Rena Filstar XP4 -VS- AquaClear 110 X2

[ScatMan]

i want to update the filters on my 130 gal. i've narrowed it down to either one Rena Filstar XP4 or two AquaClear 110's.

is this enough filtration for a well stocked (but not over stocked) tank?

i'm leaning toward the AC's for ease of use and better surface agitation but i wanted to get some input first.

 

[johnmoore55]

i use a xp4 and a ac110 for my 135 and i only have two small pbass. the more filtration the better. the two of them seem to work well together.

 

[Bderick67]

With the actual flow of the rena xp4 you'll only get about 2.3x turnover. It'll do fine for bio but won't make for very good mech filtration. Better choice would be the two AC110s excellent mech filtration and the bio will be adequate for a sensibly stocked 130g tank.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I like the combo of 1 XP3 and 1 AC110.

the XP3 can be left undisturbed for weeks to handle the bulk of the biologicial filtration while the AC can be rinsed weekly for excellent mechanical filtration. its a great combo.

this is what used to use on my 90g with two giant (18") barbs.

worked very well.

I don't think the XP4 is worth the price increase over the XP3.

 

[ScatMan]

thanks guys (gals?)! my concern now is mainly; will 2 AC's have enough bio?

i'm not counting out the rena but i really hate messing with canisters. i'd rather not use a canister if there is a viable way around it.

i wish AC made a bigger HOB, that would solve my problem quick!

 

[12 Volt Man]

there really isn't much messing around with the renas. they are arguably the most user friendly canister out there right now. you don't need to prime it (except the first time you set it up), it has quick disconnects built in etc.

its great. and simple.

 

[Bderick67]

thanks guys (gals?)! my concern now is mainly; will 2 AC's have enough bio?

i'm not counting out the rena but i really hate messing with canisters. i'd rather not use a canister if there is a viable way around it.

i wish AC made a bigger HOB, that would solve my problem quick!

Most all my 125-180g tank I run the combo of ACs and XP3s really is a good set up. However I have a 125g that is sitting on the bottom level of a stand and I cannot use a canister on it, so I only run 2x AC110s on this tank. I have never had an issue with water parameters, even with some heavy bioloads in the tank. I think the two AC110s would be more then enough biofiltration for your tank.

 

[ScatMan]

there really isn't much messing around with the renas. they are arguably the most user friendly canister out there right now. you don't need to prime it (except the first time you set it up), it has quick disconnects built in etc.

its great. and simple.

agreed! that's why if i gotta get a canister, it's going to be a rena.

it's the removing of all the baskets to get to the bottom mech basket that bothers me. if these filtered top-down (so i would only have to remove the top basket to rinse the mech and leave the rest of the bio alone) i'd have one yesterday! i hope the people at rena are listening!!!

 

[ScatMan]

Most all my 125-180g tank I run the combo of ACs and XP3s really is a good set up. However I have a 125g that is sitting on the bottom level of a stand and I cannot use a canister on it, so I only run 2x AC110s on this tank. I have never had an issue with water parameters, even with some heavy bioloads in the tank. I think the two AC110s would be more then enough biofiltration for your tank.

very interesting...

i'd hate to sound like the guy who is just looking for someone to reaffirm their beliefs but i think i'm gonna go with the two AC 110's.

my thought is that i can always add a canister later, if need be.

other suggestions and experiences are still welcome though, thanks so far!

 

[geronimo69]

very interesting...

i'd hate to sound like the guy who is just looking for someone to reaffirm their beliefs but i think i'm gonna go with the two AC 110's.

my thought is that i can always add a canister later, if need be.

other suggestions and experiences are still welcome though, thanks so far!

I have a buddy that runs 2 AC110's and a Fluval FX5 on a 110 gal. It's overstocked with africans, but it gives me the idea that the 2 AC110s is the way to go. You can add the canister later, as you stated.