Equipment Review and Discussion :: Canister just cracked and flooded room

[tbirdie]

Our Rena XP4/XP XL just cracked and flooded the room again. I was posting about the issues we were having with it filtering out debri (the bottom basket always seeming clean etc). We just cleaned it out last week. It wasn't flowing much today, so I went to unplug it and look at it again, and the whole thing cracked open and flooded the cabinet and immediate area.

Why does this keep happening! We clean it regularly, and this is the second time this has happened. I don't know if Rena will replace it again or not. Am I buying another XP4 or am I trying something else? I'm really frustrated and now I don't have a filter until Monday.

I have a 75G tank and a female RES.

[Kansasslider]

If its an older model i dont know why. If its newer its because their Chinese Junk! I had one break the impeller and the outer case broke. Got it replaced under warranty and sold it! They should replace it. In fact I would come unglued if they didn't. I would buy a fluval. I'm a huge fan of the FX6. The FX5 is ok but the 6 is better.

[tbirdie]

The impeller broke and then the case broke? This one was a replacement from last year when it broke! It was the canister cracked then too. I can't remember if they replaced the impeller then or not. I just cleaned it, including the impeller, and the water looked AMAZING for two days... and then this. I am so frustrated. I've only ever used Rena... XP3 and XP4 (or XP L and XP XL). If they won't replace it, I'm buying something else. I have no point of reference though... on what I should get or what I should do now.

How old was yours when it broke? Did you have trouble getting them to replace it?

Do you think I can use the head of the XP4 (assuming I can get it running) on an XP3 canister until I get this squared away, or do I run the risk of another busted canister all over my floor?

[Kansasslider]

Sorry I was editing when you replied. Mine was under warranty. Can't remember just how old? Read my first reply.

[Kansasslider]

I have no idea if the can be interchanged? Not sure I would risk it?

[steve]

That really sucks. You can try to see if it will fit/leak and go from there and make sure the rings are lubed. Hope there was no serious damage. I also vote for the fx filters.

[Kansasslider]

Rings are lubed. My gf laughed about that! Hehe

[tbirdie]

Thank you for your replies! I didn't notifications, but I was checking back hoping that someone has responded.

I was looking at the FX models earlier, but it's been so long since I shopped for a filter. What would be the best size, FX5 or 6... Or fluval 405 is something different too, right?

Currently my filter is under my tank, but there is not a lot of vertical room left. Do you think any of these would fit? I don't really have anywhere else to store it because the tank already take up most of that wall.

[tbirdie]

Sorry for the typos. I'm on my phone.

[steve]

@tbirdie - It can't be on the outside of the stand?

@Kansasslider - I couldn't think of another way to say it

[Kansasslider]

The fx 5 & 6 are the same filter. The 6 is the new model. Its a large filter. Think 5 gallon bucket size. I'm not sure how tall the 406 is?

[tbirdie]

Ideally no, there isn't really room along the wall, but I guess if push comes to shove... I"ll have to empty out the tank and move it so there is room for the filter. Seriously want to avoid that, but such is life.

How does the 406 and the FX6 compare? Does it at all?

If I buy the FX6, can I reuse any of the filter media I have here? Would I need to buy any extra filter media initially? I'm going to place an order at Big Als today for whatever we decide on. Thanks again!

[tbirdie]

Also why am I lubing rings? LOL

[Kansasslider]

I have never owned an 406 but the price for the fx is about $130 higher. The fx pumps a lot more water and turns itseelf off twice a day to let built up air out. Lube is to keep the o rings from drying out and cracking.
The 406 circulates 383 gph
The FX6 circulates 563 gph
I think the 406 is about 20" tall with hoses connected.

[tbirdie]

Thanks for all your help, Kansas. I went ahead and ordered the FX6. The 406 seemed borderline backwards progress from the XPXL.

Do I need any additional media to get it up and running, you think?