Been reading tons of reviews and info online and cant seem to come to any solid conclusions. I really want to just run one filter on my tank to lessen the cleaning and power consumption. So, was looking at getting an FX5 but its rated at 48Watts so sucks up alot of power but could make a spray bar and get plenty of flow in the tank to just run only the FX5. Or could I just get a 2217, XP3, or 405 and still have enough flow to run them by themselves or would I really need a second filter on the other end of the tank to get enough flow?
One filter on a 47gal?
- Thread starter BlindSight
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Putting an FX5 on a 47G is like using a greyhound bus to drop the kids off at school and drive your groceries home. It'll do the job, there's massive excess capacity there just in case you need it, but it's incredibly inefficient and potentially incredibly inconvenient.
Any of the three filters listed, 2217, XP3, 405, will do an excellent job of filtering 47 gallons, they're all in the 20 watt range of power consumption, and unless you're keeping fish from a fast flowing river habitat that actually need a strong current, they should provide plenty of water movement. If you want more, just don't use a spray bar.
I personally like the robust simplicity of the Eheim's design the most, but it has the least powerful least efficient pump. The Fluval #05 series I don't much like the design of, I haven't owned one but I've seen them in person and know a guy that runs his whole LFS on about 15 305s or 405s, and the two-clip closure and weak impeller cover are pretty major design flaws. The XP3 seems to have the most powerful and efficient pump, and I've heard good things about it as a whole.
Any of the three filters listed, 2217, XP3, 405, will do an excellent job of filtering 47 gallons, they're all in the 20 watt range of power consumption, and unless you're keeping fish from a fast flowing river habitat that actually need a strong current, they should provide plenty of water movement. If you want more, just don't use a spray bar.
I personally like the robust simplicity of the Eheim's design the most, but it has the least powerful least efficient pump. The Fluval #05 series I don't much like the design of, I haven't owned one but I've seen them in person and know a guy that runs his whole LFS on about 15 305s or 405s, and the two-clip closure and weak impeller cover are pretty major design flaws. The XP3 seems to have the most powerful and efficient pump, and I've heard good things about it as a whole.
so the 405's are 120 and the xp3's are 150 the cheapest I can find so will probably go with the 405 so I can afford some good media for it.
I have one 2217 and a Korilia pump for flow in the tank, crystal clear water. I guess for me the key to using one filter (or at least not super over kill with filtration) is to understock your tanks, the fish like it better anyway.
i agree, a 12.7 turn over rate(fx5,600GPH / 47) is a little overkill on a tank that size.. my 6ft tank is a tidepool for the first 36".. so it would be a current fest! a 405/2217
nillywould be perfect
nillywould be perfectyeah I was thinking If I was going to drop $150 on a filter what was another $50 to get something in a whole nother league of awesome that noone has had anything negative to say about.
I have read hundreds and hundreds of reviews on the 2217, xp3, and 405 and nothing is ever definitive, alot of people have issues with fluvals because the 3 and 4 series models had some leak issues but as far as the 405's go I hear they are easier to maintain and have the best flow after a couple weeks of use out of the 3. The only flaw I could see of the 405 is it only has 2 clips holding the top down and some people say its a big weakness but I really don't see how it would be a big issue as long as your carefull about making sure the o-ring is line up properly and you don't force anything on. have heard tons of people love their 405's, 2217's, and xp3's so to me it just comes down to a matter of price unless anyone else has some definitive information and not just personal preference.
I have read hundreds and hundreds of reviews on the 2217, xp3, and 405 and nothing is ever definitive, alot of people have issues with fluvals because the 3 and 4 series models had some leak issues but as far as the 405's go I hear they are easier to maintain and have the best flow after a couple weeks of use out of the 3. The only flaw I could see of the 405 is it only has 2 clips holding the top down and some people say its a big weakness but I really don't see how it would be a big issue as long as your carefull about making sure the o-ring is line up properly and you don't force anything on. have heard tons of people love their 405's, 2217's, and xp3's so to me it just comes down to a matter of price unless anyone else has some definitive information and not just personal preference.