i think i've read like 4-5 threads about 'the best canister' filter. i looked at a number of brands - eheim, fluval, rena (?), cascade, magnum and the reviews were all over the place. the fx5 consistently got what is best described as rave reviews from probably every user and it seemed like a lot of the guys with monster set ups (mine is only a 100 gallon) were using it with 'great success!' (as per borat). 
i knew i didn't want to deal with like possibly three filters in my 100 gallon. i also wanted kick ass water quality since i am planning to put some of my larger cichlids inside. plus i didnt leave enough space behind the tank to have a large hanging filter, so an external canister was basically the only option. plus i've never had a GREAT filter system before, so this seemed to fit the bill.
last of all it's my birthday today, so i decided to spoil myself a bit
i knew i didn't want to deal with like possibly three filters in my 100 gallon. i also wanted kick ass water quality since i am planning to put some of my larger cichlids inside. plus i didnt leave enough space behind the tank to have a large hanging filter, so an external canister was basically the only option. plus i've never had a GREAT filter system before, so this seemed to fit the bill.
last of all it's my birthday today, so i decided to spoil myself a bit
Well HAPPY FR***'n birthday 
you little harry beast, animal, critter? I forgot what the h*ll exactly a ewok was, been a while, LOL. Say, since you took the leep, have you seen what your 
, and keep us updated on the performance of that FX5.