Rena Filstar XP4 -VS- AquaClear 110 X2

[12 Volt Man]

a month is fine, but you probably don't even need that long.

two weeks should be enough time if you put one of the established sponges into the new filter along with the new media.

it should seed it pretty quickly.

 

[xrayjeeper83]

Id go 2 AC's for the simple fact if one breaks atleast you have another one to keep you limping along till you can replace the other. 2 Filters is better then 1 just for that reason IMO

 

[knicks791]

I'v used both canister and AC. My vote goes to the canister for less maintenance. Canisters only have to be cleaned a few times a year. Also, if more filtration is need just add the AC.

 

[aclockworkorange]

You won't put in a sponge filter for aesthetics? Oh I get it, because a hulking ac110 is GORGEOUS hanging on the tank.

Seriously, I really don't understand why people don't realize how easy it is to hide a sponge filter... Unless you're going for a bare setup (in which case you probably dont care about aesthetics anyway...) they can be hidden behind driftwood, plants, etc.

 

[soulpatch]

Sounds like someone needs some alone time with their sponge filter....

I do not have a bare tank but a sponge filter woudl still out amongst my driftwood. I also dont have a HOB anyore but when I did it was concealed in my canopy so I could not see it but I could ALWAYS see a sponge filter if I went that way.

You apparently like em so cool. I like the idea behind them but do not like to see them in my tank.

 

[Oscarum monstruoso]

Undergarvel filters are the perfect complement to hob filters. They mainly get a bad reputation from novices who expect it to be a standalone filter, just look at the customer comment sections its almost comical.

 

[vr6fan]

You won't put in a sponge filter for aesthetics? Oh I get it, because a hulking ac110 is GORGEOUS hanging on the tank.

Seriously, I really don't understand why people don't realize how easy it is to hide a sponge filter... Unless you're going for a bare setup (in which case you probably dont care about aesthetics anyway...) they can be hidden behind driftwood, plants, etc.

yeah I think sponge filters are unnecessary and unsightly..and from the front of a tank you dont even see hob filters...those sponge filters are all I notice when I see them in tanks...and I guess you can sort of cover them up but why bother? hobs and/or canisters are all you need IMO

 

[ScatMan]

You won't put in a sponge filter for aesthetics? Oh I get it, because a hulking ac110 is GORGEOUS hanging on the tank.

Seriously, I really don't understand why people don't realize how easy it is to hide a sponge filter... Unless you're going for a bare setup (in which case you probably dont care about aesthetics anyway...) they can be hidden behind driftwood, plants, etc.

i wasn't trying to insult your taste. everyone has their own opinion of what looks good. i can't see the HOB's because i have a background, i only see the stem. the only furniture in my tank is thin mangrove-like roots, i wouldn't be able to hide one. all that aside, i still wouldn't use one because i simply don't like the way they look, tucked behind decorations or not.

 

[12 Volt Man]

Oh I get it, because a hulking ac110 is GORGEOUS hanging on the tank.

hanging on the back all you see in the intake tube which can be hidden easily.

just saying

if you put your AC110 on the front of your tank, well, then yes it will be quite visible

 

[aclockworkorange]

I have two sponge filters in my 125 gallon (along with my fx5) and you would never know they were there. They are behind two pieces of driftwood and plants.

...So when your power goes out, and you don't have any bio media in your tank that doesn't require power to have contact with your tank water, don't come a cryin when your cycle crashes!