ace99 Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 I'm in the process of constructing a 73 gallon aquarium and wanted some advice on the type of canister filters that I should consider. The stand is being made by Robert from Majestic Aquariums, who has been very helpful and accomondating. I've always had smaller tanks so I have always used aqua-clear hook-on filters (which I didn't like that much). From some research, basically I figure that it comes down to Eheim vs Fluval. Are there others that I should consider? What do you guys think in terms of cost effectiveness, easy of maintenance, noise level, efficiency, durability etc. Oh yeah, I only plan to keep freshwater fish. Are these canister filters salt water compatible if I decide to keep marine fish in the future? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beermaster Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Personally I use Rena filters, I found that the ease of use with these filters where far better then the fuval's. Eheim's are far to pricey for my taste. I run a XP2 on my 35gal and a XP3 on my 55, the XP3 is rated for over a 100gal tank i belive but i could be wrong there they are nice and quiet and the quick release on them is awsome for cleaning the filter or changing media Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishManTy Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 Im gonna agree that Eheims are quite pricey, but if you have the cash available, they are worth your money. Personally I only have a Fluval 404, and that thing works wonders and can be a pain in my @$$ at the same time. Sometimes I takes me a good 5 minutes to get it flowing. Easiest way to get a stubborn fluval started is seal it, then tilt it on its side, start it up, then slowly tilt it back vertical. I've heard great things about the Rena's, expecially for their price. Most people will definately tell you to go with an Eheim, because they are worth the cost difference. The only reason I still use my fluval is cause I know how to get it primed problem free (Tilting method) Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 IME Eheims are the best out there. Sure they're pricey, but I'm still using two that are close to ten years old with never a problem. A friend has one that lasted him 20 years. I don't think you'll find any better reliability than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nandopsis Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 The Eheim classic filters are the best (bar none) followed by the Rena, and the fluval a distant third. The Eheim Pro filters are a waste of money, compared to the classic style. I have all the Eheim classic filters and they are fig'en awesome. My personal opinion is to buy a 2217 for your 73g. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahim101 Posted February 7, 2005 Report Share Posted February 7, 2005 OR go with the Rena XP3.. $149.00 at Golds (If I remember correctly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Majestic_Aquariums Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 Thanks for the nice comments, Ace. I haven't ever owned a Eheim, but I do like our XP3. Lots of filtration for a 73 IMO, but for the money, you could even add a second one? :drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatpuffer Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I am very satisfied with my xp3...i am not the best with assembly but xp3 seems to be easier than most...easier prime as well. big baskets for media and quiet. js Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace99 Posted February 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 Saw some XP3's at Petland in Westhills today. The were selling for $349. Can these really be selling for $149 at Gold's? I know that Petland can be be expensive but that's a huge difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Majestic_Aquariums Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 It might be a good idea to double-check, but we bought ours for $199 @ Golds 3 years ago-no tax, either. I was in Petland Red Deer last week, they were selling the XP-3 for $379.00 plus tax-pays to shop around, eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vantgE Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 I'd beleive it it's 179 at big al's online http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product...id1=2885;pcid2= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert_dao Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 It's actually $170 at Gold Aquariums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canucklehead Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 I have 2 via-aqua 750 canisters, little known but comparable to Xp3, very quiet and lots of media but frustrating to prime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanked Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 XP3 is $199.00 at Petland in Wpg. right now although a year ago there were about $289.00. One word of caution with those filters that I just discovered tonight. I have had mine running for about 6 weeks to cycle it before using it on another tank. I wanted to clean the media so shut it off and while unsnapping the 4 latches that hold the top one of the plastic latch holders broke. There are two little hook shaped fittings attached to the sides of the canister for each latch and obviously will break off very easily. rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace99 Posted February 10, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 I'll likely end up picking up an XP3 system. Another question question I have is....is there a chance of one of the hoses coming loose and having all the water syphoning onto the floor? Is there a one - way valve of some sort built into the hoses? I know that this would not be a problem with a trickle filter as opposed to a canister filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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