How Does One Ever Know What Filter to Buy???

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Ultimately, as many have already stated, it just comes down to personal preference. There is no need to agonize over "which brand do I choose". They are all designed to do the same thing and usually it ends up being more "do I have enough filtration for my bioload" as opposed to which brand is doing the filtering. You are allowed to choose the filters that "YOU" (for whatever reasons) have the most confidence in. Also, YOU are allowed to apply whatever metrics / criteria YOU choose when making YOUR decision.

Whatever filter(s) you end up choosing, some on these forums will give a thumbs up to while others will say you made a bad choice. It is live and learn. Just choose a filter that you think is suitable and if the actual result is less than satisfactory, reload and try another. No matter how it turns out, I promise you, the Earth will continue to spin. And... You can always unload an unwanted filter via eBay, Craigslist, MFK, etc...
 
drdrewr said:
Ultimately, as many have already stated, it just comes down to personal preference. There is no need to agonize over "which brand do I choose". They are all designed to do the same thing and usually it ends up being more "do I have enough filtration for my bioload" as opposed to which brand is doing the filtering. You are allowed to choose the filters that "YOU" (for whatever reasons) have the most confidence in. Also, YOU are allowed to apply whatever metrics / criteria YOU choose when making YOUR decision.

Whatever filter(s) you end up choosing, some on these forums will give a thumbs up to while others will say you made a bad choice. It is live and learn. Just choose a filter that you think is suitable and if the actual result is less than satisfactory, reload and try another. No matter how it turns out, I promise you, the Earth will continue to spin. And... You can always unload an unwanted filter via eBay, Craigslist, MFK, etc...
Click to expand...

^^AGREE^^
I also agree with the, "spend-more-get-more" idea. However, cheap doesn't necessarily mean crap. Sometimes it takes ingenuity to get the "best" out of even the best rated filter. Like putting Eheim Pro media in an FX5 or some similar. Sometimes, making the best out of a lesser filter just takes creativity and a little know-how.
 
The fact that filters are rated for a specific aquarium size is a joke. The suggested aquarium size rating provides a general baseline, but the truth is that a filter should be matched to the "size" of the bio-load within the tank, not the "size" of the aquarium itself.

I do not know of a mathematical formula for how much surface area is needed to biologically filter a given bio-load, but because the number of fish people keep tends to vary (even in the same sized tank), that is why you see very similarly speced filters with very different suggested aquarium size ratings.

It sounds like Marineland goes with a more conservative approach and Fluval is more aggressive.
 
I know there is no right answer to this question I always like to use cars as an example because with filters its a brand thing with allot of people. I am actually sitting here with more filters than I need and I can't decide what ones to use. Can a AC110 keep up with a large canister such as the C530? As I have stated in the past I would like a Eheim and I'm sure the quality is what you are paying for In this case a 2080 with media would be $410.00. So I'm tending to lean towards the Fluval/Hagen as from looking at what I have here I think the quality seems better than the Marineland made in China. And please I'm not bashing China it's just apples to apples when you look at them? I hate the Input/output tubes on the C-Series filters (Very Cheap) and I know I should build a flow bar. So here is my problem I am sitting here two 530's and a AC110 I would realy like another FX5 or the Eheim. The 530 is hugh it holds allot of media and the output seems ok but it just dosn't "float my boat" as they say. I guess i'm trying to stay with one brand so do I try and sell them on ebay etc or are they worth more sitting in the closet as backups?
 
hawkerw,

I too have two ML-C530's. Thus far, I have no serious complaints about their operational effectiveness. Actually, quite the opposite. I get what you're saying about the hose block. In particular the locking key. I couldn't say that I think the 530's are better than an FX5 or an Eheim 2080 (both of which I considered before I made my final choice). because I don't have any experience with either filter. Nor do I have any experience with the Aquatops or the Rena XP series filters. Many like both of these brands/series. The only other canister filter I have ever owned is the venerable Marineland Magnum 350. As you know, the Magnum 350 has a legendary reputation for solid performance and reliability. Some owners report their 350's running without major incident for 15 - 20 years or more! Though technically not a big enough filter for a "Monster Fish Tank" (both in terms of mechanical and biological filtration capacity), the example is still valid within it's stated context.

I bought my ML C-530's based on value, respected performance reveiws, reported excellent customer service and my own experience with other Marineland products (the Magnum 350).

boldtogether (among others) has made some excellent points. In particular, his point about real world flow ratings. As per usual, there is no truth in advertising. Why should canister filter specs be any different? You made reference to the excellent comparison/review on this very forum which pitted the FX5 against the Eheim 2080. The outcome being they're both excellent filters with the 2080 having more media capacity and the FX5 moving more water volume at close to 1/2 the price! I suppose that if I had second thoughts or were to rethink my setup I might have gone with one C-530 and one FX5. They cost roughly the same $ (though the 530 could probably be had for $30 - $50 less on sale)

I think what it comes down to is what it always comes down to. Experience and value. The price/performance ratio is key. As it should be. Availability, customer service and operating costs should also play an important factor. Earlier somone made a point about using high end media in a low cost filter. Sounds like common sense to me. After all, I too considered buying two Aquatop CF500's prior to my purchase of the C-530's.
 
Thanks everyone

You know I just like to try to ask questions that spark debate it's how newer people such as myself learn on forums such as this. All my long winded (which tends to be one of My biggest faults:-)) just came down to the age old question What Filter do I Buy???
 
I would like to see Fluval's data on the FX5 filtering a 400 gal. tank. I personally think it a bunch of bs. Just like their misleading gph. on the box. From what I see in canister filters they are pretty much all same in how they filter water trays etc.. That being said I go with the cheapest set up that fits my situation.
 
i think after your learn about the in and outs of the nitrogen cycle you kinda figure out which filters best serves the needs of your understanding and tank setup.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom