Equipment Review and Discussion :: time for a new filter

[Daniel3507]

im going to have to do some research on the Fluval.

[mikee]

I have a Fluval 405 and it put out about 300gph. It is extreamly quiet and easy to clean. I like it.

[Daniel3507]

does it have self prime?

[Chrisbarnett]

Yes it does. Don't buy from this website though, look at the price, yikes! You could get a FX5 for the same price.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/fluval-405- ... ilter.html
Don't be discouraged by the flow rate being 225gph, the Rena XP3's flow rate is around 200gph. So it is a bit stronger than the XP3.

[Fuzzy Hamster]

I thought the RENA XP3's flow rate was 350 GPH and is rated for aquariums up to 175 gallons in size?

That would make it a much better buy than the 405.

[Chrisbarnett]

Actual flow rate and GPH are two different things.

GPH is what the factory says with optimum conditions and probably no media slowing it down.

Flow rate would be the actual amount of water moved with media and everything involved.

[Fuzzy Hamster]

O.K., thats something that I wasn't aware of that can lead to confusion when discussing filters.

So, just to be clear, you are talking about the difference between manufacturer advertised flow rate measured in GPH (gallons per hour) typically quoted on seller websites and ACTUAL (typical) flow rate also measured in GPH in a real world environment.

I guess its kind of like miles per gallon ratings for cars.

Where did you find the actual (typical) flow rate info that you use for comparisons?

[Chrisbarnett]

O.K., thats something that I wasn't aware of that can lead to confusion when discussing filters.

So, just to be clear, you are talking about the difference between manufacturer advertised flow rate measured in GPH (gallons per hour) typically quoted on seller websites and ACTUAL (typical) flow rate also measured in GPH in a real world environment.

I guess its kind of like miles per gallon ratings for cars.

Where did you find the actual (typical) flow rate info that you use for comparisons?

Yep, exactly what I meant.

I learned the flow rate for the XP3 from a very experienced member on another board. He has something like 7 xp3's and he did flow rate tests on his filters and came up with an actual flow rate of the filter.

PM me if you want to see the exact post from the other board.

I am going to research to see if there is some real concrete analysis of actual flow rate of the popular canister filters.

[mat012]

You can buy a flow meter for less than $10. Would this help?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalo ... =0&offset=

[TheComputerGremlin]

However, you cannot buy a filter based on what the flow rate will end up being ... I think when purchasing a filter, taking into respect the estimated flow rate is the best anyone can judge from. Otherwise, no one should ever buy anything but the top of the line Fluval. But people on the various turtle boards have success with the lower models, like Rena, so obviously the actual flow rate isn't as important. I mean, sure, if you let it get clogged, you'll have problems, obviously. But otherwise, you can only go off of the manufacturer's numbers.

[Chrisbarnett]

However, you cannot buy a filter based on what the flow rate will end up being ... I think when purchasing a filter, taking into respect the estimated flow rate is the best anyone can judge from. Otherwise, no one should ever buy anything but the top of the line Fluval. But people on the various turtle boards have success with the lower models, like Rena, so obviously the actual flow rate isn't as important. I mean, sure, if you let it get clogged, you'll have problems, obviously. But otherwise, you can only go off of the manufacturer's numbers.

Exaclty right. But it is nice to know a rough estimate of what your filter is flowing when loaded down with media and a bit dirty.

[mikee]

Fuz-Ham -- Be careful about a tank being rated for x gallon tank. When you see that it is a rating from the fish people and that does not apply to turtles. When you think in "turtle" you have to think in terms of five times the volume turn over per hour "gph" That is the least amount you should use on a turtle tank. When it comes to turtles a 350 gph is not enough for a 175 gallon tank in most cases. M.

[mikee]

Chris-b -- You are exactly correct about the rating the filter people put on thier pumps. In most cases it is a new filter and the flow rate is up. With some use they slow down a little as they filter the water.

[steve]

I would avoid any fluval series that uses the older canister design. There has been leaking and cracked handle issues with a few board members, including myself. Here's what they look like...

[mikee]

I have had my Fluval 405 about 2 years and it does just fine. So far so good. M.