Habitat - Indoor :: Right filter for my tank

[thirty3030]

Hello everyone ! I am brand new here so please be patient with me. I am setting up a 55gal. tank for 2 juvenile RES. I wanted to know if the fluval fx5 will create too strong of a current in this size tank ? The fx5 seems to be the filter of choice here so I would like to get the best. Also what would be the best substrate besides sand for the bottom of this 55 gallon tank ? Thanks in advance

[steve]

Welcome to the forum! A FX5 will last you through the next upgrade, but I would also think it's a bit much for a 55 gallon. I'd look into a XP3 or one of those Chinese canisters on ebay because you will probably have to upgrade soon, even in a 55 gallon.

Besides sand, other recommended options are a few large river rock or just a bare bottom.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

I would go for the Rena XP4(XL). You can find them at a decent price used for under 100 but brand new only a little more than 100. I have one on my 55 now and its doing a great job. I had it running with a fluval 304 until the 304 started spitting out murky crud from the output so removed it to clean it and there was literally no difference upon removal so I think that says something about the xp4. I have an fx5 also but that is for my future 135 gallon that I will setup this summer. I think the fx5 will be too much but then again you'll never need another filter guaranteed. Its also HUGE, you would think it was for a pond. Its all preference, but you should always get a filter that is rated at least double what your tank size is.

[devilduck]

I have a Rena XP3 and it does a great job on my 55 gallon. One day I'd love to get a FX5, but the XP3 is 50% of the price on sale.

[jwinters]

I had an FX5 on a 30g tank and it was fine. There was also only one large turtle in the tank though. With the FX5 you can easily adjust the output and intake knobs to keep your tank from becoming a blender. I'm not sure how that affects the filter though.