Habitat - Indoor :: Lets talk about Canister Filters

[Cim*Forever]

My dream set up is a bow front 120 gallon tank and gorgeous stand, right now I am calculating how much time I have to save up and set up an aquarium such as this.

So, I have been researching canister filters and I just want to know what your guys' opinions are on the brands of canister filters. Rena? Fluval? Eheim? What do you guys use, what do you guys recommend, and why?

Any thoughts and comments are appreciated Thanks!

[packfan1]

I just got a Rena and I love it. The canister filters are so much nicer than anything out there. Yes they are spendy, but well worth it. As it was my first canister I had no real reason other than price to decide between a rena or a fluval; which I believe are the two most popular brands.
Do your research and make a choice as most people here use mainly one of those two brands.
Just be sure you get one that pushes out 5 x your water of your tank, I think that is the right amount.
Good luck!

[BullDog]

I recommend the Fluval FX5. I got one for my 90 gal this year and I love it. It's self priming, which makes things easy. You can also use it to drain the tank. It can drain about 75% of the 90gal's water in about 4 minutes. It's got lots of room for media. It's also got two output nozzles... So I have one aimed to the floor of the tank and one to the surface.

Anyhow, I'm hooked on it, but there are certainly many high quality filters out there

[Spookster]

I'd suggest the Fluval FX5.

I had an XP3 in my 90 gallon for a couple a years and it just kept getting weaker over the last year. Bought an FX5 in the past couple of months and there is no comparison. It beats the XP's hands down. A month after installing it my tank was as clean as the day I installed the filter. The FX5 is also alot simpler to use in many ways. With the motor and impeller on the bottom you don't have to fill it all the way up before you turn it on like you do with the XP3. Matter of fact the FX5 is designed to fill itself. You just need a little bit of water in the bottom to cover the impeller. Also with an extra hose you can attach it to the extra nozzle the FX5 has and drain the tank and filter. You can also do a partial filter cleaning from that as well without having to shut everything down and tear down the filter. It's a much smarter and better filter for the price.

[mat012]

I have an Eheim 2217. It doesnt self prime but this wasnt difficult at all. Also you only have to do it once. It is absolutely quiet. I do not hear a thing. Water quality is excellent. My levels have been great. I have sand as substrate so I have (after two-three weeks) cleaned the fine and carbon filter pads. Again no problem. I know some of the other canisters are said to be easier, but I have not found this to be difficult at all even without the bells and whistles. You would need to go up a model, or run two for the tank size. But I recommend these highly. The price is good for the quality.

Two drawbacks: poor written instructions (but if you can work from pictures you are fine); filter accessories and parts are not carried by the local pet stores. I have to order online so getting new filter pads, etc will take a little longer.

[Take-One]

I do not have a canister filter, but I would recommend a Fluval FX5 from what I've read.

[TheBean]

I have the same Eheim that mat012 does haven't got a chance to use it but maybe that day is today. I'll keep you updated.

[Cim*Forever]

Ah I should have made this a poll

Alrighty guys, thank you for all your replies. I have read great things about the Fluval and Eheim, but I think the FX5 does sound really good, and its price is about right (doing the math on the gallon intake). And it would be nice to only need one filter (2 out put hoses, how perfect??)

Either way bean please keep us updated (Im sure you will in your other post right?)

Thanks again all

[TheComputerGremlin]

I have a Rena XP3, and although I have no experience with other brands, I think my filter is excellent. It's easy to set up and use and parts are available in regular pet stores and online. I haven't had to use it on anything but a 40 gallon tank so far, but my tank has been pristine for the last 6 months. It was the best purchase I've made. But meanwhile, I think everyone's experience will differ depending on what filter they have. Some people have had a great time with Rena, others a bad time. Same with Eheim and Fluval. I think the key is to know when something is amiss so that you can get it replaced or repaired, rather than suffer with a filter that just happened to be a lemon. I'd say, if you are looking towards the future, save the money up for a filter first and just keep looking for sales. Even if you have a filter sitting in a box waiting for the tank, it's not like the filter is going to go bad sitting there. Then the tank can come as you can afford it.

[mat012]

I agree with gremlin, save up and get the best filter you can afford. This was the best purchase I have made. I have a vet friend who told me to never set up a big (bigger than 10-20 gallon) tank. She kept telling me how hard it was to clean, what trouble... clearly she treats cats and dogs (haha). My tank is very clean. She was shocked.

The canister filter and the python - two must haves! Oh and the turtle! Good luck and have fun shopping.

[TheBean]

I agree with gremlin, save up and get the best filter you can afford. This was the best purchase I have made. I have a vet friend who told me to never set up a big (bigger than 10-20 gallon) tank. She kept telling me how hard it was to clean, what trouble... clearly she treats cats and dogs (haha). My tank is very clean. She was shocked.

The canister filter and the python - two must haves! Oh and the turtle! Good luck and have fun shopping.

BWAHAHA!!!!!

Guest: "WOW! What a BEAUTIFUL aquarium! What do you have in there?"
Owner: "Water."

[BullDog]

Be sure to check ebay if you're looking at the FX5.
You can usually pick them up brand new for about $200 including shipping. This compared to $300+ in the stores!

[Chrisbarnett]

Guest: "WOW! What a BEAUTIFUL aquarium! What do you have in there?"
Owner: "Water."

!

Seriously though, I have an XP in my 55 gal, and I love it and all, but for a tank of that size, I would definitely say the FX5 would be a kick butt filter.

If I was to get a tank of 75 or more, you could bet I would be wanting the FX5 from recommendations of other members, as well as what I have read about them.

[octpusgirl8]

I have an XP3 on my 75 gallon tank, and i'm thrilled with it. The FX5 seems really amazing, but at the time they had the XP3 on sale for about $75, so i couldn't really justify buying the Fluval. I think what it comes down to is that if you're trying to go all out, get the FX5, but know that the XP3 will totally get the job done if the Fluval is too expensive for you.

[mat012]

And it would be nice to only need one filter (2 out put hoses, how perfect??)

I was fueling eminent insomnia by looking at filters and had a thought. You may want to consider two filters. I know they are more maintenance, but one of the advantages I have read about was that you can stagger clean up. Clean one after three months - the other after 5 or so. That way always have a good colony of bacteria in your system. There would be no need for cycling the tank. Dont even know if this would be necessary but could be helpful.

That said - the FX5 looks great!