Equipment Review and Discussion :: Help to choose the filter

[Fernando77]

Hello everyone

I will soon buy an aquarium of 100 gallons and need a new filter for my current filter can barely support my current 6-gallon aquarium. I think I will use 75 gallons of water in the new aquarium. My turtle is a Turtle-Tiger Waterline (Trachemys dorbigni) very similar to the American Red Ear. It has 6 months of age and 0.25 ft long (carapace length). In the new aquarium will have only a platform for basking, some artificial plants and no substrate background(such as small stones and sand).

I'm thinking of three canister models:

- Fluval FX5: Searching I found that's a Great Fluval FX5 filter for aquatic turtles and I'm thinking of buying it even though he is quite expensive. It does not come with the Biological filter media which makes it a bit more expensive still (siporax will use as biological media, it is good?). I read that the FX5 is a large flow of water that can generate a strong stream of water in aquariums like mine and that this can be a problem for the turtle. I also read that some users have solved this problem by placing an object such as rocks and logs across the output of the filter or water turning the water outlet of the filter to the corner of the aquarium. This is valid? really work?
The total cost of it is R $ 1,816.00 (Brazilian money), which includes the filter, 5 boxes siporax ("ceramic" biological) 1L and 2 packs of 100ml Purigen. The Fluval FX5 is very expensive in Brazil, if I choose I bought it on e-bay or some other store. The media I buy here. Once the filter is not warranted.

- Eheim Classic 2217: I have read great reports about it but most users with a fish. He is not as potent as the FX5, however at half the price of the FX5. A salesman suggested I buy 2 of these models rather than the FX5. But honestly the price would be the same with a 10w economy. Maybe I'm wrong, but I do not think this is a good idea. What do you think?
The total cost of it is R $ 1,091.00 which includes the filter (which already comes with all the media) and 2 packs of 100ml Purigen. Following the suggestion of the salesperson 2 sariam filters for R $ 2,182.00.
The Eheim 2217 I can buy right here, he has 2 years warranty.

- Eheim professionel 3 2075: I believe it is an improved version of the classic 2017. He is 30% more expensive than the 2017 classic. I honestly do not know if it is worth the price difference, I hope you can answer that. With it also comes included with all filter media. I read a topic VeipaCray member that it is suitable for aquariums up to 75 gallons and is my aquarium will have more or less maybe this is a good option.
The total cost of it is R $ 1,428.00 which includes the filter (comes with all the media) and 2 packs of 100ml Purigen. The Eheim 2075 also buy here and it has 3 year warranty.

I would like your opinions about these filters and which one would be best for me.

I forgot to mention the dimensions of the new aquarium:

Length: 130cm (51.18 inch)
Width: 45cm (17.72 inch)
Height: 65cm (25.59 inch)
Glass thickness: 11mm
Total capacity of water: 380L (100 gallons). But I think first of using only 292L (77 gallons).

What do you think?

*Sorry for my bad english, I'm from Brazil and my english is not sharp.

[PridgNYC]

I would go with the fluval FX5, it is what I use in my 75 gallon tank, and the currents are no problem at all for the turtle. I point one outlet along the back wall of the tank and the other into the front left corner, and my turtle loves it. You can also turn down the flow if needed, but it is better to have more filtration than needed than not have enough. It will also work if you ever upgrade to a bigger tank.

[austinl01]

I agree.

[Fernando77]

Sorry for posting in the wrong place, the moderator could please move my topic to section Equipment Review and Discussion.

[VeipaCray]

+1 FX5. I wouldn't worry about the strong current from this filter. Most turtles love it. You could always dial it back a bit.

If you can buy Eheim Locally for less than the FX5, the best eheim filter to get is the 2262. If the eheim is LESS than the FX5, definitely get the eheim 2262.

[Fernando77]

I thought that 2262 also VeipaCray, but after a little searching I gave up on him because of his electrical consumption, the 2262 consumes 80W .. that's a lot to an outfit that is on 24 hours, his younger brother, the 2260 consumes 65W. I consider the FX5 high with through its 51W. The filters I mentioned topic in 2217 is the cheapest, but it takes two to make a good filter, as it consumes less than 10W to would be to have a lot more work in maintenance and cleaning.

The 2075 caught my attention for having a good performance and a conssumption are only 16W or 18W. However its a topic you have suggested that 2075 be used for aquariums up to 75 gallons. As my tank will be around 77 gallons of water started to consider the 2075 too. The problem is that in 2075 I found nothing about him with turtles, in fact I even found some negative reports from users of the older models. I wanted to know more about the 2075.

About FX 5 I have no doubt that is an excellent filter for turtles, but I am afraid for not guarantee it will be purchasing outside of Brazil. Here in Brazil it is even sold, but for an absurd price and with just 90 days warranty. Who has the FX5 could tell me about the keeping of it, what parts wear out and need replacement and how often?

[VeipaCray]

I've had my fx5 for a year now with no issues. Fluval has definitely made their fair share of crap in the past, but the fx5 is a very good filter.

The 2075 is a current model filter. It's in the pro III line. For some reason, people
Like to hate eheim filters, so take with caution what reviews you get online. The pro III is a solid filter. The two negatives are the price and that the pro III line holds less media than it's equivalently priced classic series counterpart.

[Fernando77]

One thing I do not understand:
Because the 2217 is rated with a filtering capacity less than the 2075 if it holds more media? I know the pump 2075 is more powerful (and still more economical), but the most important factor in filtering is not the quantity and quality of filter media? I ask because I currently have an external filter HF-0400-Atman (up to 76L) which came from the factory with those plastic plates for fixation of the bacteria (in my opinion crap), I always thought the weak filtering, the water was very cloudy fast. I put in a bottom of the filter pack of 35g mini-siporax. The difference was brutal, the water is cloudy now only if my turtle eats too much protein (those little fish and shrimp) or leave a few days without doing the partial water changes.

As you mentioned really be careful with the reviews that are on the Internet. After a lot of research I came to following conclusions:

- Rena XP3 or 4: Even I would buy one because it is much cheaper than other filters. But here in Brazil they are only sold without any support. It is very hard to find spare parts. Among aquarists Brazilian views on so Rena filters are divided between those who love them by price and by claiming that they hate poor quality and lack of parts.

- Fluval 405: I read many bad reports on the 404/304, especially on leaks and accidents due to power outages. Because of this I found few reports on the 405, I believe that many people avoided buying the filters after the Fluval 04 series. But I still found some good reports and other reports neutral. With this in mind and looking at the prices decided it was better to invest in an FX5 or Eheim filter.

- Eheim: seems to be the best manufacturer. The classic line of filters has a great reputation for durability. The PRO-III has an electrical efficiency is incredible in comparison to other filters. The two lines are highly praised for doing a quality filter without moving much water from the tank, which seems to be great for planted aquariums. But what struck me is that these praises are made by fish hobbyists. I have few reports of Eheim filters with turtles.

- Fluval FX5: It has an excellent reputation among the creators of turtles. It is also noted as an excellent cost benefit in relation to Eheims. Especially in 2080, many aquarists say is the best filter on the market. However the 2080 has a very high price . From what I read and learned so far FX5 seems the best choice for turtles. However here in Brazil it costs much more than a 2075, I believe this happens because of the importer and reseller of Hagen in Brazil. Here it is sold with 3 months warranty while the Eheim is sold with 2 (Classic) and 3 (PRO-III) year warranty.
I imported it is much cheaper, but without warranty. In my opinion three months and no warranty is almost the same thing. I probably will decide the FX5 because the cost benefit of it is very attractive.

Sorry if I'm being annoying, but because of the cost of the filter I really wanted to get the choice. Although I say 70% decided by Fluval FX5, I still would like information on Eheims with turtles, especially the models 2217 and 2075. The 2075 energy efficiency has a lot of attention, because for a device that will be on 24 hours is something to consider.

[VeipaCray]

I would avoid the XP3 / XP4 if I were you. It appears that they are being phased out. Many of the local stores in the US have stopped carrying them in favor of that awful API nexx filter.

The 405 isn't a bad filter, I have an 05 series on my wife's cichlid tank. There were 3 generations of 04 filters then the 05. The 05 is a decent filter, but the biggest is the 405 and it's not really practical for a turtle environment. The bypass media design isn't the best.

The FX5 is a solid filter. I use this filter on my turtle setup as do many others on this forum. The 2080 has a very high price in the US as well. That's why we all buy the FX5 instead The 2080 is a fantastic filter, but really expensive.

The eheim classic filters will last 20+ years if maintained. They are some of the best filters you can buy. They are somewhat difficult to clean (old design) but last seemingly forever.
The eheim pro III series are newer and do not have the track record of the classic series. The eheim pro II had issues.... LOTS of ISSUES. The Pro III seems to have addressed them, but many people are shying away from the Pro III. The classic series 2262 and 2080 are the same price. I'd get the 2262 knowing the longevity of the classic series.

The filter ratings are a combination of water flow (tank turnover) and media capacity coupled with internal filter design efficiency. The ratings on the filter media thread are guidelines and not hard rules. Obviously the size of your turtle and the amount of waste it produces are a critical factor. The ratings on that thread are based largely on manufacturer specs and what user experience / data I have been able to collect so far.

You're not being annoying at all. I enjoy the filter conversation and hope these posts in some way are helpful.

If it were me, I would pick in this order...
1. FX5
2. Eheim Classic (I'd choose the proven record of this model over the energy efficiency of the pro III)
3. Eheim Pro III

[Fernando77]

VeipaCray your posts are very useful, it is great to talk to someone with experience in the subject.

Yesterday I came in contact with the petshop where I usually buy my home town and talked to him about my choice for the FX5, then he made ​​me this offer, complete an Eheim 2080 but with a cheaper ceramic R$2.211,00 including 3 year warranty . Did the math and came to the following values:

- 2 x 2217 = R$1.922,00 / 2 year warranty / annual electrical cost: R$165,84

- 2080 = R$2.211,00 / 3 years warranty / annual electrical cost: R$103,68

- FX5 = (in Brazil) R$1.891,00 / 3 month warranty / annual electrical cost: R$207,36
= (Imported) R$1.641,00

It is a good business to invest more in 2080 to recover the consumer up front? would take 5 ½ years for th 2080 paid the price difference. Taking into account that a well cared turtle reaches 15 years or more would not be worth this investment in 2080?

[VeipaCray]

Keep in mind that neither the 2080 or the FX5 come with media.

Honestly picking between the 2080 and the FX5 is a decision you need to weigh out. You can't go wrong with either filter. They are both very good.

[Fernando77]

Greetings to all ... the project out of the paper at most the end of this month!

Here we go:

Aquarium: 130cmx45cmx65cm (LxWxH) / Glass: 10mm / 100 gallons / 75 gallons effective. (I'll send it to Tuesday)

Basking: I will do it within the aquarium system platforms with a gap. I will use 5mm glass for it.

Filtration: I could not find a reliable store for spare parts FX5. I decided to invest in Eheim-2080.
The filter has three baskets plus a pre-filter foam (like it). I will use as follows:

First basket: ceramic rings, 100ml Purigen and Perlon (acrylic fine wool)
Second basket (middle): ceramic rings
Third basket (bottom): Foam 30ppi (pores per inch)

Biological media: 6 liters. Initially I will use of ceramics common (cheap) and later I will be gradually replaced by siporax.

Thermostat(heater): Initially I was willing to buy that Visi-therm Stealth, but after the recall of Marineland he disappeared from the market, it no longer includes the manufacturer's website. I'm in doubt between these two heaters.

SERA 300W with grid protection: I found a good price here in my town, however the manufacturer's website sucks, mixing languages, does not load the pages (it seems to me that did not finish building the site). On the site I have a bad impression of the manufacturer. I do not know if there are many products will be sold in the U.S. But here in Brazil and Europe is a very common brand.

EHEIM JAGER 250W - From what I've been researching it looks good, if it's electrical efficiency of the filters of the brand I give myself satisfied. Being built with a more resistant glass also is a plus. With manufacturer's specifications I could use a heater 200W, but as it's cold in my city, I think the 250W model would be better. I read reports that it is completely submersible and others that he is not. Ask seller for something in my city is complicated, most do not know what is selling.

I never saw my turtle playing on the heater, but once in the winter morning I found the heater dropped to the bottom (I leave it attached to the wall of the aquarium). In winter, sometimes my turtle was "embraced" in the heater, I think she must have slept that way and overthrew him. But as there is a risk over time, when my turtle is bigger, it breaks the heater by accident. so I'll see a way to "hide" the heater (I'm accepting suggestions).

[VeipaCray]

Get the Eheim Jager Heater. Verv very good heaters and many of us on this forum including myself are using them. I've had eheim heaters for 20+ years and never a problem with them.

See this post for media setup in the 2080. It sounds like you're planning the media in the wrong order. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145#p288918

The prefilter foam is the first the the water passes through. The next should be the chemical media in the bottom basket then the middle and top baskets should be your bio media. You want the water to go through the chemical media before the bio media to keep the pores of the bio media as clean as possible. This will cut down on your filter maintenance.

I would also ditch the perlon wool... it'll clog quickly and slow down the flow rate of your filter unless you replace it very frequently.

[Fernando77]

Thanks for the attention you have given me VeipaCray

I was putting chemical filtration (Purigen) in the wrong place.

Correcting this:

The water passed through the first pre-filter, which although it has 1.5 liters of foam I think necessary to increase the mechanical filtering. If I'm not mistaken the water after passing the pre-filter had the first basket the bottom, then the second basket and the basket in the first order basket. so my idea is this:

First basket, ceramic rings and polishing pad.
Second cart: ceramic rings
Third basket (bottom): foam (the same type of pre-filter) and Purigen

I do not know, but the polishing pad seems to be too fine, she probably will saturate quickly. My idea is to change the polishing pad by another foam thinner than the pre-filter. What do you think VeipaCray?

[VeipaCray]

No problem..

Yeah that new configuration looks much better. You don't need the polishing pad or anything after the bio media. The top basket can just be ceramic rings and nothing else.

Also, not sure if your water supply contains chloramine (not chlorine). If you have chloramine, you either need to filter that out before you add the water to your tank or you'l need to add some carbon along with the Purigen. Chlorine will just evaporate out by itself... nothing special we need to do to remove chlorine.