Equipment Review and Discussion :: New 75 Gallon. Questions bout XP3 and Powersun

[tenlientl]

Just purchased a 75gallon tank today for my Red Ear Slider. No filter yet.

Anyways. My question is.. Is a Filstar XP2 good enough? The only reason I dont wanna purchase the XP3 is because of its price.. But if XP3 makes a huge difference compared to XP2, then I'll be going for the XP3.

And for the Powersun UV 160Watt ( http://www.bigalsonline.ca/edealinv/ser ... l_nbr=3664 ) .. Would that be the only lighting I'm going to need for heat/uvb? Can I use any lamp or am i gonna need a special one? Another question is.. Is this a good choice for the bulb? Could you guys reccomend a "bang for the buck" kinda bulb if there is one. Ive been in a few pet stores in Vancouver(canada) and ive only seen these ones(i want one that gives heat/uvb.. i dont want a seperate one)

[DavidY]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

A lot of folks seem to like the Filstar filters but most I think go with the bigger ones (XP3 and XP4). There's a thread in the Online Deals forum mentioning a couple of really good deals on the XP3 right now (like $74). Also the Powersun mercury vapor bulbs are very good for UVB/A and heat. They also project the UV rays much further (make sure to position them no closer than 12" from the turtle). I think the 160Watt might be too much. I've used the 100Watt with great success. If you get that bulb, you will not need any others which is another nice benefit. Plust they last longer than flourescent bulbs. I think there is also another thread in the Online Deals forum with a link to a really good deal on MVB bulbs for less than $40.

[SpotsMama]

The XP2 is rated for 300 gallons per hour so it would be plenty strong enough iin terms of power but it only has two baskets for media, which is limiting in my opinion. With the XP3 you get a little more power (350 gallons per hour) but you get three media baskets. I think having plenty of room for filter media is good. Also, if you ever get a bigger tank you'll be glad for the bigger filter. But it's a close call.

On the light bulb, you are correct - if you get an MVB you only need one bulb. But don't get a 160 watt bulb - get a 100 watt flood (not spot) light.

I'd recommend the T-Rex because my turtle likes it so much! He basks probably twice as much as he did when he had a Powersun. Also, the T-Rex is hotter than the Powersun of the same wattage, so you can keep it further away from the basking area which, to my mind, is good. If the bulb is further away it's less likely that the turtle will splash water on it. You really can't have cold water splashing on an MVB because it's so hot it will explode.

Make sure you get a good ceramic-based fixture for your MVB that's rated for at least 100 watts.

[tenlientl]

This makes a huge difference, thanks. Thing is.. I was hoping to get the filter tomorrow because I dont have one that's enough for the 75 gallon. Do you think my turtle can wait if i purchase it online(shipping)?

What is the difference of flood light and spot light? Thanks

[Spookster]

You will want to use the flood light. The spot light directs a narrow beam.

You can go without a filter for awhile. Just do some partial water changes each day or every other day until it arrives. That will help to keep the water clean while waiting for a filter. Once you get the filter you can reduce the partial water changes to once a week to once a month depending on how dirty the water gets/

[tenlientl]

I'll probably pick one up at Petsmart. I saw a coupon in the Deals section. Probably the xP3.

[tenlientl]

Petsmart only carries the 160 watt for the T-Rex bulb.

[DavidY]

Did you try asking them if they would be getting the other bulbs in? They usually carry more than just one size bulb and they could probably get the one you want in a couple of days. Otherwise, get it online. The turtle will be fine for a week or two without UV. Just make sure to put a regular light over the basking area, and if the weather is nice you can take him outside for a walk and some natural sunlight.

If you get the filter at Petsmart, make sure to print out the sale price from their website too and they should price match it for you.

[SpotsMama]

The spot lights are for big reptile enclosures like at zoos where the light bulbs are way far away from the basking areas, so they are super intense, way too much for an aquarium. The floods are not so concentrated.

[tenlientl]

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... wersun&N=2

100 watt. i hate the price. if i order online, it will be the same because i live in canada. i'm still gonna be paying for shipping.

but yea.. http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... wersun&N=2 that's fine i'm assuming?

the rex is at http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... &N=2030051 but 160. ill ask them later about a 100 watt once i go and get a filter tonight. oh yea.

how long will it take for me to setup the filstar xP3?

[marisa]

Depending on how long it takes you to get the hoses on, it shouldn't take that long. The directions are really self-explanatory. If you do have trouble attaching the hoses, warm the ends up with warm water to make them more flexible and easier to stretch on.

[Spookster]

You don't have to order online from petsmart.com. There are other sites that sell things for usually cheaper prices like:

www.bigalsonline.com
www.drfostersmith.com

[ajozwiak]

I highly recommend bigalsonline. I've bought so many things from them! Their prices tend to be cheaper, even with shipping. It always comes quickly and sometimes I get extra random stuff in the box. LOL I also like that they give you points towards free aquarium stuff when you buy from them. Much better than the bag of free dog food you get from petsmart's program, imo!

[camee1991]

I have a Rena XP3, love it and it was cheaper than any ive seen anywhere at Petsolutions.com...and the media. ( the bigger the better with filters and not much more expensive!)

I also get my Powersun MVB 100 watt flood at 4littlepets.com for 31.95 I believe. Not so bad for over a year of perfect lighting.

[pahl]

Hi I am also thinking about getting an xp3 filter, but when I spoke to the guy at the store he mentioned that the fact that the water level isn't right to the top (like for fish) it wont work so well.
However I've seen alot of people say they have them so I was wondering if anyone found the water level a problem?

Thanks

PS my tank is 120g