What filter should I buy?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
-If you have HOB only. You need to shoot for 10X turnover rate per hour. (HOB just arent as efficient as canisters, so you need some big turnover for only HOB)

-If you have canisters, you shoot for 5X turnover rate per hour.

Its always nice to have both canister and HOB so you get more aeration/surface agitation.

I have only canisters.
But I have THREE!!
I dont even know my turnover rate at the moment. But I have 2 Fluval 404's and a Fluval 304.
I get my aeration with my UV sterilizer that pumps out a lot of air.
 
if you have a 400 already, i would go and get an AC 110. but really if you want to go cheap and only spend like 100 bucks on the best type of filter, make a DIY sump with an 800-900gph pump. that gives you 7-8x turnover. its the most bang for your buck and works better than any other filter people have listed
 
Wulfonce;3888198; said:
Well I didn't really want to use HOB filters but having done some research and considering my limited budget I think it's probably the way to go. I did a little research on the AC 110 and it doesn't really seem much better then the Emperor 400. Here's what I found out.

x2 AC 110:
-500gph (1000gph)
-No biowheel
-$88 ($176)
-turnover x8 per hour

x2 Emperor 400:
-400gph (800gph)
-larger media area
-has bio wheels
-$70 ($140) <--- I already own one so really its just $70
-turnover x6.4 per hour

Well It seems to me that everyone likes one or the other at almost a 50:50 split. Since I already have an emperor 400 and its been treating me great for the last 2 years, I think I'll go for x2 400's, one at each end. I also have a maxijet 1200 that I could blow across the gravel to assist in the mechanical filtration. A good idea? ;)
Click to expand...

Smart move...go with what you already have if it's comparable. Keep'n it simple is best, I used to have a sump n it's not all it's cracked up to be. Leaking is the major one and sumps are notorious for this if not properly installed n maintained. I have 2 emperor 400's myself on a 90 and besides the occasional maintenance do keep the buzzing at bay, it's still easier to pop in the new filter pads or media trays n keep it moving. Why spend more than you have to?... especially if you're meeting your goal... ; )
 
If ur not a Fan or DIY and/or just to lazy to do it just get 2 FX5s and call it a day... no need for more than 3 filters inless u have way to many fish in 1 tank...

If anything just get 1 Fx5 first and save for another if the first isnt enough....

I had an ehiem and it failed on my 225gal at 5ft tall.

The Rena Xp4 didnt even have enough ass to pump 5ft up...

Fx5 for 2 years and not a damn problem besides having to clean it often because of how well it works...

U cant go wrong with the Fx5... It even comes with a How to install if your really new...
 
Hey Wulfonce,

So you were able to get the one big tank, I presume?

On the list of filters you had started with you had the Cascade 1000 and 1200. These are good filters for the money but I feel they would not be enough for your 125g. I have the 1000 on my 65g and it does fine for the money but is nothing exceptional.

If you are going to use a 1200 you might as well just get a 1500 instead. I have two 1500's on my 120g and this seems to work good. I got these on-line for around $130 each. They are a great economy filter but expect to add at least another $30-$40 into them for filter media because what they give is not that great.

If you do decide on the HOB type filter, consider the cost of maintenance into your budget. What is the cost of replacement bio-wheels and how often will you have to replace them with the fish/bio-load you will have.
 
dgk9723;3888251; said:
EHEIM is the porsche of canisters
Click to expand...


My 2009 mitsubishi eclipse gt outruns a porsche....

20inch black rims , cool air , methanol injection other upgrades.

Saved a TON of cash....


This is kinda like my tanks , for the price of an ehiem i have a home built sump , 2 powerheads , fx5 and rena xp3......


Get an fx5 off ebay. Or a sun sun , they have 569gph and they are only 100$

mitsubishi-eclipse-gt-2009.jpg
 
lol best bang for the buck is the Fx5. Getting 2 of the HOB filters will not do the job that 1 Fx5 can do and will cost less than both. I bought my 225 for 600 and bought the Fx5 when it was 350 bucks! yea crazy but i wanted good water without problems and noise. The Fx5 is Quiet and does a great job. Now the Fx5s are down to 200ish i may get another with my 35 gallon sump and have nasty amounts of turnover.
 
I have an Eheim professional 3e. Fantastic filter...best i've had. You can't go wrong with German engineering.
 
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