Equipment Review and Discussion :: filter woes

[taylormaid]

Hi
I currently have two RES in a 70 gal. tank that I keep about half full. The Zoo Med 501 that worked in my smaller tank can't really keep this one clean, so I recently tried to upgrade to a Fluval (305? 405?) Anyway, I couldn't get it running. When I called the manufacturer, they gave me advice that they claim has worked for other turtle owners...but didn't work for me
Anyhow, I returned it to the store & have decided to do a little more research before going through the hassle of another large, expensive filter.
I have read a lot of postings about the Filstar XP3 & am considering trying it out.
Here is my question about the Filstar -Is it compatible with turtle tanks? If not, what adjustments do I need to make on it? Are they easy to do?
My turtles & I really appreciate any advice

[missibsu]

I have the xp3 and love it.I didn't make any adjustments. Just followed the directions and set it up. I have heard of people setting up the spray bar and turts standing on that to escape, so just be aware that it could happen. I have a 75 gallon and it keeps it sparkling clean. Good luck and I recommend that one!

[taylormaid]

It is good to know that there are no adjustments needed.
Thanks for the quick relpy =)

[missibsu]

Not a problem...I didn't mention that they are really quiet. Especially if you can get the spray bar under water

[steve]

You may be having difficulty getting the filters running because of your water level. Both the Fluvals and XP3s work well with turtles. Since they are canister filters, you need to manually prime the filter to get it going. IMHO, the XP3 is easier to prime and easier to clean/maintain. You will have a slightly more difficult time to prime the filter if you keep your tank on the floor. I didn't have to make any 'special' adjustments either and I second Missibsu's recommendation.

[taylormaid]

Yes, when I called Fluval they explained that a section of the intake (uptake?) valve has to be completely underwater & it was designed for a tank that is completely full of water. (my tank is about 1/2 full)
The csr suggested using an aquarium safe sealant on two sections of the tube that are out of the water to make them air tight -I tried this, but it still wouldn't work. I was able to manually prime the filter, but when I plugged it in... the filter was running, but nothing happened.
My tank is on a stand that is about 3' high, so height shouldn't be a problem.
I am going to try an XP3 tomorrow...and keep my fingers crossed =)

[Spookster]

You can't go wrong with the XP3. I use the spray bar with mine and I have my tank most of the way full so the spray bar is underwater and I point it up towards the surface of the water so it keeps the surface of the water agitated. Anyways it is silent, easy to clean and prime and works great. No adjustments necessary. Just follow the directions for setting it up. I have pictures of mine set up in my turtle gallery.

[TNTurtles]

I actually have to take the xp3 back, i got a 50 gallon stock tank and the xp3 has to be a minimum of 2 feet below the water level. I wish i could keep it but since it works with gravity i guess its a no go. I was looking forward to not having to clean it that often =).

[cam722]

I believe there are others who use the XP3 that don't have it the recommended height below their tanks.. have you tried it to see if it will work?

[TNTurtles]

no b/c if i try it, i cant take it back, and i want that $150 back if it doesn't work. The 50 gallon stock tank is a lot longer and lower than the 100 gallon. the 100 gallon goes more vertical than horizontal. Its only about a foot off the ground.

[steve]

Yes, when I called Fluval they explained that a section of the intake (uptake?) valve has to be completely underwater & it was designed for a tank that is completely full of water. (my tank is about 1/2 full)
The csr suggested using an aquarium safe sealant on two sections of the tube that are out of the water to make them air tight -I tried this, but it still wouldn't work. I was able to manually prime the filter, but when I plugged it in... the filter was running, but nothing happened.
My tank is on a stand that is about 3' high, so height shouldn't be a problem.
I am going to try an XP3 tomorrow...and keep my fingers crossed =)

The intake is the part that sucks in the water. It has to be completely submerged on all filters or the motor will burn out and become a hazard. The out take nozzle on the Fluval (not the XP3) should also be submerged to help with the priming and getting air out of the filter.

TNTurtles, if the filter is not above the tank, then it should work. If it is still a concern, is there a way you can elevate the tank?

[Spookster]

no b/c if i try it, i cant take it back, and i want that $150 back if it doesn't work. The 50 gallon stock tank is a lot longer and lower than the 100 gallon. the 100 gallon goes more vertical than horizontal. Its only about a foot off the ground.

Take it back anyways and go buy it online you can get it for $50 cheaper at places like www.bigalsonline.com or www.drfostersmith.com

I think a few others on here have their tanks sitting on the floor with the XP3 and they said it worked fine. I seem to recall the only problem they might have had was priming was a little more effort.

[TNTurtles]

well we got an aquaclear 110 to sit on the edge of the stock tank, it seems to be working fine. It just barely sits snug on the edge tho and we have to put a few books and stuff underneath of it just in case. No there is no way we could elevate it, my dad doesn't like that idea. I already tried suggesting that. The top of the filter would actually be above the water level. With the aquaclear we actually had to use a rubber tube b/c the straight plastic one would hit the lip of the tub b4 it hit the water. I'm a little afraid that they might get sucked up to it and not be able to pull away. I put the xp3 near the tank so you could see it...the top of the canister is as tall as the box. Another big problem is that nothing suction cups to the tank, so the spray bar would be a little bit of trouble.

[cam722]

Oh my goodness.. I was checking out your setup pictures and it looks good btw.. but your turtle is so darn tiny and adorable..

I have the same filter on my 75 gallon tank and I've never had a problem with my water quality. Based on the gph ... and the 3 times the size rule, to me it seems that the 110 should be sufficient for your tank. It filters 500gph.. so that's turning over a full 100 gallon tank every hour as opposed to other filters. The XP3 only does 300gph.. I've had questions regarding the need to upgrade for quite awhile :

I know that some don't like them because of the waterfall but since I'm not one of those.. just saw no need to go spend 3 times the amount on a filter that doesn't do as much gph.

[marisa]

The pic looks good! I'm surprised that the Aquaclear fit on the rim without any adjusting of the filter or Rubbermaid. What kind of tubing are you using on the intake?