FX5 OR FX6 OR EHEIM 2080
- Thread starter BBxB1
- Start date
I’m an eheim guy. They are designed to optimize beneficial bacteria growth in the filter. That’s why they have slower flow rates compared to fluval. For a big bio filter I’d always go with eheim. You don’t buy a filter for water circulation. You take care of that with a wavemaker. If disagree with Harley, their biggest model can handle a 125/150 gallon tank no problem. You will want more circulation though.
Many many people use FX6s on their 90gal or similar tanks and I read no complains about not having enough media. Some even use sub-par media and still gets the job done, it seems.
I agree with you, bio-media is good, but what's the reasonable required bio-media for such a tank? Would a 20L of bio media be 3x "better" than a 6L? And what is better in having much more media if apparently nitrites and ammonia are zero even with cheap bio in many fx6/5(s)?
On fluval's side, it's doesn't seem to be just the circulation, but flow + much more mechanical filtering, for catching that nasty poop.
I'm just starting up my new cichlid tank and stuck on what filter to order
I see either Eheim fans or Fluval fans, both parties defending what they already own and, ironically, both parties being very happy with their products
I agree with you, bio-media is good, but what's the reasonable required bio-media for such a tank? Would a 20L of bio media be 3x "better" than a 6L? And what is better in having much more media if apparently nitrites and ammonia are zero even with cheap bio in many fx6/5(s)?
On fluval's side, it's doesn't seem to be just the circulation, but flow + much more mechanical filtering, for catching that nasty poop.
I'm just starting up my new cichlid tank and stuck on what filter to order
I see either Eheim fans or Fluval fans, both parties defending what they already own and, ironically, both parties being very happy with their products 
There's been a few well done experiments comparing the two, eheim came out on top as being the best for bio filtration by quite a long way. But factor in the price difference and fluvals better mechanical filtration it comes down to which you prefer or what suits you the best.
I wouldnt buy either a brand new eheim 2080 or a fluval fx6. I would put my money all day everyday on eheim 2260 and upgrade the motor/pump for eheim 1262. The cannister it self is so versatile that it puts both the fx series and 2080 in the shadows. With 1262 as pump instead of 1260 you get 3400 pure L/h and they are workhorses like never seen before for a pump in that pricerange.
I have had none of the issues stated with my FX4 or FX6. But to be perfectly honest if I were looking to purchase another canister I would be looking at one of the SunSun filters other than the 704's or the HW3000 they got some bugs that need to be worked out from what I have gathered. I know this will upset the purists on the forum but so beit. I have been wanting to try a SunSun for awhile now, the price is just to low to not want to try one for yourself. There are plenty of folks that love these filters so last week I purchased a 303B for my 38 acrylic pentagon. I was shocked at how quiet this filter is. It holds a lot of media and for the price it can't be beat. I will see how long it lasts but judging from the research I have done , I can't see spending over 6 times as much for another FX filter again.
Later
NCH
Later
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