Equipment Review and Discussion :: Question about canister filters - before I order one

[johnney5]

I'm about to order the Filstar XP3 for a tank that i'm planning on buying (it's going to be between 55 and 80 gallons). It just occurred to me when I saw someone elses tank, that these canister filters operate through a cutout in a glass tank.

I'm guessing the cutout is absolutely mandatory, huh? I actually haven't seen many tanks that have the cutout.

My turtles are getting big they really need more room, but I need to stop putting off the purchase of a new tank! Can I just ask at a petstore for tanks with the cut-outs for filters?

Thanks.

[jenaero]

Here's my canister (fluval 404). The intake and output hoses just go over the top of the tank. There's thingys to hold them in place

[steve]

The tubes on the XP3 normally go over edges. You do not want to get a tank with a cut-out and ironically they are marketed toward turtle keepers.

[marisa]

The filters don't operate through a cut-out, the intake and output pieces are suctioned to the sides of the tank and go over the top, connecting to the tubing, which connects to the canister.

Get a regular tank---wider and longer is better than taller---you'll be able to fill the water level higher, and therefore will be able to use the tank longer (more swimming room for your turtle).

[johnney5]

Thanks so much, I'm ordering the Filstar and getting a tank asap. The one's I saw today weren't exactly what I was looking for.

[michealangeloskeeper]

How well does that canister filter do? I just got an XP3 and read in the booklet that there needs to be 24inches between the water line and the top of the filter and my tank is sitting almost on the floor just like that one so I'm wondering how good or if it will work. ...

[octpusgirl8]

I've heard of people using them on stock tanks sitting on the floor, they said that it sems a bit noisier but worked fine.

[marisa]

I used to use one sitting on the floor beside a stock tank (before that it was used as the mfgr intended). The filter is noisier and much harder to prime, and using it that way will ultimately shorten the life of the motor because it has to work harder. It will filter the tank well, but works best below the tank as it was made to do.

[Blue Flamingo]

Were are you ordering it from. You could also order a stand. Or you could make one Iv'e seen people make a stand out of cinder blocks an board look around you might find some good ideas.

[octpusgirl8]

I made the stand for my 75 gal tank, the materials cost me about $80, but i overestimated how much i needed of a few things, it would have cost me more like $60 if i bought only what i needed.

[johnney5]

Interesting. I think I will run into this problem too, as i've ordered the XP3. I'm thinking of some solutions maybe i'll eventually get to post a pic of the setup.

Thanks.

[DavidY]

Hey Steve, have you considered organizing "Group Buys" from some of the online vendors here on this site? I think it would be cool if we could get all of our members a discount if we all ordered from the same vendor. I've heard some online vendors will do that sort of thing for clubs and organizations.

[Daniel3507]

thats a really good idea David.

[steve]

Hey Steve, have you considered organizing "Group Buys" from some of the online vendors here on this site? I think it would be cool if we could get all of our members a discount if we all ordered from the same vendor. I've heard some online vendors will do that sort of thing for clubs and organizations.

I've wondered if one of the larger retailers would "sponsor" a site like this and offer discounts but I've never seen it done. With the way deals are discovered these days, its hard for a retailer to beat it.

[DavidY]

If you take a look at one of the Saltwater Reef sites that I visit sometimes,
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/index.php
they sometimes will contact an online vendor and get them to give forum members a discount if they place their orders by a certain date and mention a coupon code or something. Usually one of the site admins will negotiate a deal with the vendor and then announce it. More often though it's a group buy where a group of local hobbyists split the shipping and have a combined order sent to one person's house. But that wouldn't work for most of us.