Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filter Upgrade Time

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Post Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 4:32 pm   Filter Upgrade Time

Howdy folks!

Been awhile since I've poked around here, but thought I'd drop in with a question. I'm finally upgrading my poor turt to a 55 gal tank. I've had it for awhile but small apartment living while in college didn't allow me to set it up, so my sweet babe was stuck living in a 35 gal. :( I know, I know, judge me if you wish, but with her dramatic growth and my new living conditions after graduation, we are finally able to properly accommodate her to a more appropriate living space and I'm looking at new filters since my 75 gal filter will no longer be appropriate.

So, my choices I've been browsing are the Fluval 406 (naturally...lol), the Penn Plax 1500, and the Marineland c530. I am on a bit of a budget (you know, lovely student loans and all) but I don't want to end up with a piece of junk and have to toss it and buy something new within a year or so. You know?

If anyone can offer advice on any of these brands, your experience, pros/cons, etc...I'd greatly appreciate the help, as would Marie. 8)

Thanks much and I look forward to hearing what you have to say! :)
marie_09
 
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Post Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 6:34 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

I'd narrow it down to the Fluval 406 or the Marineland c530. If you can manage it, get the Fluval FX6 instead. It's a bit more but still considered a great value for the performance. I still have a couple of 10 year old XP3 filters and I will get the FX6 when it's time to replace them.
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steve
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Post Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2016 8:36 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

One thing may be of help to you. On Black Friday I think petsmart will be having their Filters 50% off. So there you go. :D
kiwi
 
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Post Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2016 9:19 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

That'll be amazing :D
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steve
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 12:45 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

Steve--Thanks so much for the input. I don't know if I'll be able to swing an FX6, but it looks AMAZING! She will likely be in her 55 for awhile until we upgrade again. She really should be in something even bigger probably due to her size, but she's been surviving well in what we have so she'll probably have a stroke with all the space in a 55. lol. I'm hoping once we get our house we can eventually do some kind of a pond set up for her, either indoors or out I'm indifferent, but I'd like to provide her with an amazing space and then just have a tank inside for our cold MN winters. She loves to be outdoors so I bring her out whenever the weather permits in the summer. She runs around the yard with a little pop up flag so we can keep an eye on her. haha.

Kiwi--Thank you for the heads up!!! I'll be sure to watch the sales!
marie_09
 
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2016 11:47 am   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

If the FX6 does go for 50% off, I'd get it and worry about the bill later. It'll easily be suitable for the next tank upgrade after the 55 gallon, so you're just jumping ahead :)
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steve
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2016 6:02 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

It's no secret around here I'm a huge fx fan. After many years they are still running strong. I actually own 3. One fx6 and 2 fx5. I really like the fx6 better than the 5 but that's only because it shuts itself off twice a day to let air out and the 5 only does this once a day. Good luck on your decision.
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Kansasslider
 
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Post Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 3:47 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

Thanks for the input Kanasas! Yes, if those FX go 50%, for 179 bucks, you can bet your booty I'll be buying it! :lol: :lol:
marie_09
 
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Post Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 7:18 pm   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

Ha, I didn't realize they make an fx4? But here it is... A little pricy. ..
http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/pro ... 12316-_-P2
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Kansasslider
 
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Post Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2016 11:24 am   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

Petsmart has the FX6 for $170.00 + Free shipping. Online!!!!!
http://www.petsmart.com/fish/supplies/f ... 16924.html
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Kansasslider
 
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Post Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2016 11:36 am   Re: Filter Upgrade Time

Yeah, the FX4 not really worth it, even at 50% off.
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steve
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