Looking for good filtration that won't break the bank.

[sincebeen]

Okay. I think the XP3 has 3 trays. What would be my best layout in the trays for the most effective bio filtration?

Do you think I can still use both for my filtration without needing to upgrade?


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The XP3 uses 19W, which is less than 1/3 the power used by the FX5. I'm having trouble finding the media tray specs for the XP3 but it looks like they're close to that of the FX5s. The FX5 does have a bunch of foam surrounding the media trays which gives it a much higher total filter volume, and it does filter at a higher rate.

You would probably be good for a long time with just the XP3. Put pillow stuffing in the bottom tray (the first tray) and something like Matrix, Biomax or Substrate Pro in the other two trays.(my preference is Matrix).

Your water parameters will tell you when it's time to add more.

 

[oscaroo]

I think I am going to stick to canisters! But do I go for fluval fx5 or rena xp3????


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They are both big filters. Odviously the fx5 is much larger and more powerful. It really depends on the size of the tank and the bio load. I have never had an fx5 but i have seen vidioes on them and they seem really cool and they have decent reviews. I personly have an xp3, it is a great filter but barley comparable to an fx5. If you tank it less than 150 gallons i would do an xp3 and 1-2 large HOB filters. If you haven an aquarium that is 150-240 gallons I would do an fx5. You could also team them up... Fx5s are kinda pricey so you could do 2 xp3s instead of an fx5 wich would save a few bucks... But the savings would not be huge unless you got a good deal on xp3s...

 

[cbr600]

They are both big filters. Odviously the fx5 is much larger and more powerful. It really depends on the size of the tank and the bio load. I have never had an fx5 but i have seen vidioes on them and they seem really cool and they have decent reviews. I personly have an xp3, it is a great filter but barley comparable to an fx5. If you tank it less than 150 gallons i would do an xp3 and 1-2 large HOB filters. If you haven an aquarium that is 150-240 gallons I would do an fx5. You could also team them up... Fx5s are kinda pricey so you could do 2 xp3s instead of an fx5 wich would save a few bucks... But the savings would not be huge unless you got a good deal on xp3s...

My new tank is gonna be 500 ltrs which is big in the uk lol! So the xp3 will be enough! Thank you all for the info!


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[Mythic Figment]

you can get an xp3 api filsar from that fish place for 115 dollars plus 8 dollar shiping(8 dollars were I live) Maybe a little over buget but they are good filters. Then in 6 months when you have money you can add 1-2 large HOBs... On ebay you can get 2 sun suns for 100 dopllars and free shiping but i have never had one. They have mixed reviews but i have never owned one...

This is very tempting. My options are to get the xp3 and wait a few months to get the AC110. Or I can get the two sunsuns and then either add an AC110 or add an xp3 and move one of the sunsuns over to my other 55. This is all assuming the sunsuns will hold up and last me a while. That is where I get nervous. SunSuns have mixed reviews while the xp3s have mostly good reviews. Argh!!


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[oscaroo]

Your welcome it may be nice to team the xp3 with a large hob but you could get away with 1 xp3

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[Mythic Figment]

Your welcome it may be nice to team the xp3 with a large hob but you could get away with 1 xp3

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I definitely would pair the xp3 with an AC110 if I go that route. But the more I think about it from a money stance, the more those two 264 GPH sunsuns start to look better. I am so indecisive at this point. LOL


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[sincebeen]

Are you reading anything we're saying? Lol.

Get the XP3. Use any left over money to by awesome bio media.

I get it though, I over-think things too. As we speak I'm building a new sump out of a 44G plastic food safe garbage can.

 

[IAMTHOMAS]

Build your own sump! Get a used tank. Aesthethics arent a problem as long as it doesnt leak!

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[Mythic Figment]

Are you reading anything we're saying? Lol.

Get the XP3. Use any left over money to by awesome bio media.

I get it though, I over-think things too. As we speak I'm building a new sump out of a 44G plastic food safe garbage can.

Yeah, I definitely over think things. LOL

Thanks for the advice. It does make more sense to trust my fish to a good brand that has a reputation for making a good product.


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[Mythic Figment]

Build your own sump! Get a used tank. Aesthethics arent a problem as long as it doesnt leak!

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I would actually prefer that, but the space under my stand is lacking. I just don't have room to put it anywhere under the stand or outside the tank. The largest spacing I have underneath is about 18". Too small for anything except a 10 gallon and that won't be nearly enough filtration.


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