Filstar XP5

[HarleyK]

I'm receiving my Pro 3 on Monday or Tuesday. Do you really feell the 2260 is a better option?

To me: yes.

The advantage of the Pro 3 is the convenience. Cleaning it (I've done it twice now since Sept 2005) is fast. Pop it open, get the baskets out, hose them down, reconnect just one adapter, and it is running again. Less than 15 min! The last time I did it in the morning before I went to work! That's a record time for me.
Furthermore, it offers dual outlets, greatly adding to complete circulation in your tank without the use of additional pumps.
A plus and minus at the same time: The outlets and inlet are extendable, according to tank height and depth. I had to get some extra pieces for it to reach across my tank But now it is as perfect as it could be Again, it's customizing.

The disadvantage is that the Eheim filter pads do not hold back all dirt particles. (That's why I cleaned it twice already - it was not clogged but the floaties in the tank drove me up the wall). You should use old-fashioned filter wool - that's what I'll add this weekend! Eheim should state that to begin with, I would not have been disappointed. This way, I am pissed that they say their filter pads are all you need. But then, it gives me something to do this weekend, and I like to customize

The advantage of the 2260 lies in the increased capacity for media (other than foam). As stated above, it is the biggest you can go in (non-foam) canisters. It is the same model line as my 2211, and cleaning that small filter was a hassle. But that does not bother me. With 5 gal to media in there, it would go for a year before I'd have to take it completely apart and hose it down. Furthermore, I am sure all particles get trapped in those 5 gal media. It's an old-school filter, a 20-year old design. But I would love it.

The Pro3 is a great filter, don't get me wrong! I just need to figure out the best media combo, and I learned that filter wool is indispensable.

I have no issues with power, reliability, anything. It's the floaties, and the pads Eheim sells for it

Nevertheless: Congratulations on a good purchase. If you use filter wool right away, the Pro 3 will not disappoint you.

HarleyK

 

[Ducati996]

This isnt my setup -mine is under the tank but it shows the 45 degree quick disconnect ball valves. You get an extra one and run your drain hose from the output - it makes for easy and quick water changes, even below level. You have access to all media from the top cover, with the nice and secure and not flimsy clamps. The baskets lift out as one or individual and are surrounded by removable foam (if you wanted to use another media or none at all) and it gives you foam coverage for all the baskets. It has a drain valve one the bottom as well ...
I dont get floaties with the FX5 and even get the option of using polishing media for the water - I havent used it yet since its clearer than anything I have ever seen before, but I will try it this weekend. The polishing media is cheap and is cut to fit the baskets with no blow-by. I use 4 to 6 bags of Chemi-pure (big fan of this), 4 bags of ceramic rings and thats it - havent had to touch it in 2 months....with this filter my maintainence time frame is less than my 55 - or about the same. The 220 gallon emptys faster than my 55 (because its below ground level in a basement), and the filter maintaince is so simple, easy to access you cant put a price on your personal time (at least I cant) so when Im able to save time on one thing, it helps greatly in the quality of life cycle....

 

[Plumber]

I would just like to mention that the feature on the fx5 that can be used to do water changes can also be modified into any canister system with just a few parts from your local hardware store, I did it to my Eheims recently and it works great!
There has been a lot of debate here lately over Eheim and Fluval and would just like to thank you all for keeping it real on this thread Keep up the good work.

 

[Ducati996]

I would just like to mention that the feature on the fx5 that can be used to do water changes can also be modified into any canister system with just a few parts from your local hardware store, I did it to my Eheims recently and it works great!
There has been a lot of debate here lately over Eheim and Fluval and would just like to thank you all for keeping it real on this thread Keep up the good work.

Fluval Includes what you need - you wont find these connectors in any local plumbing supply store - maybe you can find what you need at a plumping supply for Eheim, but not Fluvals o-ring quick disconnect 45 degree flow variable connector

 

[Plumber]

Fluval Includes what you need - you wont find these connectors in any local plumbing supply store - maybe you can find what you need at a plumping supply for Eheim, but not Fluvals o-ring quick disconnect 45 degree flow variable connector

It has nothing to do with the filter itself, it's all plumbed into the return line with a tee and a couple of ball valves, etc. Sorry, I wasn't very descriptive before.