Rena Filstar XP4 -VS- AquaClear 110 X2

[ScatMan]

oh god here we go with the UGF debate again...they are relics man..they do work but only if you have tons of time to keep them maintained.....anyway I have 2 xp4s and a fluval 405 on my 125...instead of using 2 ac110s why not get 2 canisters and use one for mech and the other for bio...or mix it up..not sure why everyone thinks canisters are not good mech filters...one of my xp4s is only filter pads and floss and my water is great on an overstocked tank...plus if you use 2 110s sure the mechanical filtration will be good but what about bio?

sounds like overkill to me, idk... i guess it's like they say; "you can't have too much filtration"! do you have any water in that tank or just fish? i'm kidding!

i hear ya' though, my main concern is the bio w/ just 2 AC's.

"why not get 2 canisters?" the hassle of maintenance mainly and then the cost. xp4's are about $220+ and AC 110's are only 70. now i'm not poor but i'm not gonna throw money away if i don't have to.

 

[soulpatch]

2 AC110 are the same cost as a XP4 at ThatFishPlace with the coupon. The XP4 is 156 and you get all the media in the box.

Honestly I think the maintenance is a breeze. Every two months I open it up to take a look at the sponges and rinse them and perhaps swap out my carbon (sometimes let it go 3 months or I dont have any in....)

I just bought an FX5 on ebay for 210 shipped to my door with all media included...

I just dont think the bio abilities of the AC110 is enough for most of us on here if you have anythign larger then a 75 gal tank.



As for the overkill.....I am overkill on my filtration as well. I have the FX5 and XP4 on my 125g tank. I am at about a 8 or 9 time turnover every hour and that is the way I like it.

 

[ScatMan]

Where would you be coming from? I got my last two coupons in the mail for being on their flyer. Next weekend is also customer appreciation weekend I believe so there will be some other sales.

I dont necessarily NEED my coupon for this month for 30% off as I was only going to use it on a smaller filter for my 20 gal breeder tank so if needed I guess you could have it for the same few bucks I woudl save on the smaller filter. If you are getting a large ticket item it would be worth your while. IE you can get a XP4 for 150...

outside philly. i really appreciate that, but hang on to it! i think i might have one anyways, just gotta dig through my junk mail.

yeah if i can scam an xp4 for $150, i'll go with one of each!

 

[vr6fan]

I have ac110s as well and honestly I would rather clean my xp4 then the 110...renas are VERY easy to clean and maintain..also, look at the marketplace here i wouldnt buy one new when you can get great deals on used ones

 

[Oscarum monstruoso]

Why? In your 15 years of experience what exactly has lead you to your opinion? Did you actually have bad experiences with a UG filter?

Especially in this situation, an UG is a perfect bio-complement to a pair of good HOBs. They require less maintenance than any other filter, but people still insist theyre somehow difficult to deal with.

 

[Burko]

"xp4's are about $220+ and AC 110's are only 70."

This any help?

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361282

 

[ScatMan]

yes, thanks!

 

[Red_Belly_Pacu]

I bought my aquaclear 110s used for $20-$25. I would go for the Rena xp4. I also have about 3 Rena xp3s laying around the house and not in use. But I also bought a used Rena xp3 for $15 without the hoses and intake, output.

But yea, I think the xp4 is better.

 

[Mr Pleco]

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!

One method I use a lot is to mix Seachem Matrix amd/or pond matrix in with your gravel........Bio support is then done.......let the AC filter the mech, besides the sponge(s) in the AC's will also provide bio support.

 

[creepyoldguy]

What did you decide? I'm a fan of both rena's and ac's. Most people on here (including myself) to overfilter. I would def do the xp for bio and ac for mech. That's always worked great for me! I also don't use chemical, which leaves more room for bio. One tip with the renas, especially since youre running it on a 6 ft is to use the power nozzle and put it on the end of your tank with the nozzle pointed towards the surface of the water. You'll have much better agitation this way