Me and a friend just ordered quite a few Rena XP3s and they weren't as great as I have read. I noticed immediately that they felt kind of flimsy. Of course I'm comparing them to my FX5. I don't feel terribly comfortable with a piece of equipment that could drain my entire tank out being made from thin plastic. Just as I was typing this I received a call from my friend who purchased 2 of the same filter. He has a problem with one of them and it's leaking all over his house. He has been working on it for a few hours with no luck. I have read tons of posts where people recommend this filter. I honestly couldn't recommend this over the FX5. For a few dollars more on the FX5 you get a differen't class of filter. I would rather use the same money and purchase 2 AC110s. Atleast the AC110s wouldn't be able to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage like the rena canisters can. Just my 2 cents.
XP3 - Not to Impressed.
- Thread starter Deepsouth
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I love my XP3's. the only part I find flimsy is the intake tube assembly.
the output options that come with the XP3 are a great bonus too - either a spraybar or powerjet included.
the FX5 output is not that great - thats why so many people modify it..
however, I do think you are comparing apples to oranges.
a brand new FX5 is double the cost of a Rena XP3 (at least in Canada at LFS prices)
if you get used stuff maybe not..but retail prices are such that you can buy two rena's for the price of one FX5..
also, I am not sure I understand your concern over the filter draining your tank..
did you see this thread:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34355
FX5's can drain a tank no problem..this can happen to ANY canister by design..
if the rena's were draining people's tanks all the time they would not be so popular.
you should be able to have yours set up with confidence..
also, here is what I did to secure the output of my rena to my 150: works like a charm
the output options that come with the XP3 are a great bonus too - either a spraybar or powerjet included.
the FX5 output is not that great - thats why so many people modify it..
however, I do think you are comparing apples to oranges.
a brand new FX5 is double the cost of a Rena XP3 (at least in Canada at LFS prices)
if you get used stuff maybe not..but retail prices are such that you can buy two rena's for the price of one FX5..
also, I am not sure I understand your concern over the filter draining your tank..
did you see this thread:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34355
FX5's can drain a tank no problem..this can happen to ANY canister by design..
if the rena's were draining people's tanks all the time they would not be so popular.
you should be able to have yours set up with confidence..
also, here is what I did to secure the output of my rena to my 150: works like a charm
I was using ebay prices as a comparison. Most of the xp3s on ebay are around 120ish and the FX5 is 200ish. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten the FX5 first. I'm just saying that if I had to do all over again I would have spent 75 more and gotten an FX5.
If you are worried about your xp3 draining your tank take a drill and make a hole say 1 or 2 inches down on the intake. If the water gets that low it will suck air and not water.
Sounds like you guys may have been too rough with the equipment.
I could easily see how forcing the quick disconnect on the filter could break it. Or when putting the tubing onto the inlet and outlet on that same piece.
I could easily see how forcing the quick disconnect on the filter could break it. Or when putting the tubing onto the inlet and outlet on that same piece.
I had one of my xp3 leak once before it was because of the rubber ring around the pump being loose. Apparently from weekly cleaning of the mechanical filters i managed to get the rubber loose.
an easy fix of tightening it did the job. all and all i love my xp3's.
an easy fix of tightening it did the job. all and all i love my xp3's.
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