Equipment Review and Discussion :: XP Canister Filters

[adam85491]

I had a thread in the habitat section, but I'm starting this one since I've decided what filter I want.

My question is, will a 40 gallon tank be too small for a XP4? I'd like to get this filter because I know I'll be getting a new tank some time next year, and don't really want to buy the XP3 only to have it rather useless since the next tank will either be 75 or 90 gallons.

Also, my stand has 21" of clearance in the back cut out area, would this be enough for an XP4 that stands 17 inches tall? I just read it needs 26", but maybe that is just too generous.

Also, my tank is 17" high. Would the intake tube be too long? Also, would I need to remove the sand to prevent it from getting in the filter? The hang on filters don't have this problem since they don't come close to the problem.

Lastly, what media do you use and how often do you change it. What do you think of this filter?

Thanks.

[bover907]

I think you'd have trouble getting the hoses to bend that tight without kinking them. I just measured the XP3 and it was 17" to the top of the hose fittings. Then the curvature of the hoses takes about 3 to 4" of space. I don't know where you read the XP4 was 17", because it has one more tray than mine. Maybe 17" was the canister height, without the head installed. Don't forget that the head of the filter with the pipes sticking out will take up some space. I think you're going to be kinking your hoses trying to get it in a 21" space. You may end up putting it next to your stand instead of underneath it.

[adam85491]

The way the stand is, I believe I could just cut further up to create as much as 24" of space...The front is higher and has a door but the back is not as high and doesn't have door. I'll post pictures when I can and maybe you can tell me if it would be possible to cut out the three inches or so and if that would be enough. I could always sit it next to the stand but there is not much room lol.

[mike hill]

Ada-91 The gph is 450 gph and would do fine in a 40 gallon. You may have a little swirl in the water but you can deal with that. Fitting it in where you need to is another problem you will have to deal with.