Equipment Review and Discussion :: Need Advice on XP3 v.s Fluval

[1tdawg]

Which is the better filter? As far as quality, efficiency, pricing, silence, and reliability.

[rsour24]

get a canister filter. go with a rena xp3 or fluval 405. you have to keep in mind you have a turtle that is 3x dirtier than a fish. a filter recommended for a 75 gallon tank is rly only good for 20-30 gallon turtle tanks

[1tdawg]

I'm trying to get a Rena XP3. But idk How it runs. Any reviews?

[rsour24]

i have a rena xp3 and i love it. keeps the water crystal clear and i think its pretty easy to prime with the exception of one or two occasions. other ppl have this filter too and im sure will be willing to tell you their opinions

[vear]

I own an XP4. I have it on my 75 gallon tank, and I love it. No problems yet ::knocks on wood::

[Love of Animals]

XP 3 on a 55 gallon Love it!

[steve]

The XP3 is easier for me to take apart and clean than the Fluval 304. 1tdawg, how big is your tank? There is a FX5 knock-off on ebay for $60 and the reviews have been pretty good.

[VeipaCray]

I have to assume you're comparing the fluval '05 series with the Rena XP3/4. The fluval FX5 doesn't really have an equivalent product from Rena. The FX5's competitor is in the Eheim Pro III filters.

You can't go wrong with either as long as you get a large enough filter for your tank. I've used many models from the fluval line and a XP3 from Rena. I prefer the cleaning on the fluvals over the rena, but the rena is cheaper and comes with better media. Both are silent. Both will last a very long time if you take care of them.

The rena has normal hoses. You can add an in-line heater like the hydor eth or a rena smart heater that doubles as the filter intake. The fluval has ribbed hosing that you can't really add anything to (easily) but it does work really well for hosing. No kinks.

The rena is a little more forgiving when you restart it. The fluval plunger thingy (04/05 series) can be a pain if you don't do it exactly right. That being said, I have less air bubble problem with the fluvals than the rena. The fluval once started stays nice. The rena from time to time will suck in some air and make noise. It's easy to fix...a gentle tap or rock the filter a bit... but still annoying.

Most local pet stores stock parts for both the fluval filters and the rena filters.

The rena filters are taller than the fluvals... if you're planning on putting the canister in a stand under a tank... you might want to get some measurements.

Fluval made by hagen, Rena made by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) - both reputable brands with a long history in the aquarium industry.

Both filters will take generic media.

A fluval 405 is 340GPH
Rena XP4 is 450GPH
advantage rena

Fluval 405 is $130-150 online
Rena XP4 is $170-190 online
advantage fluval

Rena XP4 is 19 watts
Fluval 405 is 21 watts
advantage rena

Rena XP4 is rated to 260 gallons (good up to 90 gallon turtle tank)
Fluval 405 is rated up to 100 gallons (good up to 70-ish gallon turtle tank)
advantage Rena
(fluval is a bit conservative on their rating of this filter. It's rated up to 100G, but pushes 340GPH so its turnover rate is still quite good)

Fluval filtration can be bypassed in the cainster
Rena has a no-bypass setup
Advantage Rena

Ignoring Eheim the best but most expensive canisters out there and the knock-offs, I'd buy in this order..

1. FX5
2. XP4
3. XP3
4. 405
5. 305

[sflemin2]

I have a Fluval 305 in a 150 gallon tank and its doing pretty well (even though its probably not enough). Its a PAIN to get going though. I am ordering parts for my Rena XP4 hopefully this week. I have never owned a Rena but have had 3 different Fluvals and have been pleased with them all