Equipment Review and Discussion :: 135 gallon

[scripta_elegans]

I will be getting a 135 gallon tank in Febuary, does anyone have a recommendation on filters? I was planning on getting 2 XP3's, but is there a better option? I do believe it will have a single turtle in it.

[Kallistos]

You could use 1 XP4 instead. If you really want to overkill than there's the Fluval Fx5

[marisa]

Someone here recently bought an XP4. Hopefully, they'll post their impressions of it.

[Pizza]

I don't know about long-term reliability, I've only had my xP4 running for a little over one week right now, but so far, it is doing a fine job keeping the water clear and odourless. My tank is too small for my four turtles (all mature, 7-11 inches each in a 90G, will upgrade when I find the space and money), but considering how much waste and skin shedding four turtles does in one day (I didn't have the filter running for the 1st week, had to do daily water changes), it really works.

With the xP4, I only need to do a water change every 1-3 weeks (I assume, since the water is still clean right now). The fourth media basket is a good thing (I put in more Chem and BioMedia), allows for more complete filtration, and is easy to set up. I've never owned another Rena xP filter before, but I assume that it is also quiet and efficient as its predecessors. However, it still retains the trouble of putting the tubing on as the earlier models, I ended up greasing my tubes to get them to fit. Unless this is standard in all xP filters, the 1st day, it will be slightly noisy, since it doesn't fully pump out all the air in the filter (the little air bubbles in between baskets and such), but after that, it's as silent as a mouse.

But if your funds are good, I'd recommend getting two xP3 filters instead, since dual filtration is better than one, six media baskets (3 from each xP3), plus you can have an intake and output on each side of the tank, meaning faster, even better filtration as compared to having one intake on one side, and one output on the other.

I also had the opportunity to purchase an FX5, but I declined for the xP4, since for one thing, it's cheaper, not to mention hearing that Rena has an easy maintenance quality product, compared to Fluval Filters, which are more prone to breakage (even the new "improved" models), and their replacement parts are semi-hard to find. I also prefer the transparent canister of the xP, you can see what's going on, with the FX5, you can't see immediately if there's a problem going on. Then again, the FX5 looks unique compared to previous Fluval models, so it might have a new way of filtration, but I'd stick to Rena if I don't have the time to test and return if I find a problem.

Eheim is the best brand of filtration there is, high quality, but is also very expensive (Up here, the top model cost 3x that of my xP4, and I think it only has 3 media baskets, correct me if I'm wrong).

[steve]

I'm running an XP3 and an AquaClear 110 for a 125 gallon tank. I keep them at opposite ends of the tank and both are pretty easy to clean. I'm a bit weary from my first (which is also my last) Fluval. Other options would be an Eheim canister or even a small pond filter (I wonder if it will be easy to divide the intake tube...)

[scripta_elegans]

I was think that a filter on each end might be a little more effective. The 135 is 72 inches long, and I've noticed that the XP3 in my 75 gallon, which is only 48 inches long, seems to work extremely well at the end with the intake, and well, but not as well, at the other end. I hate to admit that I didn't know a filter intake could be divided. that could work too. If we don't look at cost, are 2 filters better than 1 bigger one?

[Kallistos]

Is the 135 gallon 72 inches x 12 inches? I asked this question before and most people said that something 24 inches wide would be better...


AGA makes a 120 gallon that's 48x12. The reasoning behind it is that the turtle can turn around easier, therefore it can swim longer..."never ending" some may say

[Pizza]

I think two filters are better than one, considering they aren't two really small filters, since you get double the filtration at the same time, two inputs, two outputs, twice as much media filtration.

[scripta_elegans]

72" by 18" by 25"

[turtledudee]

hey i have an XP4 and i can tell you, its a really good filter for the price i got it for ($150)
Its quiet(IMO) and doesnt use alot of energy, plus its cheaper than 2 XP3's(If you look) but its your choice

[steve]

Scripta, the intake division suggestion was for a pond filter. Hopefully, with the right tubing and fittings, it should be possible to create multiple intake tubes. The output could also be split or used with something like a spray bar. Granted, 2 filters will create better circulation but this might be a cost effective and time saving filter. If I were to have an outdoor setup, I would definitely consider it.

[scripta_elegans]

It is a really good idea Steve! I will look into it further I think.

[marisa]

Depending on the pond filter you buy, you can get an intake that doesn't need to be divided. The intake area can be quite large...