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Why not go with the Eheim pro II systems? Much better quality, easier to work with, and much more surface area for biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration media.

Some of the users do use the Eheim. I personally went with the xp3 because I had heard a lot of good things about it and it was available. I have never seen the eheim products on the shelves here! Not sure what that means either, lol.

Ah yes, I understand. I don't know what it means either. I just bring it up because of the quality. As an aquarium service tech. I've found the eheim to be an extremely reliable system. They are far from inexpensive, but compared to some of the nightmares I've seen with Fluval canisters it's worth the extra cash. I've had limeted experience with the XP's, but they always kind of reminded me of the Fluvals so I've stayed away.

No one here is knocking Eheims, but price is a big issue. I have both a Fluval and an XP3. Since my turtles likes to make a big mess, I have to thoroughly clean my filters once a month. XP3s are much easier for me to clean, though I do like the Aqua-Stop on the Fluvals. My Fluval also leaked frequently and is no longer in use because of a broken lever. If I ever need a new canister, I will most likely go with the 2028.

I had a fluval before the xp3. It came with the used tank that I got. It lasted all of a month before the level broke. I think that was a flaw in the design. They have since be redesigned, but I still see the older models on the shelves here. I find that the xp3 does a much better job of keeping my water clear than the fuval did. Despite the redesign, I will probably never go back.

The XP3 is a great and reliable filter for a good price. I've had mine for over a year now and have not had one single problem and it still works as good as the day I bought it. It keeps the tanks crystal clear and is easy to clean. Why would I not say good things about it?

Sounds like the XP is worth checking out. How is the media placement set up inside the canister? Are there baskets or multiple rows for cartridges? Eheims are quite expensive, but I think the quality and ease of maint. is hard to beat.

The XP3 has 3 stackable baskets. The foam goes on the bottom basket or any basket you want, unlike the Fluval where it goes on the side. I have no doubt that Eheims are good, but the XP3 is very reliable for mechanical + bio filtration.

Yeah you can put alot of media in it. I've got the foam filters in the bottom basket and some activated carbon pouches in the middle basket and the ceramic bio media in the top basket. The self priming feature makes it a snap to restart after cleaning. The cleaning itself takes me probably 10 minutes. I clean it once a month but that's only because I am using some microfiltration pads which require monthly replacement. I am going to try for awhile without them and see if the quality of water remains. If so i'll put some more ceramic bio media in it to fill up the unused space. The bottom foam filter requires cleaning too but usually not as often.

I am brand new to canister filters, but after reading good things about the XP3, I got one and set it up to run about three days ago. It cost about $100. I consider myself mechnically handicapped but was able to set it up and get it going all by myself in one evening! It worked perfectly the first time I turned it on, is totally silent and hasn't had a single problem yet. Time will tell if it remains problem-free but so far I am very pleased....and RELIEVED!

SpotsMama wrote:I am brand new to canister filters, but after reading good things about the XP3, I got one and set it up to run about three days ago. It cost about $100. I consider myself mechnically handicapped but was able to set it up and get it going all by myself in one evening! It worked perfectly the first time I turned it on, is totally silent and hasn't had a single problem yet. Time will tell if it remains problem-free but so far I am very pleased....and RELIEVED!

That was one of the first things I noticed about. I had to actually put my ear against it to hear it running.

Our turtle loves the spray bar too. She likes standing on it. I have it underwater and pointing up so it's like a turtle jacuzzi.

Thanks for the info. on the XP, I appreciate all the feedback. May I suggest Seachem's Matrix as an alternative for the bio-rings? This will also help to anaerobically remove nitrate along with the ammonia and nitrite. Seachem also produces a product called Purigen which is a good carbon replacement, it outperforms carbon and does not leach off phosphates as does carbon. Phosphate hinders calcium uptake.

xp3 are great so are eheim canister filters but i dont use neither of those i have a aqua clear 3060 and it has been great itsa a hang on filter and my tank is very clean

i also put lava rocks as a filter media along with the filter carterige and the bio foam pad and it has been great for my 2 hatchlings and 10 minnows

The XP3 was put on the market to compete with the Fluval, and really caught on with turtlekeepers. When I was contemplating what filter to buy, it was between the Eheim Pro 2028 and the XP3. The XP3 won out, partly due to it's price (and when I went to order the Eheim, which was on special, it was currently out of stock). I used the XP3 for 2 and a half years, and it worked well during that time without any major problems. One thing I didn't like that much is the inflexibility of the tubing, and the fact that the pieces that fit together on the one I have become prone to letting in air over time. But, it is a good filter for the money.

FishTechNH, I recently bought some of Seachem's spherical carbon (it was on clearance). Seachem claims it doesn't leach out phosphate like other carbons do. (A marketing ploy?)

friscogiants, what is the AquaClear 3060? I have two 110's, but have never heard of the model you mentioned.