HELP! Whats the best SINGLE filter for a 125?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Lots of different veiws on this. I would run more then one filter for insurance. If you plan on having lots of tanks in the 100 to 200g range, it would be a good idea to have the same filters on all. Myself I use the XP3 it suits my needs well, the ehiem 2217 would be another good choice.

As for a single filter, a W/D sump would be hard to beat.
 
I have an XP3 on my 125 with 2 30-60 hobs as well, and it creates the right amount of water movement and keeps the tank very clean..
 
Thanks for all the input everyone! Im going to research the sump tank and pump alternatives to see if its something I feel I can do. If not, Im guessing Ill be getting an eheim!
 
Since you are concerned about the mechanics, etc. of a sump, I'd suggest the FX5 or the Eheim you're talking about. Canisters are pretty much worry-free except when you are cleaning them. With sumps, there's the issue of what happens in the event of a power loss? Is the water level correct in the tank and sump? Do I have enough water covering the pump, heater, etc.? Not that these are overly complicated matters for those who have sumps and deal with them on a regular basis, but since you said you're looking for something that's as "ready to go" when you open the box as possible, I'd suggest the largest canister. The FX5 would be the one of the highest GPH ratings you could find. I also like the Marineland C-530 which is rated at about 550 per hour. Very easy to install and work on.
 
You can get an FX5 for $200 on ebay.
 
davidtcb1;2568002; said:
Since you are concerned about the mechanics, etc. of a sump, I'd suggest the FX5 or the Eheim you're talking about. Canisters are pretty much worry-free except when you are cleaning them. With sumps, there's the issue of what happens in the event of a power loss? Is the water level correct in the tank and sump? Do I have enough water covering the pump, heater, etc.? Not that these are overly complicated matters for those who have sumps and deal with them on a regular basis, but since you said you're looking for something that's as "ready to go" when you open the box as possible, I'd suggest the largest canister. The FX5 would be the one of the highest GPH ratings you could find. I also like the Marineland C-530 which is rated at about 550 per hour. Very easy to install and work on.
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Which takes me back to part of my initial question...The Eheim 2262 is rated at 900 gph...almost double that of the FX5. That being said, would that be too much for a 125? Is there a quality difference between fluval and eheim?..or known issues with one or the other?
 
The Eheim is likely the better filter. Beware though, I bought that same filter when I got my first 125 and it's a monster. If you have the normal size stand, it's really too big to go under there. The top of the filter is nearly up to the bottom of the aquarium and it was near impossible to get out of there or do any maintenance on. If you have it to where it can be configured to sit behind or beside the tank, that would be much better. Plus, (and I'm usually in the vast minority here) I found it a very hard filter to get set up and running. The instructions are terrible and it was just a complicated ordeal. I ended up selling it on Ebay and buying two Rena XP3s and had them setup in a matter of minutes. Granted, that was a few years ago and I have much more experience now. But it was still a bit of a pain. All the reviews I read of it are stellar though!
 
davidtcb1;2568685; said:
The Eheim is likely the better filter. Beware though, I bought that same filter when I got my first 125 and it's a monster. If you have the normal size stand, it's really too big to go under there. The top of the filter is nearly up to the bottom of the aquarium and it was near impossible to get out of there or do any maintenance on. If you have it to where it can be configured to sit behind or beside the tank, that would be much better. Plus, (and I'm usually in the vast minority here) I found it a very hard filter to get set up and running. The instructions are terrible and it was just a complicated ordeal. I ended up selling it on Ebay and buying two Rena XP3s and had them setup in a matter of minutes. Granted, that was a few years ago and I have much more experience now. But it was still a bit of a pain. All the reviews I read of it are stellar though!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I have basically no experience with canister filters (except for an xp3 i had 2 months) so I might have to find some online help to get it setup, if I decide to get it. How much $$$ was it to get all the media for it? Ive seen several configurations and one post that is what made me lean toward the 2262 here:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189979
 
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