Equipment Review and Discussion :: Which filter should I get?

[Krzyspam]

I have an 80 gallon tank and I'm currently running two Aquaclear 110's...not enough. I am reading a bit about the XP3 and XP4. I've read quite a few bad reviews of the XP4, so I'm leaning toward the XP3. Is this strong enough? Somethings I've read said you need a filter rated for a tank twice your tank size...and some people say as much as five times your tank size. Anyone know whats best? I'd like a filter that will get the job done, but won't be too loud...and something reliable. (not to mention something that will fit my budget of around $200) Thanks!

[BullDog]

Mmmm... FX5... 0:-)

I think an XP3 would be sufficient for an 80gal, but an XP4 would be better, although I have no experience with either.
My personal favourite is the FX5. I have one in my 90gal. I got mine on ebay, and it came to $220 with shipping. I think someone else recently got one for $180.
It's a seriously awsome filter with some pretty cool features, but I admit to being biased

The two metrics I have heard, and what I believe in, are:
1. a filter 3x the size of your tank (so for an 80 gal, you'd want a filter rated for about 240 gal, give or take, of course).
2. a filter that pumps 5x the water in your tank in an hour. So for an 80 gal, you'd want a filter rated for 400gph (gallons per hour).

Not sure which is more reliable, and I haven't actually compared filters under one metric versus the other. Probably the biggest factor used in debating is what is available to you.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I have an XP3 and it's wonderful. The motor is very very quiet, barely noticeable at all. As for XP3 versus XP4, the one is just more powerful and contains an additional canister. Oh, and my water is super clear, yay! But I'm also biased ...

[steve]

I replied to your other topic... but it seems the XP3/Xp4 is carrying a premium price these days. That does open you up to other filters in that price range, the above mentioned FX5 and Eheim filters.

[mikee]

Kz-pam -- When thinking about filter/pump size think in terms of gph. The 5 gph or greater exchange duplicates a larger body of water in the wild. I have a 29 gallon tank with a 350 gph and it does a great job. Sometimes we get caught up in the "fish sizing" of filters and they are not nearly large enough. In most cases doubling them is not enough. The five or better will serve you well.

[Krzyspam]

Thank you so much for all your help everyone! The people at the pet store have NO CLUE about turtles apparantly!! If it weren't for this site, my turtles would be very sad.

[Krzyspam]

Mmmm... FX5... 0:-)

I think an XP3 would be sufficient for an 80gal, but an XP4 would be better, although I have no experience with either.
My personal favourite is the FX5. I have one in my 90gal. I got mine on ebay, and it came to $220 with shipping. I think someone else recently got one for $180.
It's a seriously awsome filter with some pretty cool features, but I admit to being biased

The two metrics I have heard, and what I believe in, are:
1. a filter 3x the size of your tank (so for an 80 gal, you'd want a filter rated for about 240 gal, give or take, of course).
2. a filter that pumps 5x the water in your tank in an hour. So for an 80 gal, you'd want a filter rated for 400gph (gallons per hour).

Not sure which is more reliable, and I haven't actually compared filters under one metric versus the other. Probably the biggest factor used in debating is what is available to you.

Now I'm looking into the FX5!! I've found a few people on here saying thats way too strong for an 80 gallon tank. How do you feel about it? Is the current pretty strong? I have two turtles, and one is disabled. He's missing a back leg, and one of his front feet is gimpy. He swims pretty well, but it takes more work than it does for the other turtle. I want a clean tank, and I want the best deal, but I'm afraid it will cause the current to be too strong. Whats your take?

[BullDog]

I know the user goye just got an FX5 for his 75 gal.

I was worried about the flow in my 90 gal when I got it, but when I set it up I realized Frankie is so big, nothing can push her around!

You can turn down the flow on the FX5. It also has two output nozzles, which theoretically cuts the flow in half of what it might be with only one nozzle. In mine the flow is on full, and it is pretty strong.

I'm not sure what to suggest with a turt who isn't a strong swimmer. I don't know how the flow of the FX5 would compare to say an XP3/4.

Maybe there's someone here who has used the FX5 with hatchlings who can help you out.

[N4784N R4613]

Thats a tough one. I have two small RES(sizes in sig) and the current doesn't seem to bother them much. You could definitely make an FX5 work on your tank, and that way you won't need to upgrade the filter when you upgrade your tank. You could aim the output at a corner of the tank, or against a wall, that would disperse all the current nicely. I have both of mine "blowing" down the back wall. By the time the current reaches the front wall of the tank, the current is next to nothing. Just enough to pick up the small particles, and suck them up. This way it pushes all the larger debris(which most of it ends up in the filter, but like left over veggies and stuff) to the front where I can easily net it out. Of course this is with a 240 gallon tank, so who knows what will happen with a 80 gallon?

Your last resort is to partially close the output valve. But, I STRONGLY suggest against this. Not only does it build unnecessary pressure in the filter, it also decreases the life of the pump.

Let us know what you chose!!!

[mikee]

Kz-am -- You can work with the FX5 and make the current flow easily or swift if you don't watch it. You will have to place the suction and discharge in several places and it should work fine. When someone at the pet stores tell you that you just have to double the filter for fish to turtles is just not so. You need much more: at least 5 times as much. I have not a clue how disables the turtles are and you will have to make that call.