the issues i have had with my fluval 305 i am skeptical of fluval's quality control, and for over 200$ the fx5 has many reports of bad seals and parts failing rather soon. On the other hand it is rated as one of the top filter in most marketplaces.

[VeipaCray]

I've had Fluval 04 and 05 series filters. I've had issues with motors burning out and other plastic pieces cracking. Upon reviews from others I took the plunge with the FX5 a few years ago for my turtle and am glad I did. I can tell you the FX5 is unlike the rest of the fluval product line. It's well built and a solid filter. I think many others on this forum will testify the same.

What the reports of the seals failing don't tell us is
1> was it user error
2> was it acquired as a used or refurbished product?

Unfortunately it's the nature of people to rant about an issue when they experience it. A few negative experiences are brought to light overshadowing the vast number of positive experiences.

If you're not a fluval fan (and I completely understand why you wouldn't be with their past filters), then there's always other choices like the eheim 2262 for $400 or the eheim 2180 for $480. There's also a plethora of pond filters and the DIY route as well. What I'm trying to say is bang for the buck.. it's really hard to beat what you get in the FX5 at that price point.

[CactusJohn5]

Exactly VeipaCray, the negative does ring out, and like i mentioned the MAJORITY of reviews are positive, i will be getting an FX5 when my 305 finally burns up, but for now i will keep replacing the main seal every couple of months, lol

[VeipaCray]

I haven't had to replace mine in almost 3 years now knock on wood. I do apply some food grade silicone (acquired cheaply at a local beer brewing store) to it about once a year during one of the maintenance cycles.

[Congelata]

Thanks for the advice!
I think I might just bite the bullet and buy it off amazon.
It is being sold by some dude called "Big Als online" for 300 though

[VeipaCray]

Big Al's is an online petstore. Very reputable. bigalspets.com I order from them all the time.

[Congelata]

Holy. Crap. This thing is huge. I totally didn't read the dimensions. I can't put the canister directly under the tank since there isn't an area to thread the hose. Can I put the canister on the left or the right side of the tank while attaching the hoses to the end of the tank?

[devilduck]

You can put it anywhere as long as it is lower than the tank.

[Congelata]

awesome! Thanks