Equipment Review and Discussion :: Rena Filstar 1 and Fluval Internal Filters Efficiency

[John C.]

I am setting up a 38 Gallon(36x12x20) aquarium and trying to decide on filtration.

How efficient are the Fluval 3 and 4 internal filters for a 4 1/2" Red-ear Slider in this size of aquarium? I want to avoid excess current, meaning I don't want to see my turtle being thrown around in the current while it tries to swim.

I had a Rena Filster 2 on a 100gal. tank with 20 Tropheus and it kept the water crystal clear. Would a Filstar 1 be a good match for a 38 gallon tank?

[megcornell]

I'm not familiar with the filstar personally, but I've had the fluval 4+ internal filter. In fact I have it in a 30 gallon currently with my male RES. I can honestly say this wouldn't have been my ideal set up. He was a rescue and I used what I had available and while the filter does an OK job of keeping things clean, it certainly does need more changing and cleaning than I'd like. And, they are quite large, so the filter takes up valuable swimming space in an already tiny (for his size) tank.

When I have the finances available, that filter will be the first thing I upgrade.

If I were you, I'd put that money towards a stronger canister filter or hanging filter so at least you're not taking tank space.

[seanwb]

I would not go for a Fluval 4+ despite owning one myself. I used a Fluval 4 because I had one spare when I rescued Squirtle, and when it packed up whilst I was on holiday my friend quickly replaced it with a new 4+.

The key issue with the Fluval 4 is the small foam area within it. This means the biological area filtration area is small, it may blast the water around quickly, but it is blasting it through very little filtration. It also means it clogs quickly. As it starts to clog, the flow rate plummets dramatically, leaving you with a lot, lot, lot less than 1000 l/h. This means you need to clean it out more often.

Also you have no flexibility with media. There are fine filter pads, but if you put one in it will clog even quicker. There are carbon pads, but they are minute and very expensive compared to what you could put in a canister filter.

My advice is to spend the extra money on a canister. You will not regret it.