Equipment Review and Discussion :: Best Canister Filter For A 100gal Tank

[Turtle Mummy 101]

Hey all,
I apologise if this has already been posted but I've recently upgraded Charlotte to a 100gal tank and I would like some opinions on which canister filter to buy.

Previously I had been using a Rena XP2 in the 50gal tank - but the filter broke. I was happy with it, but i'm gonna need something better for the bigger tank. I don't have any fish in the tank, but I do have several live plants and some snails. I would like to get something that will keep the tank water clear but not create a strong current. I would also prefer something that isn't too big - if at all possible. There are two major petstores here: PetsMart and Big Al's Aquarium superstore. If anyone knows good filters sold there that would be helpful, or else my next option would probably be to go online. Oh and most importantly the budget: $100-200CDN

I know i'm being rather picky but if anyone has any information for me this would be helpful!!! - I tried opening the link posted in the sticky but it dosen't work.

Thanks again guys

[coreyvht]

fx5 would be best...or maybe 2 xp2 or like a fx4

[BullDog]

I'm going to say FX5 as well. I've got two, and I love them.
You can usually find one for about $250CAD (check eBay). I've also heard that some Petsmarts have them on for $249.99 right now. A couple of years ago bigalsonline.ca had them on for $250 as well. Give a call to your local pet stores to see how much they are selling them for.

If that extra $50 is going to be too hard to scrape together, you could also look for a Rena XP4. I've heard their prices range from about $189-219 (again, call around).
And for a 100g, that's about it, unless you go for more than one filter. You could do an XP3 or 405 plus an internal or waterfall filter, or two canister filters like Corey suggested, even two XP3s if you could find a good price on them.

Size wise, pretty much everything you get is going to be pretty big. The FX5 is for sure a beast (my family has compared it to a small shop vacuum). The XP4 might be smaller, but I haven't seen it in person.

[n00bEmpty]

The XP4 is pretty decent sized, much smaller then a family vacuum. Just imagine your XP2 with two more media baskets with a stronger pump. Here's some pictures.

[Turtle Mummy 101]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for all your wonderful suggestions
I will definitely call around and see what I come up with. I guess with a 100gal everything is going to be quite large, but as long as it does the job than it's well worth it.

Thanks again everybody!

[brandonsdad02]

I have 2 Cascade 700's for my 75 gal, but we have fish in there too. We have 2 Oscers, a few cichlids and some gold fish.

[papoopeepoo]

I have an FX5 on my 135 gallon. It's amazing.