Fluval or Aquatop

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J

Jmart159

Piranha
MFK Member
Jul 13, 2009
1,142
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Tampa, Florida
I just bought a new tank. It's 7x2x2 which I believe is 209 gallons. Now, I need to get some filtration. I'm just trying to decide if I should get 1 FX5 or 2 of the Aquatop 500s. What do you think? Here is a little info.

FX5:
aquariums up to 400 gallons
Self-starting
Equipped with Click-Fit Connectors for quick set-up and leak proof maintenance
AquaStop Valve offers an air- and water-tight seal permitting hosing to be disconnected without breaking the vacuum
High capacity canister filters 925 gallons per hour
3-year warranty

Aquatop:

4+1 Stage filtration system
525 gals/hr
Suitable for tanks up to 175-gallon
9-Watt UV sterilizer
Extremely quiet
Includes UV Sterilizer to eradicate algae spores and harmful bacteria

The prices would work out about the same. So, what do you fine hobbyist think I should do?
 
+1
 
I agree with aclockwork. 2 fx5s would be optimal. From what I gather, aquatops are hit and miss. Some people love them and some people hate them. I have both Aquatop(400) and an FX5 and would recommend the FX5. Aquatops are not bad but not as good as the FX5.


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I have not user either of them,but I agree that more gph are needed than what 2 of them would move

from cel
 
I own and currently run both. I had to replace the motor on my FX5 after a couple years, I know some people have great luck with them and some people share my experience (I maintained it well too). It's still a nice big decently built filter with a lot of flow.
My aquatops (I have a 500 and two 400s) are all running strong but the UV bulb has burnt out in two of them. I don't know if water is getting in the bulb assembly and screwing with it or the bulbs are just lower quality. Their input and output assembly feels a little cheap but the filter and pump itself seem quite solid.


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Unfortunately, right now I don't have the cash to get both so it is either two of the aquatops or the 1 FX5. I do plan on adding all of my HOBs for a little extra filtration though. Also, the tank is drilled but I've never set up a sump before. So, I've been steering away from building one yet since I'm renting. So, my question still stands. Which do you think would be the better option, 1 larger filter or 2 smaller?

PS Thank you for all the replies. Plans to add filtration are in the works and all advice is taken into consideration.
 
Jmart159 said:
Unfortunately, right now I don't have the cash to get both so it is either two of the aquatops or the 1 FX5. I do plan on adding all of my HOBs for a little extra filtration though. Also, the tank is drilled but I've never set up a sump before. So, I've been steering away from building one yet since I'm renting. So, my question still stands. Which do you think would be the better option, 1 larger filter or 2 smaller?

PS Thank you for all the replies. Plans to add filtration are in the works and all advice is taken into consideration.
Click to expand...

I would go for the one FX5, but would try to add another one sometime in the future then.


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