Equipment Review and Discussion

So, I have read through many threads on canister filters but am still undecided. I've narrowed it down to a few options, below. I have a 90gallon tank I have been keeping near full-- 85-80gallons -- but this is b/c I've been running 2 Aquaclear 110s and the water level needs to be high for them to prime-- I think I'll only keep it 2/3-75% full w/a canister. My budget really should be under $200, as I have a lot of expenses right now and also need to get a new heater, dock, and UV sterilizer--however, I am looking at the FX5 as all the reviews seem to be amazing. For reference, my turtle is probably about 10" long, full grown adult. I will be buying off amazon as I have a $100 giftcard.

Most important factors, in order of importance:

1. Price
2. Price and availability of media (ideally available at petsmart...)
3. Ease of use (set up/prime/clean)-- I am not technically inclined
4. Filtration ability/power

Fluval 406- $158- rated up to 100 gallons, flowrate 380gph

Penn Plax Cascade 1500- $143- rated for up to 200gall tank, stated flowrate 350 gph

Filstar XP4/XL- $173- rated for up to 265gall tank- stated flowrate is 350gph- I have heard the intake tube can come loose and for some people has sucked in a turtle's leg, which is scary. Also read you can glue the tubes together to prevent this

Aquatop 500- $173 w shipping- rated for up to 175gall tank, stated flowrate is 525gph, has 9watt UV sterilizer, less widely reviewed by turtle owners

Fluval FX5- $250- rated for up to 400gall, flow rate 900gph- has best reviews out there

Any advice would be much appreciated!!!!

FX5!!

What is needed to start up the FX5? Does it come w/the 6 foam pads and or the blue pad? How much carbon/biorings do you recommend buying? I want to get this shipped and set up next asap as I'm going on a weeklong trip the Sun. after next and am worried my current filters wont be adequate.

Fluval 406- $158- rated up to 100 gallons, flowrate 380gph

Take that off of your list. Its 100 water gallons its only 55 turtle gallons. If you look at the filter media thread it will really give you a good breakdown on "turtle gallon" ratings for each of the filters. The FX5 is going to be your best bet. Yes its a little higher than your price range but honestly for $240 its still the best deal out there. The media for the FX 5 really should be available. In the box it comes with the foam filter pads but you will need to buy the bio media (its all universal) and the carbon also universal mostly.

Also in the long run with the FX5 you won't have to clean as often.

How many L's/grams of bio rings do I need to start w/the Fx5?

I think 5 boxes of them would be enough. Maybe 6 just in case

Have you checked this thread out?

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145

This might be helpful...

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&tbo=d&q=+s ... 00&bih=799

nurseturtle wrote:How many L's/grams of bio rings do I need to start w/the Fx5?

Full disclosure statement: I have a 55 gallon tank with a fluval 406 and a refugium, so I have no practical experience to draw on, but from what I have read and researched in preparing for a larger tank, I do agree the FX5 is probably the biggest bang for your buck.

That said, you don't need to buy expensive fluval biomedia. The FX5 holds 6 liters of media, some of which is going to be carbon. Seachem makes claims tha their Matrix media can denitry as well as nitrify. Fluval biomedia certainly works. But, from what I've read, any ceramic media will provide locations for nitrifying bacteria.

If you are in a budget, I'd still recommend the FX5, but save money ont the carbon and biomedia by going cheaper. When you are flush with cash again, you can always replace with name brand, if you feel the need, but I'm not convinced it is worth it.

I own the FX5 and use it in a 40 gallon breeder tank. Don't know about the other filters but I really like the FX5!

The current champ is the FX5

Allright guys I ordered the FX5 and the rec'd media! I will let you know how it works out

If you don't like it I will buy it at half price :roll:

Considering your bio load and the NEED for dwell time, an FX3 would suffice for your setup. Depending on how you want to setup your media, flow also goes into account with simple modifications you can get an FX3 to flow, and turn over your tank 4 times an hour. That would be optimal for your setup, and insure that your water is getting enough contact time with your biomedia to get your parameters optimal. Even with a turtle to much flow can be less beneficial, with to much flow you don't give your bio media enough time to work. If I where you I would go with an FX3 with CLAWS modification for your 90gal. You can google CLAWS's filter threads on Autstin turtle pages, or turtle times. I use his advice as the filter bible haha. good luck OP with your filtration. Mods/steve hope it wasnt bad to suggest another forums advice, I know CLAWS lurks on these forums so maybe he can add his 2 cents in

Do you mean the XP3? I agree it will suffice for OP's needs, though it's not far from FX5 territory. My two XPs are still going strong and have not shown any signs of slowing down. We don't have rules about linking to other sites, please feel free if you think it will add to this thread.

I also have a 90 gallon tank. I originally had a Filstar XP3 but it bit the dust after some power surges but by that time it was already not performing as well as day 1. I replaced it with a Fluval FX5 and it has been going strong for probably 6 years now with no problems whatsoever. If I had to choose again I would choose the Fluval over Filstar everytime. From an engineering perspective it's just a better design. The way the hoses attach to the tank are fantastic and impossible for the turtle to remove and dual adjustable outlet nozzles are nice. It has a nice big intake grill which works quite well at sucking everything in.

Equipment Review and Discussion :: Best bang for my buck: Filter recs for RES in a 90gall tank

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