Equipment Review and Discussion :: Which 2nd canister filter should I order?

[V Lou]

I have 75g now and will go up to a 125g pretty soon.

My Eheim Pro 3e is fantastic, but rated at only 160g the tank doesn't stay as clean as I would like (I wanted to test that 4x rule first, I guess:), so I need to pair it with something to take up the slack.

I notice that our forum regards Fluval and Eheim highly. Which canister model do you think I should consider to pair with my current Eheim to have crystal clear water, especially for the future 125g?

The tank will house my 2 RESs and their pet fish.

[mike hill]

V-Lo It is the 5x rule, not the 4x rule and the 5x rule is an "at least number". That is five times the gallons per hour you have in your tank. The more the marrier just don't turn your tank into a blender. A little swirl in the water is good. Good Luck

[V Lou]

oh! I didn't realize it was a gal per hour rule. Hummmm...

Which filter model would you buy?

And, you are coming up on your 1st year anniversary here!! How do we celebrate 1st year anniversaries on our forum? Cake or Beer?

[mike hill]

V-lo I could not recommend one that would pump the amount of water you need. I have two other brands that would not be large enough. The Fluval FX5 would be a little more than you need. It can be made to work but you would have to work at it. Good Luck!

[V Lou]

Thank you, Mike.

Maybe others have comments? Anyone want to add to Mike's comments? Those who have 125g, what are your filters and are you satisfied?

If any manufacturers/engineers are looking, this could become a free 'focus group' for ya

[BullDog]

If money isn't an issue, I'd go for another Ehiem, I've heard they're best for quality and longevity.
That being said, since you've already got one Ehiem, for a bit less expensive route maybe you just want to add some muscle, like a Fluval 405 or Rena XP3. You could also go for the Fluval FX5. It'd be a bit of overkill when combined with your current filter, but it does have some nice features over say the 405 or XP3.

[drtweak]

i got a Rena Filstar XP4. Had a few problems with it. 1) Motor went out 2) the seals have to be replaced every 6 months 3) the quick release no drip handle broke within 6 months.

Currently i have a 450 GPH inline/underwater pump that is doing the pumping. The canister itself handles i think close to 200 gallon tank and orginaly did like 450 GPH as well.

I wouldnt really recomend this brand because of all the problems i've had but i got it for 175 compaired to 275 so i couldnt beat that deal.

Never really tired any other brands.

But for what its worth it worth what i had kepts a 30 gallon Crystal clear and my 55 gallon crystal clear on its own. I'm pretty sure it could keep a 75 gallon clean too but i only got one res. not sure how it will handle two. I usually clean it out every week, two weeks at most.

[vear]

As a follow up to drtweak - I use a Rena XP4 on my 75 gallon. 1 turtle, over a dozen fish - keeps the tank crystal clear. I've had it for about 4 months now, hopefully nothing happens to it, but I have to admit the clips are very flimsy and so is the handle. I'm sure that handle will eventually break. :\ The filter itself does a great job though.

[V Lou]

Helpful info!

I really appreciate your input and it gives me some pointers to concentrate on while I peruse the company specs for the various filters mentioned.

Thank you so much for your time.

More comments, anyone out there?.....

[coreyvht]

ive heard good stuff about cascade canister filters i use a cascade internal filter right know and they do a great job and are very hardy