Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filter Experts! I need your knowledgable opinion.

[JeezLouise]

i am upgrading my 2 RES (about 3" each) into a 55G tank and i am also a "filter newbie" in the canister dept. ( I was using a Rena Smart Filter )

my budget would be a max of $200. Im leaving for college in 3 weeks and i've asked my mom to take care of them while im away.
So i need a user friendly, high quality and the most efficient filter that i buy. (i know il be upgrading them into a 125G but im estimating it would take another year or 2)

Im choosing between an Eheim Pro II 2026 with the media kit (only $179.99 @ Petsmart), the Rena XP3 ($123 shipped) or the Fluval Fx5 ($200 shipped off ebay) and im really undecided. Please Help me choose the best one

[BullDog]

I do love the FX5. It's got some nice extra features that the others don't. Plus, it would have no problem upgrading to a 125 gal or even larger.

The XP3 is a good filter as well, especially for the price. I've heard good things about it, but never used it myself. It might be able to squeek by in a 125 gal, but you may end up needing a secondary smaller filter to keep up.

I don't know very much at all about the Eheims, but I hear they're quite good as well.


If it were me, I'd go for the FX5. It'll be overkill in a 55 gallon, but I've heard of a couple people using it in a 55 gal before, so it's not unheard of. You can also turn down the flow, and according to Fluval's website, it doesn't decrease the life of your motor.

Also, I would recommend upgrading to something larger than a 55 gal if you can. It's really already tight for two turts, and they'll outgrow it quite quickly. If you can't afford it right now though, it should be fine. Just keep squirrelling away your change, and you'll have enough for a monster tank in no time


I don't know how much experience you mom has with turts, but maybe you could encourage her to check out this website.
At the very least, teach her about the signs of aggression, so if it comes to it, she can separate your turts if they start fighting. Otherwise, one or both could get seriously injured, and that would be a much worse situation!

Good luck in college!

[TheComputerGremlin]

I have a Rena XP3, I love it, but I've accepted that someday, I'll be buying myself a Fluval FX5. It would have been too powerful for my current tank anyways. But I don't know how awesome the Rena would be in a 125 gallon tank.

Also, 2 turtles, currently at 3" (so 6" of shell), very very soon will need that 125 gallon tank, and eventually will need either 2 x 100+ tank or around a 200 gallon tank. If you have your choice, look for the 125 gallon tank now and go for the Fluval FX5, don't bother with the 55 gallon (unless it's, well, free).

[JeezLouise]

im inclined in getting the FX5 too. both of you brought up good points because i know il have to upgrade. >_<

yes, my 55g tank was a hand-me-down from my cousin and i've started saving for a 125g, another problem for me is the placement of the tank. i would like to have the turtles in my room but my mom wont allow me because of the hassle in water changing. and i cant get any bigger tank than the 55 (48") because our living room is being shared by a loop-eared rabbit and a 5 yr. old basset hound.

to BD: my mom loves the turtles as well. she's usually in charge of them when i work looong hrs (13 hrs/day) and she would leave post it notes on the side of the tank to let me know that she fed them. and yes, she knows about this site. she likes looking at the picture gallery esp. the tank set-up.

[Chrisbarnett]

I would definitely go with the FX5. self priming, can drain the tank, can drain most of the water out of itself so its lightweight to carry, etc.

It'll definitely be the most efficient filter, and since your turts are each 3 inches, they will easily handle the extra flow.

[JeezLouise]

i've been reading so many reviews about the Eheim Pro II and the Fluval FX5 and the majority likes the Eheim for its quality and dependability but then again, the Fx5 is somewhat comparable to Eheim's Pro III e.

-_-

[imderanged]

I have a FX5, but have never had a Eheim to compare it to. But I can tell you I love my FX5.

[Daniel3507]

i was thinking about the same filters your thinking of. i had and eheim and got rid of it for an FX5. i just got it yesterday for my 55gal. im really glad i went with the fx5. i havent cleaned it yet but it seems real easy. the self prime is what sold me on it. every 24 hours it shuts off for 2 min and then starts back up to get the air out of it. it has lots of media room and also you can drain the tank with it. i think you should go with the fx5. im very glad that i did. you will have to aadjust the outlets so its not too strong. mine are pointed at the glass. and be sure to go ahead and have the media for it already whenever it gets there.

[JeezLouise]

looks like the majority here prefers Fx5.

im joining the Fx5 wagon. ^_^

I appreciate all the inputs! esp. the Fx5 lovers.

[mat012]

You can also get a tall tank. It will it in a 48" spot but can all several gallons. I know the recommendations are for long tanks, but my home has "horizontal" space issues and I went with a tall (70 gallon). It has worked out well.

[steve]

There has been a number of drowning issues related to the Xp filters (when the intake cover is knocked off), so I'd be wary about it unless it was well secured. I haven't tried the FX5, though I'd be worried if it was too powerful for your turtles.

[Fuzzy Hamster]

JeezLouise, the FX5 is a great choice considering the price and that you will need to upgrade to a bigger tank eventually.

Just be aware that this is one BIG canister filter. I saw one recently and still can't get over how big it was. Make sure you have space ready for it near your tank.

[Raphulk]

JeezLouise, the FX5 is a great choice considering the price and that you will need to upgrade to a bigger tank eventually.

Just be aware that this is one BIG canister filter. I saw one recently and still can't get over how big it was. Make sure you have space ready for it near your tank.

this is one of my concerns as well, can someone tell us all truly how big it is? exact measurements anyone?

or comparison to something? like the size of a ___ ?

[Fuzzy Hamster]

...garbage can or maybe a big water bucket!

It is about 17" tall x 16" wide.

[Raphulk]

are you serious?!

wait, the size of a garbage can that comes to my mind is like what oscar the grouch from sesame street lives in.

the old tin garbage can?