Quick Question -Rena or Fluval?

[csnmusic02]

Or do what i did on my 210 i have have it rigged with a xp4, and a fx5, it works wonderfully.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I have twin Rena XP3's on a 150g and they are great.

I have been reluctant to go with an FX5 because it seems there are tons of problem threads on here - everything from microbubbles all the time to the clamps breaking that anchor the hoses to the tank..also, I dont like the output nozzle of the FX5. to make it decent everyone is doing modications to it.

my renas have been trouble free, unmodified.

I also like the choice of spraybar or power jet nozzle that is included with the rena. its a nice added bonus option.

however, keep in mind that as others have said, you are really comparing a filter (rena) that is roughly half the size of one FX5.

the FX5= 2 rena XP3's in terms of flow rate and media capacity..but you pay the higher price accordingly.

 

[cypher1024]

Build a sump! They're relatively cheap and very effective at bio filtration. The only thing the cannisters seem to do better is mech.

 

[Bderick67]

with 12 volt

Myself I prefer the twin xp3s over the single Fx5. You get redundancy plus the added safety of rotating the cleanings of the filters

 

[Fry]

What I would do:

Sump
or
Eheim 2260
or
2x Rena xP4

 

[biggin]

Loss of flow = shut down... not a problem.... I love walking in my fish room and seeing my filters shut off. The purge and micro bubbles are simply an inconvenience.

The assumption that I did not know about the purge is slightly foolish but hey I guess that is what a public forum is for.

So you should buy a filter, change it up, and then it will about the same for the same price I can get a better filter? Sounds brilliant....

Like I said I would go with 2 filters vs. 1, but forced to choose 1 I would go with 2260, I don't have time to fiddle with technology....

There is no problems with fx5. there was, but they have fixed them. No problems now. the chip makes it purge for 2 min every 24 hours. but if you would have looked at the owners manuel for a mear 30 sec you would have seen that..... And as for 2260 and other such Ehiem filters, a modified Fx5 can do just as well(heck a non-modded FX5 does barely worse than Ehiem 2260) for less. Ehiem filters are WAY over priced. They are good filters but for the money I would rather do a sump or a FX5 and do some mods
The rena's from what i hear are pretty good. sucks BTW that you(the OP) are in austraila. They are available here on EBAY for 200 bucks USD shipped.

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

im sure urs shut down for no reason. Im not gonna argue with someone about something so stupid. oh and mods cost almost nothing. The FX5 is a great filter. Im using one on a 125g with 5 gar and it does the job great. filter is always running.

 

[JakeH]

I always like to run 2 smaller filters instead of one big one so I dont kill all the BB every time I clean. It also allows me to experiment with different media combinations while having a control. Have you thought about running a big HOB and a canister? Could save some cash... I like closed-loop better than a sump, but thats just my opinion. A lot of people swear by their sumps & I'll probably end up using a sump & a can on my next tank. I was also checking out this HOB fluidized bed filter that I think would look cleaner than a sump. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3654

 

[Jgray152]

FX5 pushes LOTS of water but has MANY issues.

First and foremost the “chip” that decides when it should and should not be on…. Nothing like walking in and seeing a filter shut off and have not explanation except the media was a little dirty…

List the MANY problems.

I have been reluctant to go with an FX5 because it seems there are tons of problem threads on here

Usually human error.

everything from microbubbles all the time....

Clogged Media or restriction.

to the clamps breaking that anchor the hoses to the tank

This is Rare

..also, I dont like the output nozzle of the FX5. to make it decent everyone is doing modications to it.

The output sucks but for .90 US you can change that. Mods are the way to go to make ANY filter work for YOUR tank.

 

[Jgray152]

Loss of flow = shut down... not a problem.... I love walking in my fish room and seeing my filters shut off. The purge and micro bubbles are simply an inconvenience.

LOL. Your filters can be off for hours without issue. ""Loss of flow = Shut down""???? Not really..

So you should buy a filter, change it up, and then it will about the same for the same price I can get a better filter? Sounds brilliant...

Huh? Which filters are you comparing this too?