Equipment Review and Discussion :: Is this a good filter?

[myrtle1123]

I'm looking for a new filter and I found this one. It sounds good and got good ratings, its also a reasonable price.

I was wondering if anybody either had this filter or thinks its a good idea...

Emily !

[megcornell]

Is there a link somewhere that I'm missing?

I'm not sure which filter you're talking about

[myrtle1123]

hahah omgg whoops!!
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2753159
now im embarrassed!

[TheComputerGremlin]

What size tank do you have? This filter would only work for up to a like 35 gallon turtle tank, which is pretty small IMO. For that kind of money, I would save a few more bucks up and get a Rena Filstar XP3 which is good up to a 75 gallon tank or an XP4 which is good up to a 90 gallon tank or a Fluval FX5 which is good for a lot larger of a tank.

On ebay, you can find some deals, I've seen Fluvals go for around $200, I got my XP3 for $120.

And no worries on the links, at least it was a good link!

[mikee]

On a 35 gallon tank I would have no problem using a Fluval 405 or a Maringland 350 or 360. The Maineland is a little cheaper and is not quite as quiet as the 405. I use the 350 on a 29 gallon tank and it does a good job. When sizing a filter a little more is better than a little too little. Good Luck!!

[myrtle1123]

ohh ebayy! i never thought of that.
I have what i think is a 55 gallon, but right now my filter is taking up a lot a room. I will check out the ones you have suggested on ebay thanks!

[ILUV_Rocky]

I just got the xp3. does anyone have that one? Its not supposed to come with the ceramic rings and bio chem stars?

[PcBuilder14]

Look what I found! It's pretty cheap! Like $100 including shipping!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150269313703&Category=46310&_trksid=p3907.m29

[Chrisbarnett]

I have what i think is a 55 gallon

Go to this link and type in your tank dimensions(LxWxH) and then hit calculate. It does the work for you and tells you how many gallons your tank is. http://www.firsttankguide.net/calculator.php

I just got the xp3. does anyone have that one? Its not supposed to come with the ceramic rings and bio chem stars?

No it does not come with those. You have to purchase them seperately. You can easily obtain them online, or at Petsmart/Petco.

[mikee]

My-23 -- Keep in mind the 5 times turn over rate. The filter pump should exchange the water at least five times per hour. Check the gph and see. Don't let anyone tell you that double or triple the size of a fish tank is large enough. Most fish people don't have a clue about turtles. They poo a lot more and need more water exchange.

[PcBuilder14]

Gosh my filter pumps 100 gallons pre hour and it's made for a 20 gallon. It's in my 10 gallon so it's pumping 10 times instead of 5 times! Cool!

[mat012]

I am a big fan of my Eheim 2217. But the Eccos will be too small for about any turtle tank. The 2217 is very reasonably priced ($110-120 online) and will handle 55gal. The xp3 will handle more. The eheim comes with media and is a bit cheaper than the XP3 I think.

I have never used a Rena, but I can tell you that the Eheims are really nice. Quiet, easy to work with, and the brand has a great reputation. Some folks have run their classic canisters for 15-20 years. They dont self prime - but this is no big deal and you only do it once at set up. It has the quick connects which make it easy to take the canister off for cleaning. The connectors do dribble a little bit when disconnected. I have heard that some of the newer ($$) filters dont. THis would be nice - but my filter is set up in the kitchen (linoleum floor) so I dont mind. If it was on carpet it would be more annoying.

Let us know what you decide and how it works!

[PcBuilder14]

Now I might get the 2217 when I get my 50 gallon, if I get it or the 75.