XP3 - Not to Impressed.

[cassharper]

I have to go on the "for filstar" side. If if you want to talk about flimsy, go pick up a fluval... thing feels like a toy. The only perk I can see of Fluvals is that the motors use a lot less energy.

I hooked up an FX5 to my dad's tank (against my warning... he really wanted it) and it died 2 weeks later. Motor just failed. I hooked up 2 XP3's after that and he was good to go since. I've converted all my canisters to filstars except for my turtle tank, which has a Fluval on it. The only tank that I don't like is the turtle tank.

 

[Deepsouth]

The quality of construction between the two is undeniable, but heck one filter costs $80 more than the other one. We had a few people here at work look at the 2 different filters that we ordered. They said that the FX5 was much stouter, but hey different strokes for different folks. This was comparing an xp3 to the fx5 though. Maybe the plastic, etc is much thicker on the xp4. I also didn't feel good about my xp3 purchase when I googled xp3 leaks. Google xp3 leaks and you get over 15,000 hits. Google FX5 leaks and you get only 2,000 hits. I have to admit that the xp3 does have a few things that I like about it over the FX5. The spray bar is nice and I like the ergonomic/sexy look of the xp3. I will give them both a try for a month or two and report back if I feel any different once I have given them a good run through.

 

[Bderick67]

They also have a built in bypass feature so yuo don't ruin the pump if the filter clogs up which it will do quicker than most other filters due to the very small cross section surface area.

This bypass feature is it only on the XP4? There is no such thing on a XP3.

 

[12 Volt Man]

if the filter clogs up which it will do quicker than most other filters due to the very small cross section surface area.

where do you come up with this stuff?

didn't you learn anything the last time this came up?

the XP3 holds a ton of media and does not clog up any quicker than comparable sized canisters.

you are once again ignoring the internal surface area of all the media in the baskets.

its not dependent on just the length and width of the first sponge... "cross sectional area" is only one small part of the ability of the media to trap particulate matter and hold beneficial bacteria..besides which., the 'cross sectional area' of the media basket is NOT 'very small' as you say it is..

perhaps the reason you 'hate' the XP3's is because you are confused on all this stuff?

 

[IKeepPacu]

i have 3 XP3 and am beyond pleased with them. the only issue ive noticed on two seperate ones, was bad leaks from where the power cord comes out of the housing for some reason. i just gooped the area up with silicon and ive been fine for a few years now.

while i would of course pick an fx5 over an xp3, they really arent comparable. the fx5 is a straight up beast, which i love, but it does take up a good ammount of room, and can be annoying to have to move around. the xp3 is smaller, easier to manage, and costs 1/2 of the fx5.

 

[LouieV]

I just got my FX5 today! and this thing is monstrous! it weighs a ton! I have 150 with 2 Rena XP4 and I gotta say just this; my rena XP4 holds more Media, its lighter and a heck easier to put together! I was all morning setting the FX5 up..and what I already dont like about it is that the intake and outtake hoses aren't long enough, it just barely made it over the top..and that's with me shoving the FX5 againts the wall..I'll give it a few weeks if im not satisfied.. I'll sell it and get a XP4.. oh another thing I am petrified about having to clean this thing..I think I just ripped a tendon in my thumb moving this thing!

 

[Deepsouth]

I just got my FX5 today! and this thing is monstrous! it weighs a ton! I have 150 with 2 Rena XP4 and I gotta say just this; my rena XP4 holds more Media, its lighter and a heck easier to put together! I was all morning setting the FX5 up..and what I already dont like about it is that the intake and outtake hoses aren't long enough, it just barely made it over the top..and that's with me shoving the FX5 againts the wall..I'll give it a few weeks if im not satisfied.. I'll sell it and get a XP4.. oh another thing I am petrified about having to clean this thing..I think I just ripped a tendon in my thumb moving this thing!

Lol. I noticed that it was pretty heavy to move around as well. It only took me about 15 minutes to set mine up, but I watched the DVD that came with it first at work.

 

[LouieV]

Deepsouth love the avatar! Yea.. I mean its a beast! meaning its outflow is tremendous.....I didnt put any carbon just bio media and blue pads...I mean I have the Renas Xp4 for a while so I guess Im use to them..

 

[TheFishJunky]

I just got my FX5 today! and this thing is monstrous! it weighs a ton! I have 150 with 2 Rena XP4 and I gotta say just this; my rena XP4 holds more Media, its lighter and a heck easier to put together! I was all morning setting the FX5 up..and what I already dont like about it is that the intake and outtake hoses aren't long enough, it just barely made it over the top..and that's with me shoving the FX5 againts the wall..I'll give it a few weeks if im not satisfied.. I'll sell it and get a XP4.. oh another thing I am petrified about having to clean this thing..I think I just ripped a tendon in my thumb moving this thing!

my xp4 is less than 4 months old-name the date and time bro and i'll trade this piece of crap with you in a heartbeat.

 

[LouieV]

my xp4 is less than 4 months old-name the date and time bro and i'll trade this piece of crap with you in a heartbeat.

lol...Ok I'll let you know...lol...