Canister Filter Question | 1 larger vs 2 smaller

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Cookinit

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 13, 2009
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Minnesota
So I'm in the market for a 100-180 Gallon tank and I'm mapping out what equipment I want to get so I can keep an eye out for specials and clearance items.

My question is, I have planned on using canister filters, would like to spend $250 or less on filtration. With that in mind what would work out better - 2 smaller filters (rated for 90-100 gallon tanks) or one larger unit that's rated for the tank size I end up purchasing?
 
I have a 125 and all I use to filter is an XP4. I have 5 piranha and a pleco all of which are very messy eaters and my water parameters are never off. I guess it depends on the stock of your tank. For $250 I hear you can get a FX5 shipped from ebay or you can build your own sump. That amount of money would buy a great pump and the rest could be used for a DIY sump. You said you wanted to stick with canisters though so I'd recommend a FX5.
 
i would suggest 2 samller ones
you can do maintenance on one and keep the other running

but it also depends on the bio load
so better get 2 big ones instead
 
Howdy,

I like the clean looks of just one tube in and one tube out. I hate clutter in my tank!

HarleyK
 
if you buy a quality filter you should not have to worry about it breaking imo, fx5 or a top model eheim would be my choices, with the fx5 winning out. I would get an fx5 and a ac110 or two and you should be gold
 
you may have a tough time spending only $250 on filtering a 150-180 gallon tank.

big tanks require a fair bit of filtration esp when fully stocked.

I run twin Rena XP3's and an AquaClear 110 on my 150g.

if you chose to go with just one filter, the FX5 is probably your best bet, but that may be more than $250 used I think. In my area, they are $400 Canadian brand new, used would still be at least $250..
 
Both options are feasible. I run both ways and never had a real problem YET. I do recommend that if you go with just one high capacity filter that you ether keep spare parts on hand should you need them or a good backup filter if something does go wrong.
 
Two smaller. If one dies it's not an emergency, unlike a single filter, and servicing requires less attention to detail if timed properly as even if you disturb one colony of bacteria, the other is going strong.
 
What about 1 XP4?

Planned Stocklist: 2 x GT, 1 x JD, 2 x Severums, + Giant Danios

Never used a Canister, so thanks all for the help.
 
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